OCD in our midst, often unrecognized

In an average elementary school there are likely five children suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In a medium to large high school, there are typically 20 students battling OCD. In a workplace of 500, there would be about five employees who have OCD, most likely hiding their symptoms from their colleagues.

OCD is in our community and our local residents should not feel ashamed or embarrassed. In most cases, OCD is a treatable disorder, however, studies show that people suffer unnecessarily for years because of lack of information and a shortage of therapists trained to properly diagnose and treat OCD.

This is an opportunity for Daily Herald readers to educate themselves about OCD and its treatment during the International OCD Foundation’s OCD Awareness Week, Oct. 11-16. The IOCDF helps people find treatment that will curtail suffering and allow them to lead more productive lives. It also funds research and provides support for OCD sufferers and the families and caregivers of OCD patients.

A variety of IOCDF resources can be found online at www.ocfoundation.org.

Susan Bacon

member, International OCD Foundation

Wheaton