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

International OCD Foundation brings together patients, families, and world-renowned experts at
the Annual OCD Conference July 27-29, 2018.

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.

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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.

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Contact Information:
International OCD Foundation
Meghan Buco
617-973-5801
Contact via Email
www.iocdf.org

Online Version of Press Release:


You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/757654

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