GREAT NECK, New York (October 11, 2013) — Founded in 2010, OCD New York, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation, has been working hard to help raise awareness about the often misunderstood condition Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). “While OCD affects 1 in 100 adults, it remains little understood in the general public, and this lack of awareness and prevailing mental health stigma make it very difficult for those with OCD and related disorders to gain access to effective, appropriate treatment,” explains Fugen Neziroglu, PhD, president of OCD New York and pioneering expert in the research and treatment of OCD.
To help raise awareness about OCD, as well as raise awareness about available resources, OCD New York has reached out to a number of leading clinics and mental health groups across New York to launch a series of FREE OCD screenings for those wondering if they do in fact have OCD or a related disorder. Participating clinics such as Mt. Sinai Hospital and Columbia University, will each host open house screenings for OCD and related disorders throughout the week. Attendees will fill out a self-assessment and then meet one-on-one with a trained clinician to discuss their answers, and be referred to local OCD specialists if appropriate. Educational resources will also be available onsite. Some of the participating clinics will also host lectures or other educational programs during the week to better educate the public about OCD. To see a list of all participating clinics and screening times, please visit http://ocdny.org.
“Research has shown that it can take as long as 17 years from onset of OCD symptoms to access effective treatment for OCD. Some estimates have shown that as many as 40% of those with OCD never get any treatment at all,” says Jeff Szymanski, PhD, executive director of the International OCD Foundation. A lack of education and awareness about what OCD is has been shown to be a major stumbling block for individuals accessing treatment. Szymanski adds, “OCD New York is offering a critical service for those in New York state. OCD, in many cases, is a very treatable condition.”
About the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
The mission of the IOCDF is to help individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) to live full and productive lives. Our aim is to increase access to effective treatment, end the stigma associated with mental health issues, and foster a community for those affected by OCD and the professionals who treat them. To learn more about the IOCDF, and International OCD Awareness Week, please visit https://iocdf.org/ocdweek.