World’s Largest Resource for OCD Comes to Washington D.C.

Washington, DC, June 25, 2018 --(PR.com)-- More than 1,800 people will attend the International OCD Foundation's 25th Annual OCD Conference, which will be held this summer in Washington D.C. Running July 27 - 29 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, the OCD Conference is the world's largest event dedicated to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, including hoarding disorder (HD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

OCD is a highly stigmatized and misunderstood condition and many of those affected lack adequate resources. It’s estimated that 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 200 children live with OCD. Despite its prevalence, OCD is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media as a personality quirk or helpful trait that keeps people organized. In reality, OCD is debilitating and severely impacts those living with the disorder, as well as their friends and family. OCD can be treated using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or medication; however, it takes the average person 14 to 17 years from the onset of OCD symptoms to access effective treatment. Common barriers to treatment include lack of awareness, inadequate resources, and fear of stigma surrounding mental health disorders.

The Annual OCD Conference provides a place for the OCD community to share the latest news and research, as well as to find support and inspiration. The Conference features more than 100 presentations, workshops, and evening activities, as well as nearly two-dozen support groups. Presenters include some of the most experienced and knowledgeable clinicians and researchers in the field, as well as individuals with OCD and family members who graciously share their stories.

The International OCD Foundation has announced that renowned physician Dr. Drew Pinsky, commonly known as Dr. Drew, will be giving the Keynote address at the Conference this year. Dr. Drew’s keynote will focus on stigma reduction and advocacy as it relates to discussing mental health issues in the public sphere. This is an especially timely and relevant topic for the OCD community. The 2018 keynote address is made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Peace of Mind Foundation.

In addition to the keynote, each year the Annual OCD Conference recognizes the many advocates, experts, and other passionate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the OCD community over the years.

TV personality Marc Summers will receive the IOCDF illumination Award, an accolade given annually to influencers whose work accurately and respectfully represents OCD and related disorders in an effort to raise awareness and understanding.

The IOCDF Outstanding Career Achievement Award will be awarded to Judith Rapoport, MD, whose decades-long research program focused on diagnosis in child psychiatry, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Alec C. Pollard will receive the IOCDF Service Award. Alec’s leadership as Clinical Director of the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) has helped the Foundation train over 1,500 clinicians in evidence-based treatments for OCD.

Stuart Ralph will receive the IOCDF Hero Award, which recognizes an individual who has stood out as a particularly effective advocate for OCD and related disorders. Stuart is the founder of The OCD Stories podcast, a weekly show that offers hope and inspiration to those affected by OCD.

Registration for the conference is open to all and continuing education credits are available to qualified professionals. For more information and to register, visit ocd2018.org or call (617) 973-5801.