How to Help a Loved One In Denial
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"I think someone I care about has OCD, but he won't get help. What can I do?" We get the question a lot. There is no easy answer, but here are two articles that provide helpful advice: one from our Expert Perspectives series and one from PsychCentral.
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New Online Self-Help Program
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OCD Challenge is an online, interactive, behavioral program designed to help people conquer their disorder. Developed by treatment experts, the program may be particularly helpful for people who are housebound, cannot afford regular treatment or live in an area where there are no trained treatment providers.
OCD Challenge uses the principles of exposure and response prevention--the treatment of choice for OCD. (Note: OCD Chicago does not endorse this or any other treatment program or provider.)
To learn more, visit their web site.
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We Depend on Your Support Year Round
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Compassionate friends like you enable us to help the people who contact us--whether in person, by phone or online--find the relief from OCD they need for themselves or a loved one.
All of our resources are funded solely by contributions from people like you, including: two comprehensive web sites, four free and downloadable OCD guides (in English and Spanish), free twice-monthly support groups, special events, and personalized assistance via phone and email. We literally cannot do what we do without your help!
In this season of special kindness, we ask that you make a gift to OCD Chicago today. Donate now...
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Researchers Create Animal Model for OCD, Offering New Insights Into Causes
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A new model of OCD that mirrors both symptoms of the disease and the timing of its treatment in humans has been created by University of Chicago researchers, according to a new study.
Scientists involved in the work believe that further research with the model may point the way to new treatments for both OCD and autism.
With an animal model that replicates at least some aspects of OCD, researchers can dig deeper into the specific neurotransmitters and systems involved in the disorder.
Learn more...
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New Novel Delivers Accurate OCD Portrayal
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Andrea Kayne Kaufman's debut novel, Oxford Messed Up, represents a milestone in the fictional portrayal of people with OCD. The DePaul University professor's book was released just this month, and earned these comments from OCD Chicago co-founder Susan Richman:
"Finally, a story that shows how powerful Cognitive Behavior Therapy really is, and a protagonist who is so much more than her OCD. You will root for Kaufman's characters because of their beautifully realized humanity, while you gain understanding of the constant undercurrent of noise in the mind of anyone who has OCD. This book accurately and finally portrays the recovery that is possible when OCD is treated correctly." Find out more... |
Realizing that OCD Is a Medical Problem
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If you think your leg is broken, it's unlikely you would just ignore the symptoms and hope it simply heals on its own. Most people seek treatment right away for any kind of serious "physical" problem so they can get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. They never stop to question whether they need help.
Unfortunately, people with symptoms of OCD and other brain disorders often take the ignore-it-and-hope-it-goes-away approach. Why? Our blogger examines this question. Read more...
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Lizzy's Road to Recovery
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"The earliest symptoms I can remember appeared around age eight. I had started to develop a prayer routine at night which, in my OCD mind, I believed would keep my loved ones safe. I felt I had to say my family member's names eight times, touch the right side of the wall after, blink eight times after that and the list goes on.
With so many rules and restrictions, I could not complete the prayer 'perfectly' no matter how hard I tried.
I vividly remember it was late at night and my mom was still up cleaning. I ran down to her and burst into tears because I could not get my prayers right and was so worried that my loved ones would be hurt because of this. This was the early 90's and my parents had no knowledge of OCD." Keep reading...
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Best Holiday Wishes to You!
| From all of us at OCD Chicago, we wish you and yours a truly happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!
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