Anxiety Causes Women's Brains to Work Harder Than Men's
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A recent study at Michigan State University suggests that the brains of anxious women work much harder than those of men. The findings could help scientists understand why women in general suffer from anxiety disorders at a higher rate. The research could also ultimately help mental health professionals determine which girls may be prone to anxiety problems such as OCD or generalized anxiety disorder. Read More...
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Old Drug Offers Hope for Kids with OCD
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A new treatment plan combining cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with doses of a drug once used for tuberculosis has proven safe and effective in a pilot study of 30 kids with OCD. When taken just before a therapy session, the drug seems to boost the power of CBT to relieve many types of anxiety.
Since the drug has been used in large doses over many years with tuberculosis patients, its safety and side effects are not a concern to parents, according to the lead researcher. Read more...
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What's Happening: OCD Events  |
Next OCD Live Forum - Register Now!
Thursday, July 26 | 7:00 - 9:30 pm | Chicago
Join us for an empowering presentation by renowned OCD expert, Dr. Fred Penzel. His talk will focus on the basic "truths" of what can make up a good, working philosophy. Truth can come from many sources; Penzel draws heavily on Zen, which embodies some of the simplest ways of relieving people's suffering. His approach to treating OCD has relied strongly on these principles for the last 30 years, as they are a natural fit with cognitive behavioral therapy. Register now...
IOCDF Conference
July 27 - 29 | Chicago
The conference will feature more than 100 presentations, workshops, and seminars, as well as nearly two dozen support groups. 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 who are willing to share their stories. Get the details and register...
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Affordable Care Act Spells Good News for Those Who Need Mental Health Care
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Americans with mental illness had good reason to celebrate when the Supreme Court upheld President Obama's Affordable Care Act. The law promises to give them something they have never had before: near-universal health insurance, not just for their medical problems but for psychiatric disorders as well.
One of the law's pillars is to forbid the exclusion of people with pre-existing illness from medical coverage. By definition, a vast majority of adults with a mental illness have a pre-existing disorder. Half of all serious psychiatric illnesses - including major depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse - start by 14 years of age, and three-fourths are present by 25. Read more...
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Filmmaker Turns Camera On Himself
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Soon after college, mental illness interrupted Bud Clayman's dreams of a filmmaking career. OCD and Asperger's Syndrome derailed his life for decades. Now, 30 years later, he's making "OC87," -- the movie of his life.
In this documentary, Clayman records his attempt to describe his conditions, confront them and learn to manage them. Read more...
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Good For the Body, Good For the Brain
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What's one of the easiest ways to start feeling better? Get some exercise! And you don't have to run marathons. According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, every little bit helps.
People who engaged in even a small amount of exercise reported better mental health than others who did none. Why does getting physical make us feel better? Read more...
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What the Numbers Tell Us
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In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2011, The School of Social Work at the University of Southern California created a powerful infographic that underscores the prevalence of brain disorders in our society. Its overriding message is this: you are not alone. The truth is, one in four adults will experience a mental disorder in any given year. View the infographic...
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What's In A Name? Plenty!
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OCD Chicago recently changed its name to Beyond OCD to better reflect its current scope and mission. I love the new name, as it conjures up a vision of moving past obsessive-compulsive disorder into a life of freedom not dictated by the illness.
Beyond OCD conveys hope, and to me, there's nothing more inspiring than that. This name change brings to light how powerful words can be. It works both ways, however, and, unfortunately, stigma has been wrapped around so many words for so long that it's hard to change the perceptions that many people have.
Read more...
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