Yes, Virginia, You Do Have OCD

Living With OCD, Miscellaneous, OCD Therapy

Earlier this month I attended the Second Annual Seacoast Anxiety Symposium, “the only educational event in the area focusing on the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders.” Sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center, the symposium brought together an array of OCD and anxiety experts from all over New England. Most of those experts were highly-trained clinicians and doctors. One of them, however, was an expert of a different variety. You see, Kate Brett knows about OCD because she lives with it.

Pure O Ain’t So Pure

OCD Subtypes, OCD Therapy

More than half of the clients who come to see me for treatment struggle with what many refer to, colloquially, as “Pure O,” or “Pure/Primarily Obsessional OCD.” The term “Pure O” is meant to describe a subtype of OCD that exists largely in one’s head with little to no obvious, outward compulsive behaviors. Many clients who present for help describe their symptoms as “anxiety” or “feeling like I just can’t shut my brain off.” Few clients, prior to receiving treatment, actually recognize their internal thought struggles as a form of OCD. In this post, I examine the OCD subtype of “Pure O” and suggest directions for treatment.

Film Review: My Kid Is Not Crazy

OCD Film & Book Reviews, OCD Subtypes, OCD Therapy

Last night, I was privileged to sit in the presence of some brave pioneers. If given the choice, I imagine they would opt to not be in this group. Yet, here they were. Parents of children afflicted with a devastating and mysterious condition known as PANDAS or PANS. Children and teens who have suffered for years with not only the brutal symptoms of the disorder….but the chronic failings of our health care industry and the skepticism and judgments of doctors and specialists. Yes, here they were. These brave pioneers.