Community resources for ocd
International OCD Foundation | Educational Resources
There are various educational resources available for understanding and managing OCD. From expert articles, to books and multimedia, view our full list of resources below.
Articles From the Experts
The articles in this section were written by mental health professionals and researchers who are experts in OCD and related disorders. Topics covered include Subtypes of OCD, Co-Occuring Disorders, OCD Treatment, Family Issues, and more!
View Articles From the Experts
Brochures, Fact Sheets, and Handouts
View educational brochures, fact sheets, and handouts for OCD and related disorders. Collateral is available in multiple languages and can downloaded for print.
View Brochures, Fact Sheets, and Handouts
Books and Multimedia Resources
There are many books available these days about OCD and related disorders, in addition to various DVDs and online toolkits that may be helpful. These resources have not been reviewed, and are not necessarily endorsed by the IOCDF.
View Books and Multimedia Resources
OCD Newsletter and Archive
The OCD Newsletter is a source of news and inspiration to individuals with OCD, their loved ones, and to OCD professionals and researchers. Subscription to this quarterly publication and Newsletter Archive is one of the many benefits of membership with the IOCDF.
View OCD Newsletter and Archive
OCD Websites, Blogs & Podcasts
- OCDChallenge: OCD Challenge is a free online, interactive, behavioral program designed to help people suffering from OCD.
- SecretIllness: A global community that explores the realities of living with OCD through the Creative Arts.
- IntrusiveThoughts: Stories, infographics, and information about OCD shared from members of the OCD community.
- TreatMyOCDBlog: Stories, infographics, and information about OCD shared from members of the OCD community.
- OCD Stories on The Mighty: The Mighty is a story-based health community focused on improving the lives of people facing disease, disorder, mental illness, and disability.
- Beyond the Doubt: As part of Psychology Today's blogging network, OCD advocate Jeff Bell offers his inside perspective on life with OCD and the lessons of uncertainty.
- HistoryofOCD: This brief history aims to tell the story of the people who suffered from OCD* in past times, and of the people who sought to understand and treat their perplexing illness.
- The OCD Stories: A recovery focused podcast interviewing the best minds in OCD to help people live their best life!
- Your Anxiety Toolkit: This podcast aims to provide the community with helpful tools to manage anxiety, stress and other emotions that get in the way.
OCD Apps
- For a list of reviewed OCD Apps, click here.
Resources For Parents
- Anxious Toddlers: A series of in-depth, online training courses for parents who have a child living with OCD.
The courses were created by IOCDF Professional Member, Natasha Daniels, LCSW. There are two full courses available, How to Teach Your Kids to Crush Anxiety & Parenting Kids with OCD. There is also a mini-course, Misperceptions About OCD in Children.
Therapy Animal Information and Resources
- Rover: Rover.com is a website that specializes in helping to provide information and resources for dogs and the humans that care for them. They have written an informative piece on the importance of therapy animals for individuals with mental illnesses, including OCD.
Referral Sources and Advocacy Groups
The websites on this list have expressed an interest in helping individuals with OCD. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has not investigated these sites nor does it have the facilities to evaluate their recommendations in regards to treating OCD. This list is a compilation of websites who have requested that their links appear on this list.
The International OCD Foundation doesn’t recommend or endorse the competence or expertise of the information on any of these sites. The listing of a website is not an endorsement, but merely a source listing of informational sites who have indicated that provide information about OCD.
- Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Phone: (215) 831-7838
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.academyofct.org - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Phone: (202) 966-7300
Website: http://www.aacap.org - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Phone: (888) 333-2377
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.afsp.org - American Psychological Association
Phone: (800) 374-2721
Website: http://www.apa.org - Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Phone: (240) 485-1001
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.
adaa.org - ASPIRE (a PANDAS/PANS organization)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aspire.care - Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Phone: (212) 647-1890
Website: http://www.abct.org - Awareness Foundation for OCD
Website: http://www.afocd.org - Beyond OCD
Phone: (773) 661-9530
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.beyondocd.org - CBT School
Website: https://www.cbtschool.com/ - Clutterers Anonymous
Phone: (866) 402-6685
Website: http://www.clutterersanonymous.net - Freedom From Fear
Phone: (718) 351-1717
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.freedomfromfear.org - Mental Health.gov
Website: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/ - Mental Health America
Phone: (800) 969-6642
Website: https://www.
mhanational.org/
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
Phone: (800) 950-6264
Website: http://www.nami.org - National Disability Rights Network
Phone: (202) 408-9514
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ndrn.org - National Institute of Mental Health
Phone: (866) 615-6464
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Live Chat (available M-F, 8:30am – 5:00pm EST) - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: (800) 273-8255
Website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Live Chat (available 2:00pm – 2:00am EST) - Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous (OCA)
Phone: (516) 739-0662
Website: http://obsessivecompulsiveanonymous.org - The OCD Challenge
Website: http://www.ocdchallenge.com - PANDAS Physicians Network
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.
pandasppn.org - PANDAS Network
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pandasnetwork.org - PickingMe Foundation
Phone: (312) 964-5388
Website: https://pickingme.org/ - Relief Resources
A non-profit organization that provides multiple services to individuals in the Jewish community suffering from mental health disorders.
Phone: (718) 431-9501
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.reliefhelp.org - Tourette Association of America
Phone: (718) 224-2999
Website: https://www.tourette.org/ - The TLC Foundation for BFRB's
Phone: (831) 457-1004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://bfrb.org/
Prescription Assistance
- Needy Meds
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.needymeds.org
Phone: (800) 503-6897 - Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Phone: (888) 477-2669
Website: http://www.
pparx.org
Legal and Employment Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act
U.S. Department of Justice
Phone: (800) 514-0301
Website: http://www.ada.gov - Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Phone: (202) 467-5730
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bazelon.org - Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Website: http://idea.ed.gov - Office of Disability Employment Policy
U.S. Department of Labor
Phone: (866) 487-2365
Website: http://www.dol.gov/odep
Insurance Assistance
- Health Insurance Marketplace (under the Affordable Care Act)
Phone: 1-800-318-2596
Website: https://www.healthcare.gov/ - Medicare Rights Center
Phone: (800) 333-4114
Website: http://www.medicarerights.org
Email: [email protected]
Professional Associations
- Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Phone: (215) 831-7838
Email: info@academyofct.
org
Website: http://www.academyofct.org - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Phone: (202) 966-7300
Website: http://www.aacap.org - American Psychiatric Association
Phone: (888) 357-7924
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.psychiatry.org - American Psychological Association
Phone: (800) 374-2721
Website: http://www.apa.org - Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Phone: (240) 485-1001
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.adaa.org - Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Phone: (212) 647-1890
Website: http://www.abct.org
International OCD Foundation | Support Groups
There is a sense of community that exists in a well-run support group. It can mean finding others who know how you feel, or being seen as someone with a disorder rather than as the disorder itself.
If you are reading this, you have likely been affected by OCD or a related disorder in some way, either as an individual with OCD or a related disorder, or as a family member or supporter watching someone struggle with the disorder.
While support groups are not meant to be a substitute for individual therapy, they can serve as a great step in that direction, or as an important addition to therapy, or part of a relapse prevention plan. Peers can offer something different than a therapist, and this should not be underestimated. Meeting other people going through similar situations can be very healing and beneficial — it can make people feel less lonely and isolated, as well as more connected to and understood by others.
Find a Support Group in Your Area
The IOCDF Resource Directory lists over 400 support groups for OCD and related disorders around the world. Groups are offered for individuals with the disorder, in addition to their family, loved ones, and caregivers. Find a support group near you.
Do you run a support group? Add it to the Resource Directory:
If you already run a support group for OCD and related disorders in your area, you can create a free listing in our Resource Directory to help more people find your group. Add or update your support group listing.
Start a Support Group of Your Own
Can't find a group in your area? Consider starting your own! You don't need to be a mental health professional to run an effective support group. Take a look at our Guide to Starting a Support Group.
Join an Online or Phone Support Group
For many years, a small group of dedicated volunteers have been managing dozens of online support groups covering many different OCD and related disorders topics. All groups are moderated and occasionally visited by therapists who treat OCD and OC related disorders.
Please Note: The IOCDF provides links to these online support groups for the convenience of our web users. The IOCDF is not responsible for the availability or content of these external support groups or website, nor does IOCDF endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these online support group sites.
| Support Group Name | Audience | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Monday/Wednesday Night OCD Support Group (Online via Zoom) w/ Mike Fink | Children, Adolescents, and Adults near Los Angeles | OCD |
| Central Ohio GOALS for OCD | Adults in Central Ohio | OCD |
| COVID-19 Anxiety and OCD Support Group | Children, Adolescents, and Adults | OCD |
| Cambridge OCD Support Group | Adults with OCD | OCD |
| Jacksonville OCD Support Group | Adults near Jacksonville, FL | OCD |
| OCD Family Support Group | Adolescents, Adults, Familes near Jacksonville, FL | OCD |
| South Bay OCD Support Group | Adults in the Bay Area, CA | OCD |
| Teen and Young Adults Peer Support Group | Teens and Young Adults | OCD |
| Guildford OC Anonymous | Children, Adolescents, and Adults in the UK | OCD |
| Scrupulosity OCD Education & Support Group | Adults with Scrupulosity | OCD |
T. E.A.M. (Teens Engaging Anxiety of the Mind) OCD: A GOAL Support Group | Teenagers | OCD |
| Mental Health Community | Everyone who is dealing with or knows someone dealing with OCD,Anxiety, and or Depression. | OCD |
| ZOOM OCD Support Group | Children, Adolescents, Adults near Miami | OCD |
| GOAL Support Group | Adults in California | OCD |
| Parents of Anxious Kids (PoAK) | Parents of school aged children with OC/Anxiety related disorders | OCD |
| Adult OCD Support Group | Adolescents, Adults | OCD |
| OCD Therapeutic Support Group | Adults in Kansas City, MO | OCD |
| Hoarding Disorder Support Group | Adults with Hoarding Disorder in Wisconsin | Hoarding |
| Rogers Behavioral Health OCD and Anxiety Support Group | Adults in Wisconsin | OCD |
| Compassion Focused Therapy Group | Hoarding Group for Adults in California | OCD |
Parents of Adult Children with OCD (U. S. and Canada) | Parents of Adult Children with OCD | OCD |
| Adolescent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure Response Prevention Group | Adolescents in Colorado | OCD |
| OCD (Virtual) Meditation Group | Persons, families, and care-givers concerned with OCD (India) | OCD |
| Talk TOC Family, Partners and Friends | Family, friends and couples. NO PATIENTS. | OCD |
| Bloomington/Normal, Illinois OCD Support Group | Adults with OCD | OCD |
| Adult GOALS Support Group | Adults with OCD | OCD |
| OCD Support for Older Adults | Older Adults with OCD | OCD |
| Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum & Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder | (Buenos Aires) | OCD |
| OCD Ottawa Support Group | Individuals living with OCD, 16 years and older living in Canada | OCD |
| Online Body Dysmorphic Disorder Support Group | Children, Adolescents, Adults | BDD |
| Louisiana Virtual Support Group for OCD and Related Disorders | Individuals who suffer from OCD and related disorders, as well as their family and friends | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder Skin Picking Trichotillomania LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Moms with OCD | Adult Mothers | OCD |
| Pay What You Can Peer Support | Adults, Children, Adolescents | BDD, Hoarding, Skin Picking, Trichotillomania, PANDAS/PANS, Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Eating Disorders (ED), Substance Use Disorders (SUD), Tics/Tourettes, Perfectionism, Scrupulosity, Violent/Sexual Obsessions, ,OCD |
| San Diego OCD Support Group | Adults in San Diego | OCD |
| Teen GOALS Support Group | Teens in California | - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Perfectionism - Scrupulosity - Violent/Sexual Obsessions - Body Dysmorphic Disorder - PANDAS/PANS |
| Mental Illness Caregiver Support Group | Adults in Ohio | Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Eating Disorders (ED) Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) |
| Adult OCD Support Group | Individuals with OCD | OCD |
| OCD SUPPORT – Rugby | Anyone effected by OCD - Minimum age 16 | OCD |
| Online Clutter Reduction Skills & Support Group | people looking for support with hoarding | Hoarding |
| Jefferson Center Buried in Treasures | Individuals 60+ | Hoarding |
| Therapists with BDD Online Support Group | Therapists and Clinicians with BDD | BDD |
| OCD Writing Club | Adult with OCD (with or without a formal diagnosis) | OCD |
| GSO OCD Family Member Support Group | Family members and parents of those with OCD | OCD Skin Picking Trichotillomania Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| OCD Online Writing Community | People living with OCD | OCD |
| Arlington OCD Support Group | Adults and Adolescents | OCD |
| Kids and Teens with OCD | Kids and teens age 9-17 with OCD | OCD |
| Family and Friends OCD Support Group | Family members and friends of adults (17+) with OC and related disorders | OCD |
| Young Adults OCD Peer Support Group | Young adults who have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and/or Related Disorders (recommend ages 16-34) | OCD |
| Virtual Support Group for Family Members of People with OCD | Family members | OCD |
| Twin Cities OCD Support Group | Typically, anyone 17 and older with OCD and those that support them. | OCD |
| Family Member OCD Support Group | Adults anywhere in the U.S. who have family members or loved ones 13+ who struggle with OCD. | OCD Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Portland Peer to Peer OCD Support Group | Individuals with OCD and their family | OCD |
| Free Online OCD Support Group for those with OCD and their loved ones | Individuals with OCD and those who love them. | OCD |
| Free – Online Peer-Led OCD Social/Support Group for Teens & Young Adults | Teens (preferably 15 and above) and Young Adults | OCD |
| Free, Zoom – OCD Private Sessions | Caregivers of Teens, Teens and Young Adults, or Caregivers with their Teen. | OCD |
| Las Vegas Adult OCD Peer Support Group | Adults in treatment for OCD or adults who have achieved OCD symptom remission. | OCD |
| OCD Support Group for Families and Loved Ones | Family, friends and those affected with OCD and related disorders | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder |
| Sunflower Support Group | Individuals with OCD | OCD |
| Online OCD Support Group | Adults with OCD, loved ones and professionals | OCD |
| Hoarding Help | Help with Hoarding | Hoarding Disorder |
| OCD Support Group | family & friends of individuals with OCD | OCD |
| Friends and family of OCD support group | Friends and family of Ocd, Sufferers , and Ocd suffers | OCD Hoarding Disorder PANDAS/PANS Skin Picking Perinatal OCD |
| OCD Loved Ones Support Group | Family members/support people of individuals suffering from OCD | OCD |
| SerenityBayWomen | Christian women with OCD or women who care for someone with OCD Fee | OCD Scrupulosity |
| SerenityBayWomen | Christian women with OCD or women who care for someone with OCD Fee | OCD Scrupulosity |
| OCD Support Group | Individuals with OCD | OCD |
| OCD VIRTUAL GOAL GROUP WESTCHESTER NY | Individuals with OCD, 18 years old and up | OCD PANDAS/PANS Perfectionism Scrupulosity |
| Anxiety / OCD Support Group | Adults with Anxiety or OCD. Also Family & Friends of those with Anxiety or OCD. | OCD |
| Hoarding Support Group | Adults with Hoarding challenges. Also Family & Friends of those with Hoarding challenges. | Hoarding Disorder |
| Adult Anxiety Disorders Support Group | Current or former KCCAT patients who are thirty-somethings or older | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder Tics/Tourettes Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| BDD Recovery Online Support Group | Individuals with BDD and family members | Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) |
| Alberta OCD Foundation | Individuals who live with OCD | OCD |
| Spouse/Romantic Partner OCD Support Group | Adults (18+) anywhere in the U.S. who have a spouse or romantic partner who lives with OCD. (**this group is not for parents or other family members, we have a separate group for Family Members**) | OCD LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Living with OCD-For Kids! | This group is designed for children ages 9-13 who have an existing diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | OCD PANDAS/PANS LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Violent/Sexual Obsessions Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| OCD Parent Support Group | Parents of individuals with OCD | OCD |
| Boulder OCD Support Group | Individuals with OCD and Family Members | OCD |
| Virtual OCD Support Group for Christians | Those who would like to understand OCD and anxiety through a biblical viewpoint, and break free | OCD |
| Free Adult OCD Support Group | Adults with OCD | OCD LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Anonymous (OCA) – First Toronto | All | OCD Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity |
| Online Group Treatment for Hoarding Disorder MA | All | Hoarding Disorder |
| Free Monthly OCD support Group | Adult individuals with OCD and OC spectrum conditions | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder PANDAS/PANS Tics/Tourettes Trichotillomania LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Eating Disorders (ED) Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| OCD Family Member Support Group | Family members (aged 18+ unless accompanied by parent) of those with OCD | OCD |
| Mental Health Community | Everyone who is dealing with or knows someone dealing with OCD,Anxiety, and or Depression. | OCD |
| OCD and Parenting | Parents of children with OCD | OCD |
| Parents of Teens and Young Adults with OCD | Parents of teens and young adults with OCD | OCD |
| Christians with OCD, Main Group | Christians with OCD | OCD |
| Friends with OCD | Those of us who have been diagnosed with OCD | OCD |
| OCD Tribe | those facing daily thoughts and compulsions from an obsessive compulsive disorder | OCD |
| Support 4 Everything OCD | individuals with OCD and those who love and support them | OCD |
| Obsessive Skin Pickers and Hair Pulling Anonymous | Those suffering from Dermatillomania, Excoriation Disorder, or Compulsive or Obsessive Skin Picking | Skin Picking Trichotillomania |
| OCPD Support Group | Those with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and their loved ones | OCD |
| San Francisco OCD | OCD | |
| San Francisco OCD | OCD | |
| OCD-UK | UK only | OCD |
| ANXIETY | Peer-led support group for adults struggling with anxiety, OCD or panic attacks | OCD |
| Adult OCD Support Group | Individuals who are 18 years and older suffering from OCD or an OC Spectrum Disorder. | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) PANDAS/PANS Skin Picking Trichotillomania Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Adolescent OCD Support Group | Older children and teens | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Skin Picking Tics/Tourettes Trichotillomania LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Bedford OCD and Anxiety Support Group | Individuals with OCD and their support people, friends and family members welcome | OCD |
| Cherry Hill OCD Support Group | Adults, teens, and children with OCD and family members | OCD |
| East Bay OCD Support Group | Those with OCD, anxiety, and/or depression, as well as family members and friends | OCD |
| Fairfield OCD Support Group | Adults, Teens, and Children with OCD, as well as parents of children and family members/friends of those with OCD. | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder Skin Picking Trichotillomania Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) Support Group | 18+ | OCD Skin Picking Trichotillomania |
| Roanoke, VA OCD Support Group | Individuals who have OCD, or who think they may have OCD, and family members of people with OCD. | OCD Hoarding Disorder Skin Picking LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions |
| Cultivating Curiosity, Courage & Compassion for Teens | Teens with OCD | OCD Perfectionism |
| Support Group for Loved Ones of Individuals with OCD | Family members of individuals with OCD | OCD |
| New Braunfels OCD Support Group | Individuals with OCD and/or related conditions | OCD LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| Bend OCD Peer Group | Individuals with OCD | OCD Skin Picking Trichotillomania Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| DBT and Life Skills for Autism Spectrum (Adult Group) | Adults with Autism on the spectrum | Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
| DBT and Life Skills Autism Spectrum Teen Group | Teens with Autism Spectrum | Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
| OCD Support and Resource Group | Individuals and Family Members Affected by OCD | OCD Perfectionism Perinatal OCD |
| OCD Peer-Run Support Group (MHASF) | Adults in San Francisco with lived experience of OCD | OCD |
| Bay Area BFRB group | Anyone with a BFRB 18+ | Skin Picking Trichotillomania |
| Seattle OCD and OC-Related Disorders Support Group | Sufferers of OCD and OC-Related Disorders | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Hoarding Disorder Skin Picking Tics/Tourettes Trichotillomania LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Eating Disorders (ED) Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| Supporting a Loved One with OCD | Family members and partners of loved ones with OCD | OCD |
| OCD Support Group for Adults and Adolescents (13+) | OCD Sufferers Ages 13+ | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Skin Picking Trichotillomania LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity Violent/Sexual Obsessions Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| Adult OCD Therapy & Support | Adults with OCD | OCD LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism |
| Anxiety & OCD Sufferers Support Group (adults only) | Individuals struggling with anxiety or OCD who are 18 years old or older | OCD Perinatal OCD Scrupulosity |
| OCD Friends Support Group | People with OCD and their loved ones who support them | OCD |
| Anxiety Center of Tampa Family Support Group | family members of individuals with OCD | OCD Trichotillomania Perfectionism Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders |
| Virtual Adolescent Anxiety Group | Any adolescent struggling with an anxiety-based disorder and looking for additional support. | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) LGBTQ+ Affirming Eating Disorders (ED) |
| Virtual Adult Anxiety Group | Any individual struggling with an anxiety-based disorder and looking for additional support. | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) LGBTQ+ Affirming Perfectionism Eating Disorders (ED) |
| support for oCD | family members with OCD and suopport group for teens | OCD |
| Hoarding Disorder and Buried in Treasures Support Group | only people with HD | Hoarding Disorder |
| Buried in Treasures Workshop | Individuals struggling with too much stuff / hoarding behaviors | Hoarding Disorder |
| Buried in Treasures | Impacted, (those with HD) after application/selection process. In current cohort are 11 participants | Hoarding Disorder |
| OCD Writing Workshop | Adult with OCD | OCD |
| National OCD Support Group Spain | individuals with OCD | OCD |
| Navigating OCD support group for Young Adults | Young adults 18-25 years old. | OCD Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Perfectionism |
| Southern NH OCD Support | Adults with OCD and family members of those with OCD | OCD |
| 12-Week Group: ERP Skills for Life with OCD (NY, NJ, NV, and SC) | People with OCD looking to learn beginning/intermediate ERP skills | OCD LGBTQ+ Affirming |
| OCD Science: Peers, Professionals, Support and Research | People with OCD, OCD professionals and researchers, loved ones of those with OCD, people wanting to learn about OCD | OCD |
| Ocd Resources Education to Guidance | Individuals with Ocd/Related Disorders, family and friends | OCD |
| Southern NH OCD Support Group | Adults with OCD | OCD |
Phone Support Groups
- Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous Nationwide Conference Call
- Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous Abstaining from Skin Picking/ Hair Pulling/ Nail Biting Nationwide Phone Meeting
My loved one has obsessive-compulsive disorder
Together with a psychologist, we figure out how to communicate with a loved one with OCD so that he feels cared for and does not feel pressure.
If you're thinking about going into psychotherapy but don't understand how it works, check out this free onboarding course.
OCD is a mental state. A person with OCD has intrusive thoughts that cause intense anxiety called obsessions. To cope with them, he performs certain actions - compulsions.
For example, a person is worried that he has not turned off the hair dryer or the iron, and there will definitely be a fire at home. To make sure everything is in order, he goes around the apartment exactly five times before leaving the house. And he can also come back, double-check the appliances and take pictures of the sockets.
Important: please do not diagnose your loved one yourself. This can misinform or offend the person. If a loved one seems to have signs of OCD, say that you are worried about him and advise you to go to a specialist.
Be patient
The person with OCD is not to blame for not being able to get rid of obsessive thoughts. Don't judge the disorder or criticize your loved one - consider OCD as a feature of their character. Exactly the same as a good sense of humor or a short temper.
Do not convince your loved one that nothing terrible will happen
Fears that seem meaningless to you, for a person with OCD have real power. It’s better to ask what exactly worries a loved one and why. Offer to talk about it. If you have a trusting relationship, advise him to contact a specialist.
Be there
Living with heavy obsessive thoughts and scary images is not easy. Imagine how you feel if you watch ten horror movies in a day. A person with OCD rewinds such films in his head every day. Let your loved one know that you are always ready to listen and support him.
Let a loved one perform rituals
If you know that it is important for a person to wash the dishes three times, do not interfere with him doing this - otherwise he will be bothered. Rather, focus on what will help shift focus and reduce anxiety. For example, offer to help with chores or take a walk.
Stay close when times are tough
OCD can be exacerbated by stress, such as when a person changes jobs or has a fight with a partner. If a loved one is having a difficult period, draw his attention to the fact that he has already coped with difficulties before. Remind him of his strengths. Say that there are people next to him who you can rely on.
Try to learn more about OCD
You can find scientific resources and stories of people who have experienced the disorder on the Internet.
When choosing a resource, pay attention to how the materials are written. They should be without negative evaluation and criticism. Emotional overtones are only acceptable if the person with OCD is telling their personal story. See if the author of the material refers to scientific sources and disease classifiers (ICD or DSM). It is good if the author or expert quoted in the article is a representative of the scientific community, a doctor or a psychotherapist.
We advise you to listen to the episode of the podcast "One Disorder" about OCD. This will help you understand what your loved one is dealing with. Discuss with him what you read: a loved one will tell you which symptoms he has are more pronounced, and which ones hardly interfere with him.
You can also read our article:
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder
Remember why a person is important to you
A friend or partner with OCD is, first of all, your loved one. Personality should always come first. The disorder does not determine the whole life of a loved one, it is not a hindrance to a warm relationship.
If you feel that communication with your loved one takes a lot of strength from you and you yourself need support, contact a psychologist. It can be found in our service .
We thank the psychologist Irina Permyakova for the professional recommendations that are described in this article.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): what it is, symptoms, treatment, advice from a doctor Some people develop symptoms during adolescence, although they are usually diagnosed in adults. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can significantly interfere with a fulfilling life, but treatment can help keep it under control.
Let's figure out together with experts what are the causes of OCD, what therapeutic and drug methods are used by doctors, and how to behave relatives of a person who has been diagnosed with this disorder.
Contents
- What it is
- Signs and symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- How to treat
- Advice for relatives 9089 Support groups
- obsessions - persistent thoughts or impulses, intrusive and unacceptable, causing anxiety;
- compulsions are rituals that are built into the thoughts of a person, he considers it necessary to perform them in response to an obsession.
- present daily;
- are uncontrollable;
- are not enjoyable;
- affect work and social life.
- Checks if the door is locked, if the iron and oven are switched off.
- Unreasonably suspects undiagnosed health conditions such as pregnancy or schizophrenia.
- Afraid of germs, things that can be dirty, constantly cleaning.
- Strives for excessive symmetry and order, feels the need to arrange things in a certain way: by size, colors or alphabet.
- Cannot drive obsessive thoughts and ideas away from himself. Some of them can be violent or disturbing.
- Genetics. If you have OCD in your next of kin—father, mother, brother, and sister—the chances are high that you have it too.
- The structure and functioning of the brain. In the brain of OCD sufferers, increased activity is recorded in the region of the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical loop [5].
- Environment. High levels of stress, increased anxiety can also be a trigger for the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Concomitant diseases. OCD is often diagnosed in parallel with eating disorders and depression [6].
- Traumatic events. The disorder can be the result of difficult circumstances experienced: psychological and sexual abuse, physical trauma, loss of loved ones.
- Infections. Occasionally, OCD is found in children who have had a streptococcal infection. This is called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Do you experience obsessive thoughts about possible tragic events, death, serious illnesses, fires, accidents?
- Are you worried about the possibility of contamination with germs and chemicals?
- Do you unnecessarily re-read emails or text messages multiple times before or after sending them?
- Are you obsessed with keeping everything in order (cataloging books, perfect stacks of clothes in the closet, pencils arranged by size on the table)?
- Do you repeat routines such as opening a door, putting on your shoes, or getting into bed over and over again until you feel like you've done it "right"?
- Do you have recurring inappropriate thoughts (often of a religious, violent, or sexual nature) that seem intrusive and out of control?
- Do you feel the need to constantly seek confirmation of what you have said or done?
- Do you practice ritual washing, cleaning or grooming habits (eg wash your hands five times in a row)?
- Do you avoid certain colors or numbers because you consider them "unlucky"?
- Do you check your trash before throwing it away to make sure it's clean?
- Do you worry about doing something out of a senseless urge, like pushing a stranger or hitting a loved one?
- Do you check oven handles, door locks and car brakes over and over again in a short period of time?
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) - mental health resources, including conferences of the International OCD Foundation.
There are online support groups for those with the disorder. - OCD Peers - Virtual support groups (6-10 members) using a HIPAA compliant platform. Video conferences with group mentor, open discussions and agenda. All groups are paid.
- 7 cups - on the platform you can find a volunteer who will be in touch and ready to listen to the problem. This is not a qualified professional, but sometimes speaking out to an attentive listener is just as important as working through a problem with a licensed psychotherapist.
- Support Groups - A free resource with several hundred support groups on a variety of topics, including those for OCD sufferers. Groups are moderated to avoid bullying and inappropriate user reactions.
- HealthUnlocked - literally "health unlocked" - a resource with forums to support people with various diseases. The ROC topic is moderated not only by the portal administrators, but also by representatives of the International ROC Foundation.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common chronic and long-term condition in which a person has uncontrollable repetitive, obsessive thoughts (ideas) and/or actions (behaviors) [1].
OCD is diagnosed in 1.3% of the world's population [2].
Many people confuse OCD with nail biting or negative thinking. Both can be a sign of the disease, but other diagnostic criteria must be taken into account. The obsession is often that a person considers certain numbers or colors to be "good" or "bad". It happens that the habit with OCD is washing your hands repeatedly after touching something that is considered dirty, infected, dangerous. Although the person does not want to think or do it, he is unable to stop [3].
Vladimir BelovMedical psychologist, child psychologist, consultant suicidologist, leading specialist of the Semeynaya clinic network
“Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a neuropsychological disorder that always includes two components:
The most common connection between these components is that compulsions are actions whose purpose is to neutralize or reduce the distress caused by obsessions. Rituals include such processes as endless washing of hands, double-checking one's own actions or the state of some objects. For some people, these are specific prayers, rituals when going to work, when returning to an apartment, while waiting for transport.
Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
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Obsessions - involuntary thoughts and ideas: "I shook hands with a person and now I can get infected with something." This rumination in itself is perfectly normal, but the person with OCD will wash their hands again and again, unable to get rid of it. This is already a compulsion - an obsessive behavior, an individual unstoppable ritual. In the short term, it reduces anxiety, but the thought returns and the action must be repeated. A person feels that he must do it, while he cannot stop.
Everyone has recurring habits or thoughts that recur frequently. But in the case of OCD they are:
It's not unusual to wonder if the curling iron is unplugged. It’s worth worrying if this thought haunts you every day, makes you return home halfway from work and check (more than once, even if you just made sure that the device is not turned on). Obsessive-compulsive disorder comes in many forms, but most cases fall into at least one of the four main categories. The symptoms of OCD are rooted in the person's obsessive behavior. For example, he:
Anastasia AfanasyevaPsychiatrist, psychotherapist, clinical director of the psychological platform Alter
“Intrusive thoughts can occur as part of a variety of disorders, from psychosis to anxiety. To understand what disease these thoughts can be associated with, experts look at how a person treats them. For example, a person in psychosis may not even have a shadow of doubt and discomfort from the fact that the obsessive thought “you can harm your child” is spinning in his head. A person with OCD cannot have this, he will be frightened by such thoughts, and he will try to do everything to prevent this from happening, for example, remove all sharp objects away from him or not approach the child. Discomfort and the feeling that these thoughts are "inadequate", "wrong" will be an important identifying factor that this is OCD.
People without disorders can also have obsessive thoughts, but normally we quickly cope with them and they do not disturb life, forcing us to rebuild it for ourselves: the thought appeared - the person brushed it off and moved on.
Causes of OCD
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Doctors do not give a specific explanation of the causes of the onset and development of OCD. It is most often diagnosed in adolescence and adulthood, with women 1.6 times more likely than men [4]. The factors for the development of the disease include:
There is a hypothesis that disturbing deviations developed and persisted in the course of evolution [7]. When people did not have access to modern advances in medicine and hygiene, those who had less contact with a possible source of infection and were constantly on the alert, assessing possible risks and double-checking the safety of food and housing, survived.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnostics
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All people from time to time find themselves in stressful situations, many people find it helpful to put things in order at home or in the closet, everyone at least once caught himself thinking that he had not turned off the coffee maker in a hurry to a meeting.
It doesn't mean you have OCD. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Contact a specialist if the above symptoms directly affect your relationship with yourself and others, steal time, do not allow you to relax and enjoy life.
In society, the attitude towards OCD is often superficial and not serious. It is often perceived as a funny feature of a person. But the worsening symptoms cannot be controlled by willpower alone. OCD can be expressed in varying degrees of obsession, and for many it really does not interfere (and may help maintain cleanliness and keep processes under control), but for others it poses a real threat to normal life [8].
There are specialized tests for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Try to answer several questions in the format "often", "rarely", "never", "always":
If most of the described thoughts and situations appear suspiciously often in your daily life, you should consult a general practitioner.
He will conduct a physical examination and order blood tests to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by something else. If OCD is suspected, work with a therapist or psychiatrist to talk about life circumstances, feelings, thoughts, and habits.
How to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder
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There is no specific drug that can completely eliminate the symptoms of OCD. But medication support and additional psychological techniques for working on oneself help to work through this problem and keep it under control.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy allows you to change your thinking patterns. Anastasia Afanasyeva believes that one of the most important techniques when working with OCD is distancing, exposing and challenging thoughts: “Distancing is a group of techniques in which we teach a person with OCD to notice intrusive thoughts, realize their ineffectiveness and switch from thinking about them to current ones.
affairs. It is important here not to try to start controlling and “not thinking” these thoughts, as this is unrealistic and causes even more anxiety. Instead, for example, we can imagine that thoughts are like an annoying radio broadcast that cannot be turned off, but is not worth listening to.
Exposure is the conscious exposure to uncomfortable situations in order to gradually learn to endure stress and stop using rituals that reduce anxiety in the moment, such as double-checking, washing hands, avoiding sharp objects.
Challenging and checking the reality of thoughts helps to understand that often a thought is just a thought and not every thought that comes to mind is worth believing. To assess how true this idea is, you can write it down on a piece of paper and give facts for and against its correctness.
Relaxation
Anxiety and obsessive thoughts are inevitably associated with tension in the body. Available meditation techniques, as well as massage and yoga classes, help to consciously look at the circumstances and cope with stress.
Anastasia Afanasyeva:
“In general, working with anxiety disorders always involves homework, as people learn to cope with their anxiety not only in the psychologist's office, but also in situations that arise in everyday life. Mostly it's working with thoughts and changing behavioral strategies that support OCD or reduce anxiety for only a short time.
The most common treatment for OCD involves individual sessions with a psychotherapist. There are practically no therapy protocols with proven efficacy for groups.”
Medicines
When taking drugs, you can achieve a stable remission. The timing of drug treatment will be determined by the attending physician. Do not stop taking antidepressants at the first sign of improvement.
Vladimir Belov:
“First of all, we need both a psychiatrist and a medical psychologist/psychotherapist. Because, on the one hand, cognitive-behavioral therapy is used, which is quite effective and has a lot of scientific evidence: exposure and prevention of reactions and rituals.
This program goes on for several months and is combined with drugs. First of all, these are antidepressants - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Much depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of the process in which he is.
What to do for relatives of a patient with OCD
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People who live near a person with OCD often find themselves in difficult conditions. They want to help by interrupting the compulsive manifestations of a loved one, which can create an even more stressful situation for him. But it is also not worth closing your eyes to the disease. Psychologists advise updating it, pronouncing the problem. Develop the emotional intelligence of a loved one: let's understand that he can safely talk to you about any of his feelings. Emphasize that you are always ready to listen and help: “I am with you, we will deal with this problem together.”
Anastasia Afanasyeva:
“If someone in your family suffers from OCD, then one of the important tasks that you face is not to be included in the anxiety maintenance cycle.
For example, one should not encourage the desire for excessive cleanliness, endless washing of clothes, washing hands, constant fruitless visits to doctors, one should not participate in rechecking any facts. You need to understand that this does not help a loved one cope with anxiety, but reinforces a non-working pattern of behavior and serves as proof that such behavior and thoughts are justified.
Forums, support groups for people with OCD
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The best option is to contact a trusted doctor and treat according to his recommendations. In addition to medicines and work with a specialist, the fulfillment of independent tasks plays an important role. It is important for people with OCD to talk about the problem and see the support of others. Like-minded forums often help. You can join thematic groups on social networks or contact volunteers:
