by IOCDF Executive Director Jeff Szymanski ‘I’m so OCD.’ Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was a common phrase we heard both in our day-to-day lives and in the media. Those who misuse the term OCD rarely intend to do harm. However, by making light of an at times debilitating disorder, they are being dismissive… Read more »
Posts By Jeff Szymanski, PhD
Then & Now: How has the IOCDF changed your life?
Did you know that this year is the IOCDF’s 30th anniversary? In November 1986, a small group of advocates gathered together to start a non-profit to help all of those affected by OCD and related disorders. This year, we celebrate 30 years and we have all of you to thank for your continued support! In… Read more »
Welcome to our New Fund Development Manager, Eric!
If you met Jeff Smith, then you are already missing Jeff Smith. That said, we are excited to bring Eric Steinert on board in the role of Fund Development Manager. Eric brings a fantastic set of skills along with a palpable passion and commitment to our work. I look forward to many of you having… Read more »
In Memorium of Dr. Yaryura-Tobias, Pioneer in the Field of OCD Treatment
We were deeply saddened to hear of another loss to the OCD and related disorders community this past weekend. Dr. Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, a long-standing professional member and an inaugural member of the IOCDF Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board (SCB), passed away on March 5, 2016. Dr. Yaryura-Tobias was a pioneer in OCD research and… Read more »
Guest Post: Hello From the New President of the IOCDF Board of Directors!
After last week’s announcement regarding leadership changes on the IOCDF’s board of directors, we’re excited to “formally” introduce incoming Board President Shannon Shy, Esq., on today’s blog! Shannon has been a welcome face at past IOCDF events, and previously served as the Board’s secretary. Below is his story and more on what he hopes to… Read more »
Guest Post: Reflections From Outgoing IOCDF Board President Denise Egan Stack
We would like to be the first to thank Denise Egan Stack, LMHC, who has been the dedicated president of the International OCD Foundation board of directors for the past four years. In today’s blog, Denise talks about the changes she has seen at the Foundation over the years and looks back at her time… Read more »
Guest Post: In Memory of Dr. Bruce Hyman (1951–2016)
Dr. Bruce Hyman was a long-standing professional member of the IOCDF, served on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board, was a faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute, and was a staple at our Annual OCD Conference. Dr. Hyman was a nationally recognized expert in OCD and related disorders, a field in which he… Read more »
Tell Target: Should OCD really be a source of holiday cheer?
OCD can destroy lives without proper treatment. But that’s okay because the acronym is funny, edgy, and makes for great jokes on silly and cute holiday sweaters. Many individuals and organizations have shared their disappointment and frustration with a Christmas sweater available now in Target stores across the US that declares whoever wears it a… Read more »
In memoriam: Alies Muskin
The mental health community has lost one of its great leaders. Alies Muskin, executive director of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), died of breast cancer on September 22, 2015. The International OCD Foundation joins ADAA in mourning her loss and recognizes her tireless efforts to promote awareness about the nature and treatment… Read more »
3rd Annual Hoarding Meeting Offers Resources, Support in Boston This Summer
Hoarding disorder (HD) presents a unique challenge because of how it impacts such a wide variety of individuals, agencies, and groups. As such, our goal at the IOCDF has been to continue to design and develop comprehensive resources that help support individuals with hoarding disorder while also addressing the family, community, and public impacts of HD. During the… Read more »