THE ONE MILLION STEPS FOR OCD WALK IN BOSTON, JUNE 3, 2023

The One Million Steps for OCD Walk is a community engagement event that provides individuals across the country the opportunity to connect, share stories, create impact, and show those who are struggling on their road to recovery that they are not alone. The OCD Walk is an opportunity to raise funds and awareness of what it really means to have OCD.

This year's walk will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:00am ET at Carson Beach | 125 William J Day Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

Click here for more information and to register or donate.

The Annual OCD Conference brings together individuals and families living with OCD, mental health professionals, and researchers to educate and empower the community. This July, the International OCD Foundation invites you to learn about the latest treatments, research, and practices in OCD and related disorders.

This year's conference will take place in San Francisco, CA on July 7–9, 2023 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

Welcome to the largest international conference dedicated to OCD and related disorders!

This year’s event will feature three days of in-person programming for the entire OCD community, including:

• Individuals with lived experience
• Family members & supporters
• Mental health professionals
• Researchers

IOCDF has a great lineup in store for our community. They can't wait to see you all!

Please note: This event is in-person with no virtual options and sessions will not be recorded.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN LATE MARCH 2023!

Can't wait to see you in San Francisco!

Click here for more information.

Check out IOCDF'S upcoming in-person and virtual events for all members of the OCD community.

Learn more about IOCDF events, including:

• In-person & Virtual Conferences
• Virtual Livestream Programming
• 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk
• Trainings for Mental Health Professionals

Experiences of racial microaggressions can be challenging for people and some research has suggested they relate to obsessive compulsive symptoms. We are seeking to study frequency of experience of racial microaggressions, obsessive compulsive symptoms, and psychological flexibility. Studying psychological flexibility can help us learn how to support people facing these experiences. We appreciate your time and consideration of this brief survey.

Who is eligible: People who are over age 18 and identify with at least one non-white racial identity.

What is involved: Two brief 10-15 min surveys one month apart. You can choose to participate now and then will be contacted in one month for the second survey.

Participants who complete 75% or more of the survey and pass all checks for spam can be entered into a raffle to win one of five $25 gift cards! There will be a raffle for each time point of the survey!

Contact mbrowning@umassd.edu or elizabeth.richardson@umassd.edu for questions and concerns.

Download a flyer regarding the survey. Click here to access the survey.

The Massachusetts General Hospital is currently recruiting for a new research study that will use a MR-PET scanner to examine the brains of adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Tourette Syndrome. The study will include two visits at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Participants will be compensated up to $200 for their time.

Participants must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 40 years old
- Diagnosed with either OCD or TS

For more information, please contact Hooker Research Group staff at

617-643-7811
OR
imagingstudy@mgh.harvard.edu

Download a flyer with more information

Butler Hospital is conducting a research study to help understand the knowledge and attitudes toward neurocircuitry-based services in patients with OCD. You must have a current or past diagnosis of OCD to participate. Participants who do not have a diagnosis of OCD are ineligible to participate and will be forwarded to the end of the survey. Many patients with severe OCD do not respond to traditional treatments including therapy and medication. Reassuringly, neurocircuitry-based procedures including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), neurosurgery, and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) have proven effective in treating severe OCD. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Butler Hospital anticipates minimal risk for completing the survey. Participants in the study agree to read the materials thoroughly and to answer questions carefully and honestly.

Click here to access the survey.

Researchers at Suffolk University and the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety are seeking youth participants (13-17 years old) and their parents to participate in a study that aims to assess how cognitive processes, particularly executive functioning, relate to treatment engagement in youth with OCD.

They are looking to recruit youth participants, 13-17 years old, who have tried at least two sessions of therapy for OCD. The study can be completed entirely online and will take participants approximately 35 minutes to complete. For their time, youth participants will receive a self-help book for teens with OCD and a chance to win one of two $100 Visa gift cards in a raffle at the end of the recruitment period as compensation.

If you are interested or have questions call, text, or email the study team:

Katrina Daigle, MA, MS
Study Co-Investigator
kdaigle@suffolk.edu
617-394-8876

Download a flyer containing more information.

Dartmouth College is conducting an online anonymous survey in order to help them better understand the impact of OCD and various treatments on agency, or the ability for an individual to think, choose, and act freely.

The purpose of this study is to more deeply understand agency. The goal is to characterize the effects of different neuropsychiatric conditions on individuals’ agency so they can help patients make more informed decisions about treatments.

Your responses will help them to create a test that can be used to track how patients' agency changes (either improves or gets worse) and how it is affected by different treatment options.

Who can participate?
Individuals 18 or older, with no history of dementia, recent diagnosis of a reading disability, at least an 8th grade English reading level, and no intellectual disability.

What will be asked of you?
You will fill out an online survey with approximately 170-200 questions, it will take about 35-45 minutes

To thank you for your time, you will have the option to be entered into a monthly raffle for a $150 Amazon gift card.

If you would like to participate:

1.  Send an email to Ashley Walton at: AgencyLabProject1@dartmouth.edu.
2.  You will receive a reply email that includes the link to the online survey.

*The information collected will be maintained anonymously, and cannot be linked back to you.

Download a flyer with all the information.

The link to the survey is:
https://dartmouth.co1.qualtrics.com/
jfe/form/SV_5o6JEnCiAj3xtZk.

Researchers at Kent State University have a new study aiming to better understand factors that influence an individual’s susceptibility to OCD. OCD is a complex disorder with many underlying causes and risk factors, and these factors might be accentuated during the current global pandemic (COVID-19). With your help, they hope to develop a better understanding of these causes and risk factors and how they manifest during stressful times to improve available treatments to better help others in the future. The study consists of a 25-minute online survey that asks about emotional experiences, common types of recurring thoughts/obsessions, and experiences in romantic relationships. This study has been approved by Kent State University's Institutional Review Board.

If you are interested in participating:
Please visit Kent State's webpage at https://www.clinicalaffectivesciencelab.com/participate to find the link to the study survey under Emotion and Cognition in OCD. You can also download a flyer containing information about the study.

Baylor College of Medicine is currently recruiting participants with any form of anxiety or OCD for a study characterizing anxiety relative to misophonia in children and adolescents. Anxious kids must be 8-17 years old, fluent in English, and have a parent/guardian willing to participate with them.

All procedures are being conducted remotely, and the duration of participation is several hours over 2 assessments. Participation includes a clinical interview over Zoom, and bio-behavioral tasks done online. Patients will be compensated up to $120.

For more information, please contact Jane Clinger at email misophonia@bcm.edu or call 713-798-1916. Download a flyer regarding the study.

Is there a connection between movement and compulsive disorders and neuroinflammation in the brain?

The Massachusetts General Hospital is currently recruiting for a new research study that will use a MR-PET scanner to examine the brains of adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Tourette Syndrome. The study will include two visits at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging in Boston, MA. Participants will be compensated up to $200 for their time.

Participants must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 40 years old
- Diagnosed with either OCD or TS

For more information, please contact Hooker Research Group staff at:
617-643-7811
OR
imagingstudy@mgh.harvard.edu

Disclaimer: Fairfield County OCD Support Group is not affiliated with nor endorsing this project.

Was your family impacted by the coronavirus? Are you or your child struggling with anxiety or depression about the coronavirus or social distancing? Help Case Western Reserve University researchers learn more about the impact of the coronavirus on children, parents, and families. If you have a child ages 7-17 and have been impacted by the coronavirus, please fill out its online questionnaires! They hope to use this research study to learn more about how families have been impacted by recent events related to the coronavirus. If you complete the surveys, you will be entered into a raffle to win one of four $25 gift cards. You can participate by going to https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8678F95dgxjCcm1.

Bio Behavioral Institute is taking part in a research study for an investigational medication that would be added to your current treatment for OCD. There hasn't been any new medications developed for OCD since 1997. By participating you can help the institute find better treatment options for the millions of people like you, living with OCD.

You may be eligible to participate if:

• You are between 18-65 years old.
• Have been diagnosed with or may have OCD.
• You are currrently taking a medication for OCD.

For more information contact the institute at 516-487-7116

Bio Behavioral Institute
935 Northern Blvd., Suite 102
Great Neck, NY 11021

Download a flyer containing all information.

The purpose of research is to inform action. To move into a brighter and better informed future. At the TLC Foundation, research is one of its most important tools for building knowledge and facilitating learning, plus it also gives it and all of you means to find, gauge, and seize opportunities that help support recovery and find a cure for Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB). BFRB is a general term for a group of related disorders that includes hair pulling, skin picking, and nail-biting.

You can be an important part of advancing the knowledge of body-focused repetitive behaviors by participating in a research study. Click here for more information.

The UC San Diego School of Medicine OCD Research Program is investigating different treatment approaches for individuals with OCD and they are interested in your opinion regarding treatment preferences and effectiveness! This online survey will only take 25 minutes to complete and will be helpful for future treatment development.

You are eligible if you are age 18-75, have OCD, and are fluent in the English language.

Link to the study: alliant.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aay03Hys2dN94Rn. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ucsdocd.researchprogram. Download a flyer containing more details regarding the study.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center's Department of Psychiatry in Brooklyn, NY is conducting a research study sponsored by the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health). Research has shown that genes can make some people more likely than others to develop OCD and related disorders. The goal of this study is to identify these genes.

ELIGIBILITY:

• 7 years of age old or older.
• Have symptoms or a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Related Disorders (Hoarding Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hair Pulling Disorder/Trichotillomania, and Skin Picking Disorder/Excoriation Disorder).

STUDY PROCEDURES:

• Complete a screening questionnaire on personal and family health history.
• Be interviewed by a clinician about your symptoms.
• Give a small blood sample (about 3 tablespoons).
• Be compensated for your time and effort.

If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact SUNY Downstate Medical Center at:
Email: InstituteforGenomicHealth@downstate.edu
Phone: 718-270-8254
All inquiries are confidential

Download a flyer containing all information.

At our May 2018 group meeting, we were honored to have Christopher Pittenger, MD, PhD speak to our group. He is the director of the Yale OCD Research Clinic, based at CMHC (The Connecticut Mental Health Center) in New Haven, CT.

Dr. Pittenger explained that the clinic currently has a range of studies running, running the gamut from cognitive testing to neuroimaging to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment studies.

He especially highlighted a new treatment study currently being conducted for adults with refractory OCD. The clinic has been studying the FDA-approved drug riluzole for refractory OCD for over a decade. It is now partnering with a local pharmaceutical startup, BioHaven (led by Yale’s own Vlad Coric), to test the efficacy of a riluzole prodrug (trigriluzole) that has better pharmacokinetics and tolerability than riluzole itself.

Patients for this study must have a diagnosis of OCD that is their primary psychiatric problem and must be stably medicated on an SSRI or clomipramine. Certain other antidepressants are permitted, as is stable (but not new) therapy and low-dose benzodiazepine use. The study consists of a placebo-controlled, blinded 12-week treatment phase, followed by an optional 48-week open-label continuation phase.

There are several features of this study that may make it more attractive to patients than a typical industry-sponsored drug study. First, trigriluzole is converted into riluzole in the body, and we know a great deal about riluzole’s tolerability. The clinic also believes, based on its published research, that riluzole helps some individuals with refractory OCD. So the new drug, trigriluzole, is much less of an unknown than many novel drugs in pharmaceutical studies. Second, because of the open-label follow-up phase, everyone who enters the study has an opportunity to try the new drug. Third, since the drug’s mechanism is the same as that of riluzole, patients who get some clinical benefit during the trial can continue treatment (with rilzuole) without interruption, even if there is a delay in getting the new drug approved by the FDA.

Interested patients who would like to participate in this exciting trial can contact Dr. Pittenger by email at christopher.pittenger@yale.edu.

Since 1949, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. They welcome other organizations to join them in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.

For more information, click here.

Are you interested in trying to control your own brain patterns while participating in cutting- edge research? Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to produce real-time reports of brain activity, this Yale research study for adults can help train you to regulate an area of your brain relevant to OCD while also offering compensation of up to $460! For more information on this study, please visit http://ocd.yale.edu/patients/treatment.aspx or contact us by email at OCDnfResearch@yale.edu; by phone at (203) 737-6055.

Do you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Are you in a romantic relationship? AND/OR Do you have a child aged 6-17?

If this is the case, you may be eligible to participate in a study exploring familial relationships in adults with OCD. As a result of the study, we hope to better understand the impacts of OCD on family life, and to shed light on specific familial issues relative to OCD.

Participation in the study includes a 15- to 30- minute interview, which may be conducted in person or through Skype. You will also be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires about your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and your romantic and/or parent-child relationships. The whole procedure should take between 35 and 90 minutes.

To be eligible for this study, you must be 18 or over, have a primary diagnosis of OCD, and either (a) be in a romantic relationship or have been in a relationship in the last six months, (b) have at least one child aged between 6 and 17 years old with whom you have regular contact, or (c) both.

This study is being conducted by Dr. Eric Storch, Ph.D. at the Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry, USF (University of South Florida) For further information please contact the study coordinator, Dr. Valerie L.B. Ariza at valerielabui@health.usf.edu or (727) 898-7451.

The Anxiety & Phobia Treatment Center at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, NY plans to offer a six-week workshop for people suffering with OCD. According to the National Institute for Health, approximately 2.2 million adult Americans have some form of OCD. Their approach will be a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy one that includes exposure experiences and ritual prevention. The workshop will consist of weekly group sessions and individual sessions with one of their anxiety specialists. Go to their website for more information.

The Intensive Program for OCD at Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI provides treatment to children and adolescents, ages 5 to 18, who experience significant impairment in their daily lives due to OCD and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. The program is one of many renowned programs and services that bring families from across the country to Bradley Hospital, the nation's first psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children and adolescents. For more information, you can contact Amy Cousineau, LICSW (Clinical Social Worker) at 401-432-1516 or ACousineau@lifespan.org.

Researchers at Butler Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University are seeking adults (18 or older) to participate in an online study evaluating a mobile smartphone app as a self-help treatment for OCD. Each participant will receive free access to the mobile app and be asked to complete four online surveys over 12 weeks. If you are interested in learning more or to find out if you are eligible, call 401-455-6541. Download a flyer containing all the information.

The TLC Foundation is currently seeking volunteers to participate in research studies regarding BFRBs, or Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, that include trichotillomania, skin picking disorder, chronic nail biting, cheek biting and similar behaviors. By participating in BFRB research, you will help researchers develop better ways to diagnose and treat BFRB disorders. There are several internet-based surveys and regional participation opportunities that need your help! Go to TLC’s website for full details.

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 FAITH & OCD CONFERENCE
Navigating OCD in Diverse Faith-Based Communities

Monday, May 1, 2023
REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

The IOCDF is excited to present the third annual virtual Faith and OCD Conference on Monday, May 1, 2023! This unique event began out of recognition that many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from a faith leader prior to a mental health provider.

The conference was specifically created to address the needs of a diverse community — spanning all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. We’ll provide education about effective treatment and ways to support those in the faith community living with OCD.

Join the IOCDF for this collaborative conversation between faith leaders, mental health providers, and the OCD community!

The conference will take place on Zoom, a HIPAA-compliant platform. Instructions on how to enter the event will be emailed beforehand.

Who Should Attend

Individuals with faith-based OCD, faith leaders, and mental health providers

Individuals & Families — Hear from faith leaders and mental health professionals about how to build a supportive network for recovery — and receive messages of hope shared by those impacted by OCD.

Faith Leaders — Hear from community members with faith-related OCD and learn how to recognize symptoms. Learn about treatment options and how you can help in the recovery process.

Mental Health Professionals — Hear how OCD and treatment intersect with your clients’ faith practices. Learn how to adapt your practice by integrating faith leaders and families in the development of treatment plans. CE credits provided.

Online Hoarding Conference
March 4–5, 2023 (Saturday & Sunday)
The Online Hoarding Disorder Conference offers an opportunity for professionals — from therapists and social workers to firefighters and other public safety officials — to learn how to work effectively and compassionately with individuals with hoarding disorder (HD).

This conference also provides critical information to individuals, families, and loved ones affected by HD to educate people and their families about effective and compassionate care.

The program for the Online Hoarding Disorder Conference will be released in January 2023. The full schedule will feature sessions for a variety of audiences:

• Individuals with Hoarding Disorder
• Family Members and Supporters
• Community Providers
• Clinicians and Researchers

Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5, 2023

Calling all campers (and parents!)
Registration is OPEN for our 2023 Online OCD Camp
The International OCD Foundation's Online OCD Camp is a virtual event for youth with OCD, and their families! Created especially for youth between the ages of 6 and 17, OCD Camp will feature two days of interactive sessions and activities for three age groups. In addition, the program will include sessions for parents/guardians and opportunities for fun and socialization with other families.

27th ANNUAL OCD CONFERENCE

July 8-10, 2022 (Friday–Sunday)
(Pre-conference events on Thursday, July 7)
The Annual OCD Conference informs and empowers the OCD community by bringing together health professionals, researchers, individuals with OCD, and their loved ones, with the goal of educating all attendees about the latest treatments, research, and practice in OCD and related disorders.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
Welcome to one of the largest national conferences dedicated to OCD!

This year’s Annual OCD Conference will feature three days of programming dedicated to obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders for the entire OCD community, including:

• Individuals with lived experience
• Family members and supporters
• Mental health professionals
• Researchers

THE ONE MILLION STEPS FOR OCD WALK IN BOSTON, JUNE 11, 2022

The One Million Steps for OCD Walk provides a supportive community, increases awareness, and raises funds for the IOCDF and its Local Affiliates, enabling them to continue their mission. Funds raised benefit the OCD and related disorders community.

Click here for more information and to register or donate.

ANNOUNCING THE 2022 FAITH & OCD CONFERENCE
Monday, May 9, 2022 • 12–5pm ET
Registration is open for the second annual Faith and OCD Conference, happening virtually Monday, May 9! Join the IOCDF for this collaborative conversation between faith leaders, mental health professionals, and the OCD community.

Navigating OCD in Diverse Faith-Based Communities
What They Will Cover

Attend virtually, from anywhere!

Many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from faith leaders. This conference addresses the needs of a diverse community — spanning all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. They will provide education about effective treatment and ways to support those in the faith community living with OCD.

Who Should Attend

Individuals with faith-based OCD, faith leaders, and mental health providers

Individuals & Families — Hear from faith leaders and mental health professionals about how to build a supportive network for recovery — and receive messages of hope shared by those impacted by OCD.

Faith Leaders — Hear from community members with faith-related OCD and learn how to recognize symptoms. Learn about treatment options and how you can help in the recovery process.

Mental Health Professionals — Hear how OCD and treatment intersect with your clients’ faith practices. Learn how to adapt your practice by integrating faith leaders and families in the development of treatment plans. CE credits provided.

On this edition of the Research Roundtable, a live stream talk will be held with experts Dr. Randy Frost, Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, and Dr. Melissa Norberg about Hoarding Disorder - its course, presentation, current treatments and future directions. Hoarding is a misunderstood and often hard to treat disorder so tune in this month to learn some of the most current information from those that know the disorder the best! Watch the talk.

If you are unable to tune in live, watch the latest Research Roundtable videos.

2022 ONLINE OCD CAMP

January 22 & 23 | Saturday & Sunday

Calling all campers (and parents!)
Registration is OPEN for our 2022 Online OCD Camp
This virtual event for kids and teens with OCD and their families will feature two days of interactive sessions and activities. Join the fun, learn how to battle back OCD, and socialize with others who understand! (Pro tip: register by 11/24/21 to receive our special Camp Kit!)

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE ONLINE OCD CONFERENCE!

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is so excited to launch this year's Online OCD Conference, a three-day event filled with virtual support, community, and learning. This year's Conference will be held on Friday, October 8th - Sunday, October 10th.

Registration will remain open for on-demand content until Sunday, November 7, 2021

The Online OCD Conference is for everyone in the OCD and related disorders community, including individuals with lived experience, friends/family/supporters, students/trainees, and mental health professionals.

This year's program features talks, discussion groups, social/fun events, and networking opportunities for professionals. Register to join us for a fantastic weekend!

Check out the full schedule and register!

We’re so excited to share with you that the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk will return this fall 2021! We hope that hosting the Walk in the fall means more of us will be able to gather in person for a fun, community-building event.

Registration for OCD Walks taking place across the country will open this summer, so be sure to check your email preferences to ensure you’re signed up to receive OCD Walk news and updates.

See you in the fall when we come together to raise funds and awareness for the OCD community!

Sincerely,
The OCD Walk Team

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the International OCD Foundation has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person Annual OCD Conference in New York, NY, which was scheduled for July 2021.

Although they are disappointed that in-person gatherings at the conference are not possible this year, they know that this is the best way to keep our community safe. Also, they have a full slate of virtual conferences planned for 2021, and they hope you’ll join them!

Online Hoarding Conference
Saturday, August 7th & Sunday, August 8th, 2021
This two-day virtual event is an excellent opportunity for professionals to expand their expertise (while earning CEs), and for non-professionals to gain valuable knowledge about hoarding disorder (HD).

The event will feature tracks for:

• Individuals with Lived Experience: For those looking to learn more about recovery options and building motivation for treatment.
• Family and Supporters: Family members and friends will learn communication skills and effective support systems.
• Professionals: Mental health professionals, housing authorities, first responders, etc. will benefit from skills training and clinical understanding of hoarding disorder.

Check out the full schedule and register. We look forward to seeing you there!

The deadline to register for this summer's Online OCD Camp and get a Camp Supplies Box is rapidly approaching!

This virtual event, specifically for kids ages six through 17 with OCD and their families, will take place on Saturday, July 10th and Sunday, July 11th, 2021. The Camp will feature fun activities and interactive presentations. Check out the full schedule here.

Those who register by this Friday, June 11th will have the complimentary Camp Supplies Box mailed to their home before the event!

Register now and get ready to connect with families at this fun-filled event!

The TLC Foundation's VIRTUAL Worldwide Conference on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors on April 8-11, 2021 is for anyone affected by trichotillomania, dermatillomania, and related behaviors, as well as for family members, clinicians, and researchers. The only event of its kind: top BFRB experts, community leaders, and changemakers lead a weekend of education, support, and most importantly, healing. For more information and to register for this event, go to www.bfrb.org/conference.

The International OCD Foundation is excited to present the Online OCD Camp for Kids & Families, a virtual event specifically for young kids. The program — designed for youth between the ages of 4 and 10 — will feature two days of interactive presentations, activities, and groups for children with OCD and their siblings, programs for parents, in addition to opportunities for fun and socialization.

• Kids (aged 4-10) & Families
  Kids will enjoy an engaging experience through art, presentations, and fun! We invite you to experience this time together as a family.


• Parents/Guardians
  Parent-only times are focused on teaching the basics, and allowing for Q&A. Parents will also experience a sense of connection and community while meeting other parents.

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is so excited to kick off the 2020 OCD Awareness Week!

Each year during the second full week of October, community groups, service organizations, and clinics across the US and around the world celebrate throughout the week with events such as educational lecture series, OCD-inspired art exhibits, grassroots fundraisers, and more.

Last year's OCD Week was a great success and IOCDF looks forward to seeing what it can accomplish in 2020.

Check for updates on what IOCDF has planned!

The International OCD Foundation is excited to present the Online OCD Summer Camp, its first virtual event specifically for kids and teens. The program — designed for youth between the ages of 11 and 17 — will feature two days of interactive presentations, activities, and groups for children with OCD and their siblings, in addition to opportunities for fun and socialization.

The Online OCD Summer Camp sessions and interactive workshops are intended for kids and teens who have lived experience with OCD or related disorders and the youth siblings supporting someone affected by OCD.

The camp will take place from Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, July 19, 2020.

To register, go to kids.iocdf.org/summercamp.

All presentations will take place in a live stream via Zoom. Registrants will receive the URL link to access the Zoom room on the day before the event.

Registration is capped at 100 participants, so be sure to register soon!

Registration is $25 per participant.

The International OCD Foundation announced that it has organized an online OCD conference this summer.

The first event of its kind, this virtual event has programming for everyone in the OCD community: individuals with lived experience, their family members and supporters, and the professionals who treat them.

Running from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2020, this virtual event will feature 70 talks, 36 discussion groups, and 160 presenters.

For more information, go to https://event.vconferenceonline.com/microsite/html/event.aspx?id=1634.

The 25th Annual OCD Conference will be held in Washington D.C. on July 27-29, 2018. The Conference informs and empowers the OCD community by bringing together health professionals, researchers, individuals with OCD, and their loved ones, with the goal of educating all attendees about the latest treatments, research, and practice in OCD and related disorders. For more information, visit www.ocd2018.org.

The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is back this spring, with even more ways for walkers to take a step and become part of the #OCDwalk movement. The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk represents a chance for the community to bring greater awareness to OCD and related disorders, while also helping to raise funds for programs run by the IOCDF and its Local Affiliates. These programs aim to support all those affected by OCD and to further educate the greater community about what it means to live with OCD and/or a related disorder.

This year, more than 25 OCD Walks will take place across the US over the first two weekends in June! Whether you’re able to join us at the flagship 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk in Boston, attend an OCD Walk hosted by one of our Local Affiliates in cities across the US, or participate by setting up a team as part of the Community Walk and holding a grassroots event, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved!

The Boston walk will take place on Sunday June 3rd, 2018 at the Jamaica Pond.

For more information and to register for the walk, click here.

OCD Connecticut is sponsoring a free educational program that will review the basics of OCD in both adults and children. A review of symptoms, treatment and strategies to support a loved one with OCD will be presented. Real life experiences will be shared and there will be a Q & A session at the end. This event will take place on Monday, March 12, 2018, 6:30-8:30 pm, at Natchaug Hospital, 189 Storrs Road, Mansfield Center, CT. The hospital is located 6 miles south of the UConn Storrs campus on Route 195. Light refreshments will be served. To register for this program, please call OCD Connecticut at 860-415-6233 or e-mail ct.ocdf@gmail.com. To download the event flyer, click here.

On Saturday October 14th, 2017, as International OCD Awareness Week comes to a close, OCD and related disorders community members from around the US — and across the globe — will gather together in Washington D.C. for the inaugural OCD Capital Walk. The event will aim to:

• Increase the public's awareness about OCD and its impact on all those affected.
• Provide information on available resources for OCD and related disorders.
• Help individuals learn to advocate — not only for the OCD community in their local and larger governments, but also for themselves, as they seek out treatment and additional support in their communities.

Please join us as we walk in our nation's capital to ensure that all those living with OCD and related disorders have the opportunity to lead full and productive lives. For more information, visit www.givegab.com/campaigns/ocdcapital-walk, email info@iocdf.org or call (617) 973-5801.

OCD Awareness Week is an international effort taking place during the second week in October to raise awareness and understanding about OCD and related disorders, with the goal of helping more people to get timely access to appropriate and effective treatment.

As part of OCD Awareness Week, OCD Connecticut is hosting “OCD Basics & Beyond” programs in Clinton, Woodbridge, and Mansfield Center, CT. These free educational seminars will review the basics of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in both adults and children. A review of symptoms, treatment and strategies to support a loved one with OCD will be presented. Real life experiences will be shared and there will be a Q & A session at the end. Dates & location details are below:

• Wednesday, October 11, 2017 – The Woodbridge Town Library. 10 Newton Road, Woodbridge, CT, 5:30 – 7:30 PM (Light dinner will be served). Download a flyer containing all details.
• Saturday, October 14, 2017 – The Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT, 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Light refreshments will be served). Download a flyer containing all details.
• Saturday, November 11, 2017 – Natchaug Hospital, 189 Storrs Road, Mansfield Center, CT, 10:00 AM –12:00 PM (Light refreshments will be served). Download a flyer containing all details.

These programs are FREE. To attend, please register by calling 860-415-6233 or emailing: ct.ocdf@gmail.com.

Since 1993, the Annual OCD Conference has been the only national meeting focused solely on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. The unique event allows people with OCD and their loved ones to learn about the latest OCD treatment and information alongside the mental health professionals who care for them.

The Conference features more than 100 presentations, workshops, and seminars as well as nearly two-dozen support groups and various evening events. Our presenters include some of the most experienced and knowledgeable clinicians and researchers in the field, as well as people with OCD and family members sharing their stories about life with OCD. Registration is now open for the 24th Annual OCD Conference being held in San Francisco, CA on July 7-9, 2017. Visit www.ocd2017.org for more information.

24th Annual OCD Conference
July 7-9, 2017
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
San Francisco, CA
www.ocd2017.org

Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, June 3, 2017, for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk. The International OCD Foundation will be hosting its 5th annual flagship Walk in Boston. Together with members of the OCD community — including individuals with OCD, mental health professionals, friends, family members, coworkers & children — we will walk to help us raise awareness for OCD and related disorders. Registration is now open!

Let’s see how many million steps we can collectively take for OCD if we all work together! 1 in 100 people in the US are living with OCD. And many of those people don’t have access to effective treatment. Help us change that. Take a step and be part of #1million4OCD.

For more details, go to the International OCD Foundation’s Walk registration web page.

OCD Connecticut is hosting “Living With OCD”, an educational and supportive event for people living with OCD and their loved ones. This event, as part of OCD Awareness Week, will feature Christina J. Taylor, Ph.D. and a panel of people living with OCD. Dr. Taylor is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Sacred Heart University and the author of "OCD: A Workbook for Clinicians, Children and Teens; Actions to Beat, Control & Defeat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder".

This event will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at The Yale Child Study Center, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. This program is FREE and lunch will be provided.

To attend, please register by calling 860-415-6233 or emailing: Ct.ocdf@gmail.com. Download a flyer containing all details.

To learn more about OCD Awareness Week, visit the IOCDF website at iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek.

OCD Awareness Week is an international effort to raise awareness and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders, with the goal of helping more people to get timely access to appropriate and effective treatment. Launched in 2009 by the IOCDF, OCD Awareness Week is now celebrated by a number of organizations across the US and around the world, with events such as OCD screening days, lectures, conferences, fundraisers, online Q&As, and more.

OCD Awareness Week takes place during the second full week of October each year, and this year it’s October 9–15, 2016. For more information, visit the IOCDF website at iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek.

The Anxiety Disorders Center at Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living is conducting a study investigating changes in brain functioning after treatment in people with Hoarding Disorder. This study is open to adults ages 20 – 60 years old that meet criteria for hoarding disorder as well as other general study criteria.

If you would like more information about this study, click here.

To determine initial eligibility for the study, you will need to complete a 20 minute phone screen with a research assistant, where you will be asked questions about your mental and physical health.

Since 1993, the Annual OCD Conference has been the only national meeting focused solely on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders. This unique event allows people with OCD and their loved ones to learn about the latest OCD treatment and information alongside the mental health professionals who care for them.

The Conference features more than 100 presentations, workshops, and seminars as well as nearly two-dozen support groups and various evening events. Our presenters include some of the most experienced and knowledgeable clinicians and researchers in the field, as well as people with OCD and family members sharing their stories about life with OCD.

This will be the 23rd Annual OCD Conference — we hope that you will join us!

For more information, contact the IOCDF.

Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, June 4, 2016, for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk. The International OCD Foundation will be hosting its 4th annual flagship Walk in Boston. Together with members of the OCD community — including individuals with OCD, mental health professionals, friends, family members, coworkers, children, and even four-legged friends (dogs must be on a leash, of course) — we will walk to help us raise awareness for OCD and related disorders. Registration is now open! Please check the International OCD Foundation's website (iocdf.org/programs/1million4ocdwalk) for more details!
Let’s see how many million steps we can collectively take for OCD if we all work together! 1 in 100 people in the US are living with OCD. And many of those people don’t have access to effective treatment. Help us change that. Take a step and be part of #1million4OCD.

OCD Connecticut has a team walking in Boston and they want you to join them!! Joining Team Connecticut is easy – just go to this link: www.crowdrise.com/susanschuster-1Million4OCD2016-Bos/fundraiser/susanschuster and click on "Register".

Download a flyer.

• Notes from the conference.
• Family Treatment for OCD.
• What Determines the Content of OCD? The Changing Nature of OCD.
• Whose House is this Anyway? What to do when OCD takes over your home.
• The Pursuit of Imperfection.

OCD Awareness week is behind us, but we are moving forward with the following educational program to continue our mission:

How to Love and Nurture Your Child while Quieting their Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD Connecticut presents this educational program for parents and loved ones of children, adolescents and young adults living with OCD. The program will include a discussion about what OCD is, how it effects your loved one and family, and tips and strategies to support your parenting.

The event will take place on Wed., November 4th from 7:00-8:30pm at Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT. For directions, click here.

We hope you will consider attending this program. Download a flyer with all the details. You can also visit OCD Connecticut's website at ocdct.org.

An OCD Awareness Week Presentation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Yale New Haven Child Study Center. Click here for more information. To register, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-with-ocd-an-ocd-awareness-event-tickets-18658860153.

OCD Awareness Week is an international effort to raise awareness and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders, with the goal of helping more people to get timely access to appropriate and effective treatment. Launched in 2009 by the IOCDF, OCD Awareness Week is now celebrated by a number of organizations across the US and around the world, with events such as OCD screening days, lectures, conferences, fundraisers, online Q&As, and more. Click here for more information.

Since 1993, the Annual OCD Conference has been the only national meeting focused solely on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders. This unique event allows people with OCD and their loved ones to learn about the latest OCD treatment and information alongside the mental health professionals who care for them. The Conference features more than 100 presentations, workshops, and seminars as well as nearly two-dozen support groups and various evening events. The presenters include some of the most experienced and knowledgeable clinicians and researchers in the field, as well as people with OCD and family members sharing their stories about life with OCD.
This year is the 22nd Annual OCD Conference — we hope that you will join us to make this the best Conference yet!
More questions? Contact the IOCDF.
Want to receive updates from the IOCDF about the latest Conference information? Sign up to receive updates via email.

Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, June 6, 2015, for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk. The International OCD Foundation will be hosting its 3rd annual flagship Walk in Boston. Together with members of the OCD community — including individuals with OCD, mental health professionals, friends, family members, coworkers, children, and even four-legged friends (dogs must be on a leash, of course) — we will walk to help us raise awareness for OCD and related disorders. Walk registration will open on April 6, 2015, so please check the International OCD Foundation's website (iocdf.org/programs/1million4ocdwalk) soon for more details!
Let’s see how many million steps we can collectively take for OCD if we all work together! 1 in 100 people in the US are living with OCD. And many of those people don’t have access to effective treatment. Help us change that. Take a step and be part of #1million4OCD.

OCD Connecticut has a team walking in Boston and they want you to join them!! Joining Team Connecticut is easy – just go to this link: www.crowdrise.com/susanschuster-1million4ocd2015/fundraiser/susanschuster and click on Join.

Download a flyer containing all details.

For over 65 years, Mental Health America (MHA) and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness. Addressing mental health before Stage 4—this year’s theme for the month—calls attention to the importance addressing mental health symptoms early, identifying potential underlying diseases, and planning an appropriate course of action on a path towards overall health. Download the Mental Health Month Fact Sheet and the Mental Health Month Calendar with daily tips to boost your mind and body. For more information, click here.

On May 7, 2015, the Connecticut Health I-Team will host “Uncovering Our Kids: Towards a Better Understanding of Teen Mental Health” at The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence St. in Hartford, CT. The event is being held in collaboration with ConnectiCare and Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living. For information or to purchase tickets, click here.

The 2014 OCD Walk this past weekend in Boston was a success! The weather couldn't have been more beautiful and the location, Jamaica Pond, was breathtaking! The people were very nice and it felt like we were a community. Close to $35,000 was raised! We had a good group from CT, including some members of our support group and a number of people from the OCD Connecticut group. Those of us that walked are very proud to have participated in such a wonderful event that heightened more awareness about OCD and raised funds to support the important work of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). We are very grateful to those of you that donated! We encourage you to participate in next year's walk! View a photo of some of the Connecticut participants. For more photos, click here. Read an article and see photos from the IOCDF about the walk.

The 21st Annual IOCF OCD Conference will be held July 18–20, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA! This conference is the only national meeting focused solely on OCD. This unique event allows people with OCD and their loved ones to learn about the latest OCD treatment and information alongside the mental health professionals who care for them. The conference website is www.ocd2014.org. If you have any questions, click here.

OCD Connecticut and our support group have a team walking in the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk in Boston on Saturday, June 7, 2014 and we want you to join us!! Joining Team Connecticut is easy. Just go to www.firstgiving.com/team/260675 and click on "Join Team". It costs $25 to register! If you are concerned about transportation to the walk, let OCD Connecticut know and they will make arrangements! For details about the walk, click here. For more information, e-mail CT.ocdf@gmail.com or call 860-415-6233. Download the flyer. We invite all of you to join us as we walk for OCD awareness. We would love to have a decent group to show our support. Come on and join us...it will be a fun day!!

For Mental Health Awareness Month, the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board is pleased to present a talk on stress & anxiety by Dr. Marcia Eckerd, clinical psychologist, this coming Thursday night, May 29, from 7:00-8:30pm, at Fairfield Public Library. Her talk has been extremely well received by other local communities. Please spread the word!

For 65 years, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of "May is Mental Health Month" by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. The 2014 May is Mental Health Month theme is “Mind Your Health.” Its goals are to build public recognition about the importance of mental health to overall health and wellness; inform people of the ways that the mind and body interact with each other; and provide tips and tools for taking positive actions to protect mental health and promote whole health. For more information, click here. Download the Mind Your Health Calendar with daily tips to boost your mind and body.

The Family to Family Education Program consists of 12 weekly sessions offering support and education to family members and loved ones of individuals with mental illness. Sessions begin on Monday, March 3, 2014, 7:00–9:30 p.m. at Newtown Christian Church, 210 Sugar St., Newtown, CT. For information and registration contact: Carole @ 203-240-0936 or hartanti@aol.com or Sue @ 203.744.4497 or suepaulsen@gmail.com. Download this flyer for all information.

An online research study is currently being conducted through George Mason University's Dept. of Psychology to help understand risk factors that predict the most severe outcomes (i.e., social impairment, occupational impairment, depression, suicidality) for those with OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), compared to healthy individuals without these disorders. This research will help to inform and improve empirically-supported treatments for OCD and BDD, in order to reduce the frequency and severity of these severe outcomes. To participate in this online study, please visit: https://gmupsych.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0VbNTiY74GZOnGt.

NAMI Connecticut (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is holding a state conference on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). In the last few years there is much that we have learned about the brain and mental health disorders. This conference will focus on some of the research that is ongoing as well as what we know works right now. Online registration starts on August 15, 2013 at www.namict.org. Obtain a conference agenda.