
News & Information
FOR OCD EVENTS, SURVEYS & TREATMENT STUDY NEWS, CLICK HERE |
WINTER & SPRING 2019 MEETING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! (December 26, 2018)
![]() ![]() We have announced our new
meeting schedule for January to June 2019. We look forward to
seeing you at our meetings! New
participants are always welcome! Go to our Meeting
Schedule for dates
& times.
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JOIN IOCDF'S NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY FORUM! (November 29, 2018) ![]() ![]() If you are struggling to manage the impact of OCD and find support, you are not alone -- these types of questions are very common for individuals living with OCD. In addition to being highly misunderstood, OCD can be an unpredictable and unique disease that can impact all areas of your life.
Having a peer community to share experiences with and turn to for support can be an invaluable asset. That's why the IOCDF has recently partnered with HealthUnlocked to launch a new peer-to-peer online community called My OCD Community! My OCD Community is a free, online peer-to-peer forum for members to share their OCD experiences. The community is a safe space that allows you to post a question and get answers from members of the forum, share your OCD journey, connect with others, and contribute to ongoing conversations – all from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. To learn more about My OCD Community, read IOCDF's recent blog post here. |
ANXIETY IN THE CLASSROOM WEBSITE (October 10, 2018) ![]() ![]() Anxiety in the Classroom is an online resource center for school personnel, students, and their families.
This website provides general information, resources, and materials about anxiety and OCD as they relate to the school setting, as well as more specific tools for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel who may work with students with anxiety and/or OCD. Parents and students will also find tools and information to help them advocate for school accommodations, as well as to educate their teachers and classmates about OCD and anxiety. Click here to go to the website.
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CONNECTICUT COLLEGE STUDENT ON A MISSION OF AWARENESS AND STRENGTH (Connecticut Post, September 23, 2018) ![]() ![]() Thomas Smalley calls his YouTube page “Struggle Into Strength.” Anyone who has watched his two documentaries can begin to understand the enormity of his struggle with OCD and his strength to overcome it. A college junior and psychology major, Smalley works hard these days to give us a clue. A strong young man who is on a mission to help people understand OCD, his goals are to spread the word to those suffering from mental illness that they are not alone and to help eliminate the stigma. Click here to read the article.
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NEW FILM EXPLORES ANXIETY, ITS CAUSES, EFFECTS AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT (September 18, 2018) ![]() ![]() The Anxiety Institute is hosting free screenings for a documentary that sparks conversation about mental health. The film "Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety," comprises stories about teens who are living with anxiety disorder, OCD and trauma. After the film, experts will offer tips on coping and the different treatment options that are available.
Free screenings will be held October 3 at Prospector Theater, 25 Prospect St., Ridgefield, CT, 7:00 to 8:30 pm and October 17 at Bow Tie Ultimate Royale 6, 542 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT, 7:00 to 8:30 pm. RSVP to angstmovie.com/anxiety-institute-events. |
NEW OCD STUDY AT SUNY DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER (Brooklyn, NY)! (August 22, 2018) ![]() ![]() 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.
Click here to download a flyer containing all information. |
WITH SHORT, INTENSE SESSIONS, SOME PATIENTS FINISH THERAPY IN JUST WEEKS (New York Times, August 13, 2018)![]() Typically patients with OCD see a therapist once a week for an hour over several months, but this intensive therapy program for OCD consists of two-hour group meetings three times a week, plus up to four additional hours of individual therapy per week. Some patients complete the treatment in just two weeks. The program is part of a new wave of concentrated, intensive therapy programs for psychiatric disorders. Click here to read the article.
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PERFECTIONISM IN YOUNG CHILDREN MAY INDICATE OCD RISK (July 26, 2018)![]() A new study reports that children who possess tendencies toward perfectionism and excessive self-control are twice as likely as other children to develop OCD by the time they reach their teens. MRI scans taken as part of the research revealed that the perfectionists often had smaller volumes of a brain structure previously linked to OCD. Click here to read the article.
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NEW OCD TREATMENT STUDY AT YALE! (May 22, 2018)![]() 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. For more information, click here. |
SPOTLIGHT: OCD NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES (May 10, 2018)![]() It’s sometimes said that Spring is a time for new beginnings, and to celebrate the IOCDF is incredibly excited to share that they are bringing back its Spotlight: OCD News & Research Updates!
Spotlight is the IOCDF's monthly series that brings the absolute latest in OCD news and research right to your email inbox. There they feature compelling stories from advocates and cutting-edge research from the scientific community. In Spotlight, they put a special focus on the important work of its Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board experts, as well as the research and discoveries made possible through its Research Grant Program. They’re excited to be back, and look forward to sharing Spotlight with you each month! If you would like to sign up, please click here to make sure that each month's update arrives right in your inbox. |
EXCORIATION (SKIN PICKING) DISORDER, AKA DERMATILLOMANIA (May 10, 2018)![]() Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum condition in which sufferers repeatedly pick at their skin. Crystal Quater, MMFT, of the OCD Center of Los Angeles discusses her personal experience with, and recovery from, Excoriation Disorder, and how she treats clients struggling with this condition. Click here to read the article.
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UNDERSTANDING RELIGIOUS OCD IN CHILDREN (April 9, 2018)![]() In families with religious beliefs, a child expressing faith and strong moral principles is usually a welcome development. But sometimes a child’s faith may become an obsession, and instead of consolation the child experiences extreme anxiety that he is violating religious norms and desperation to correct his perceived mistakes. This is what happens when children develop obsessive-compulsive disorder and it manifests itself in their religion. Click here to read the article.
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UNSTUCK: AN OCD KIDS MOVIE (February 3, 2018)![]() When your brain is the problem how do you fix it? Thousands of kids, teens and adults with OCD are searching for answers to this question. They're trapped in a vicious cycle of worries and rituals. While families and loved ones are desperate to help them, fighting OCD takes time and specialized therapy.
To uncover what OCD is, and what it isn’t, filmmakers Kelly Anderson and Chris Baier focus on an unlikely group of experts: Kids! UNSTUCK documents OCD strictly through the eyes of young people. The short documentary avoids sensationalizing compulsions and obsessions, and instead reveals the complexity of a disorder that affects the brain and behavior. As these six resilient kids and teens roadmap their process of recovery, the film inspires viewers to believe it is possible to fight their worst fears and beat back OCD. For more information, visit www.ocdkidsmovie.com. |
ANNOUNCING NEW EXPERT ARTICLES ON THE IOCDF WEBSITE! (January 15, 2018)![]()
We understand that for people living with OCD, family members, and professionals who treat OCD and related disorders, it can sometimes be a challenge to find comprehensive information that addresses your specific needs. In addition, with all of the information out there, it can be difficult to know what sources are vetted and trustworthy.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) understands these challenges. That is why it collaborates with leading experts to bring you informative and accurate information about the latest therapy, research, and treatment in OCD and related disorders. In 2018, it is its goal to ensure that more of this information is available to you on its website. That's why it has recently revamped its "Expert Opinions" section to now be called "From the Experts", and include even more relevant and informative articles. Its "From the Experts" section includes articles that are relevant and accessible to people living with OCD and their loved ones, as well as to mental health professionals. Its articles go beyond what it covers in its "Learn More About OCD" sections, in order to provide more in-depth looks at various areas of OCD management and treatment. Click here to view the articles. |
BODY IMAGE: DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK (January 15, 2018)![]() The OCD Center of Los Angeles is happy to announce the publication of a new article by one of its staff therapists, Lauren McMeikan, MA. The article, titled Body Image: Don't Believe Everything You Think, explores how you can use mindfulness and acceptance to challenge the negative, self-defeating messages you tell yourself about your body. Click here to read the article.
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7 THINGS I WISH PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT OCD (BuzzFeed.com, October 3, 2017)![]() Even though I’m not obsessed with monsters under the bed anymore, when something unpleasant comes up, like getting called in for jury duty, my mind automatically brings me to the irrational worst case. There are 7 things I wish people understood about OCD. Click here to read this article.
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OCD IS "FAKE NEWS" (September 13, 2017)![]() By now, virtually anyone with even a passing interest in politics and current events has heard the term “fake news”. If you haven’t heard this term, just turn on a cable news channel on any given day and you are bound to hear a news story (or ten) about how we are being inundated with fake news that is designed to alter our political beliefs (and our votes). Regardless of your political persuasion, a Google search of the term “fake news” will lead you to a multitude of articles that describe somebody (or some country) that is presenting reality in a distorted fashion in an attempt to persuade you to see things their way. So what does this have to with OCD? Click here to read an article that will explain.
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OCD CONNECTICUT HAS PARTNERED WITH AMAZON SMILE (August 15, 2017)![]() OCD Connecticut is happy to announce that it now has an AmazonSmile account. Whenever you shop on AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to OCD Connecticut. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Click here to shop at its AmazonSmile site.
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SMALL STUDY FINDS SIGNS OF BRAIN INFLAMMATION IN PATIENTS WITH OCD (August 22, 2017)![]() In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have found signs of inflammation within the neurocircuitry associated with adult obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The findings were reported June 21, 2017 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Until now, only a small percentage of OCD cases have been linked to inflammation, occurring in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia -- potentially as the result of childhood infection. The Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada now uses recent advances in positron emission tomography or PET scanning to identify inflammation in multiple parts of the brain involved in OCD. Click here to read the full article. |
WESTPORT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP (August 22, 2017)![]() Managing the care of a loved one can present many challenges in one's life. This support group will help you cope with this difficult time. This series is for adult children who may be caregivers for their parents, parents who may be caring for a child with a special need, as well as spouses caring for each other. The group is held at Westport Center For Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT. Call (203) 341-5099 for more information.
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28 PEOPLE SHARE HOW THEY KEEP FROM PICKING THEIR SKIN - Genius Strategies From People Who Deal With It (BuzzFeed.com, January 15, 2017)![]() Excoriation (also known as dermatillomania) is a disorder that causes people to repetitively touch, rub, scratch, pick at, or dig into their skin in ways that result in physical damage — like skin disfigurement, discoloration, bleeding, or scarring. Effective treatment often involves professional help, but there are tricks some people have found helpful — physically, emotionally, or otherwise — for dealing with skin-picking. Click here to learn these tricks.
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MAKE A VIDEO FOR IOCDF (May 24, 2017)![]() Mental illness doesn't discriminate -- and everyone deserves access to effective treatment for OCD and related disorders. As part of its diversity initiative, The International OCD Foundation needs the participation of the greater OCD community to help spread the word. Here is how:
1) The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) would like to make a video accessible to everyone, so they are seeking participants who speak a language in addition to English to participate. If you speak a non-English language, please make a video of yourself saying the phrase “Effective treatment for everyone” in your chosen language. 2) Once recorded, please upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo, and include how the phrase would be written in your chosen language. 3) Contact The International OCD Foundation by sharing your video on Facebook or Twitter using the #IOCDF4ALL, or by messaging them on Facebook or emailing them at info@IOCDF.org to share the link to your video and let us know that you have participated. They will edit all of these videos together and if yours is chosen, you will see this video on its website, social media and at the Annual OCD Conference. For more info, go to https://www.facebook.com/IOCDF/. |
LATEST OCD NEWS FROM THE IOCDF!![]()
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LATEST NEWS FROM OCD-UK![]() OCD-UK provides a month-by-month list of the latest and archived news stories published on its website. OCD-UK is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of almost one million people in the United Kingdom whose lives are affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Click here to go to the website.
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DOUBT, DENIAL and OCD (September 14, 2016)![]() The OCD Center of Los Angeles has just published its most recent blog article, "Doubt, Denial and OCD". This article looks at "The Denial Obsession", in which OCD sufferers obsess that they do not really have OCD, and are merely "in denial".
To read the article, click here. |
FRIENDS & FAMILY OCD SUPPORT GROUP (Cheshire, CT)! (June 27, 2016)
![]() This is a new OCD support group for family and friends of OCD sufferers. Here you can gain strength & knowledge through peer support. The group meets at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 59 Main Street, Cheshire, CT on the last Tuesday of every month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
For more information, contact Susan Schuster @ 860-575-9593 or susanschuster@yahoo.com. Click here for a flyer with details and directions. |
APRIL EDITION OF "SPOTLIGHT: OCD NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES" IS HERE! (April 27, 2016)![]() This month’s edition features a special quarterly research highlight on hoarding disorder as well as the articles, "Why You Need to Stop Saying You’re 'So OCD'" and "Who Am I? A Student With OCD & Anxiety". Also discussed is a new app designed to help people deal with OCD, as well as other OCD news and research topics.
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MARCH EDITION OF "SPOTLIGHT: OCD NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES" IS HERE! (March 29, 2016)
![]() Each month the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) brings you the latest in research news and information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This month’s edition also features a special quarterly research highlight on pediatric OCD.
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FEBRUARY EDITION OF "SPOTLIGHT: OCD NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES" (February 8, 2016)![]() Each month the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) brings you the latest in research news and information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This month’s edition features a special quarterly research highlight on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
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CHRISTINA J. TAYLOR, PH.D ANNOUNCES HER NEW OCD BOOK! (January 23, 2016)
![]() Our support group's co-moderator, Dr. Christina Taylor, announces the release of her new book, "OCD: A Workbook for Clinicians, Children and Teens; Actions to Beat, Control & Defeat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder". This book is a user-friendly, creative and interactive book to help children and teens take control of OCD. With specific chapters for each type of OCD, children and teens will learn cognitive behavioral strategies to overcome their obsessions and compulsions. The book contains:
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JANUARY EDITION OF "SPOTLIGHT: OCD NEWS AND RESEARCH UPDATES" (January 6, 2016)![]() International OCD Foundation's (IOCDF) first 2016 edition of Spotlight: OCD Research News & Updates is out now! The January update includes the latest in research news and information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with a special research highlight on hoarding disorder (HD).
This series is also available via email so you can receive the latest research news and information directly in your email inbox. Sign up to receive future issues of Spotlight by going here and selecting the “Spotlight” option on our email signup form. |
TELL TARGET: SHOULD OCD REALLY BE A SOURCE OF HOLIDAY CHEER? (IOCDF, November 11, 2015)![]() 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 sufferer of “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder.” Let’s help Target understand why this OCD sweater is more than just a silly joke. Continue messaging, tweeting, and emailing Target to let them know how their sweater furthers the stigma and obstacles OCD sufferers too often face in accessing treatment. Get in the holiday spirit by tweeting @Target with a photo of you in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater to show Target you’d rather your holiday spirit come dressed in hideous shades of red and green with way too many details and embellishments rather than an inaccurate and dismissive message about OCD. Let Target know this holiday season, you’d rather wear ugly sweaters over lame ones.
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17 Quotes That Prove OCD Is So Much More Than Being Neat (The Mighty, October 2015)
![]() Written for OCD Awareness Week as part of a collaboration between The Mighty and the IOCDF, people with OCD seize the opportunity to share what OCD is really like, outside of often negative or inaccurate portrayals of OCD that tend to dominate news cycles. To read the article, click here.
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Mental Illnesses 'Not All in the Mind' (Straits Times, October 2015)
![]() A study of mental illness literary by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore found that nine out of ten respondents believe that those with a mental disorder "could get better if they wanted to," while half also saw mental illness as a sign of "personal weakness." Researchers say this stigmatizing mindset often prevents people from seeking treatment. To read the article, click here.
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Understanding OCD: New Research Sheds Light on Best Treatment Options (Columbia University Medical Center Newsroom, October 2015)
![]() Even for people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), cognitive-behavioral therapy outperforms anti-psychotic medication in some hard-to-treat patients, finds a recent study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. To read the article, click here.
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A Shocking Way to Fix the Brain (MIT Technology Review, October 2015)
![]() Darin Dougherty, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital and the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital is featured in a recent MIT Technology Review article for his work treating OCD with electric stimulation. To read the article, click here.
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A Moment That Changed Me -- Charlize Theron's boobs, my boyfriend, and OCD (The Guardian, September 2015)
![]() Rose Bretécher, author of a new memoir about her experiences with pure OCD, explains how her new boyfriend's accidental discovery of her therapy homework actually revealed the surprisingly positive (and therapeutic!) sides of embarrassment. To read the article, click here.
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"40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS" Clutter Challenge Facebook Page ![]() ![]() "40
BAGS IN 40 DAYS" is a
Facebook page where you can face a challenge designed to help you get
the clutter out of your home. You can have a bag, less than a bag, or
more than one bag a day. Furniture or big items count, as well as
boxes. Heck it all counts. :) The overall goal is to tackle your home a
spot at a time, GET RID OF STUFF, pace yourself, and be detached. Good
luck!
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The Invisible Disease: An OCD Account (April
13, 2015)
![]() OCD is not curable, but it is
manageable. The purpose of this personal story is to document one
human’s struggle with a very real, and surprisingly common, mental
health condition. To read this story, click here
to go to NAMI's website.
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We Have
Launched a New, Easy to Use Message Board! (January
26, 2015)
![]() We are very happy to announce
the launch of a new message board. Due to comments that our last
message board was confusing and not very easy to use, we researched
other message boards and found QuickTopic. QuickTopic provides a
super-easy single-topic web forum. You can start a topic in seconds and
can easily create and manage discussions using your web browser. Your
participants can join in even more easily. All you need to do is click
"Post a new message", enter your name (you
don't need to enter your real name, just create a user name),
type in your message and click "Submit message".
Click here
to go to the message board.
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Smartphone
Mobile App Study for OCD (January
21, 2015)
![]() 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. Click here
to download a flyer containing all the information.
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OCD
Facebook Page (October 13,
2014)
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Website is
new resource for young adult mental health (September
5, 2014)
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Fairfield
County OCD Support Group partners with OCD
Connecticut to establish an IOCF affiliate!
![]() We are pleased to announce
that our support group has partnered with OCD Connecticut to form an
affiliate of the International Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder Foundation. We are affiliated and incorporated as
OCD Connecticut or OCD CT and we are excited to join the IOCDF to
expand their outreach. Our mission as an affiliate is to serve
adults, children, and families in Connecticut living with
obsessive-compulsive disorder by promoting early intervention and
expanding awareness,
treatment and research. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a
disorder of the brain and behavior. OCD causes severe anxiety in those
affected. OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions that take a lot
of time and get in the way of important activities the person values.
Please visit OCD Connecticut's website at www.ocdct.org and like them on Facebook so we can spread awareness of our affiliate. Contacting OCD CT is easy - their phone number is (860) 415-6233 and their email address is CT.ocdf@gmail.com. Please check both our websites for upcoming events. |
CMS
announced they will not go forward with restrictions to anti-depressant
and anti-psychotic medications in Medicare Part D
![]() The Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on March 10, 2014 that they will not
go forward with restrictions to anti-depressant and anti-psychotic
medications in the Medicare Part D program. This decision by CMS shows
what can be accomplished through grassroots advocacy! In its
announcement, CMS said that it will not seek any further changes to the
six protected classes of medications including mental health
medications in the Medicare Part D program without first receiving
additional stakeholder input.
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Clutter
Cleaner: People That Understand The Hoarding Problem
![]() Clutter Cleaner is a company
that has been cleaning hoarded homes and estates for over 10 years. The
company's founder, Matt Paxton, is America’s number one expert on
extreme cleaning and hoarding situations and is the author of "The
Secret Lives of Hoarders". They have opened an office
servicing all of
the Connecticut area. Visit their website at www.cluttercleaner.com
to
learn more about their methods and how they work with hoarders and
their families.
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NEWS
FLASH: Final Rule Released on Mental Health Parity and Addiction
Equality Act (MHAEPA)
![]() On November 8, 2013, the U.S.
Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the
U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S Department of Treasury, issued the
final rule to implement The
Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental
Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). This law
requires group health plans and health insurance to ensure
that financial requirements such as co-pays, deductibles and treatment
limitations applicable to mental health or substance use disorder
benefits are equal to all medical/surgical benefits, in addition to
ensuring equal treatment for residential and outpatient behavioral
health care.
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Computer,
Web, and Smartphone-Based Self-Help Programs for OCD![]() New technologies have paved
the way for a wide variety of mobile treatment options for OCD,
including smartphone-based applications (aka "apps"), and internet and
computer-based software programs. These apps and programs have the
advantage of being widely accessible and, in some cases, can provide
lower cost alternatives to tradtional therapy. For more information,
click here
to view the OCD
Newsletter
article that attempts to provide a basic overview of these programs.
For a list of smartphone apps, click here.
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OCD
Treatment Tip!![]() Every time you do an exposure
that makes you anxious, you are taking a step forward to conquering
your OCD.
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Become a
member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCF)![]() As we are currently working on
forming an IOCF affiliate for Connecticut, we strongly encourage our
support group members
to support the IOCF by becoming members of the IOCF. Membership
benefits
include quarterly newsletters and reduced rates at the annual IOCF
conference. To become a member of the IOCF, click here.
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IOCDF Uses Social Media!
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#OCDchat on Twitter!
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OCD Challenge Website
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The International OCD Foundation
launches an "OCD in Kids" website
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iCounselor OCD App: Your portable
self help tool for your iPhone
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Group Members: Participate in our
online message board discussion topics! We encourage all group members to use our message board and post your thoughts and comments. Click here to access our message board. |
Meeting
Handouts & Flyers Now Online!
We have placed various handouts and flyers that have been distributed during our support group meetings here on our website. Click here to access them. |
Tweets by @FCOCDGroup
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