It’s one of those abbreviations that gets tossed around freely in conversation, but OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a chronic, long-lasting disorder that plagues many people with uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and causes them to repeat behaviors over and over again just to get through the day.
To help people understand OCD, Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living is offering a free talk Oct. 25 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Blue Back Square in West Hartford that will cover the reasons why some people struggle with OCD, the biology behind the disorder and the best treatment options. Entitled “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Understanding It and Getting Help,” the talk will feature David Tolin, PhD, director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living.
“People oversimplify OCD, using it as a term to describe someone who is extremely clean and organized,” Dr. Tolin says. “That may be true, but it is more extreme than that, to the point where the obsessions or uncontrollable thoughts and compulsions become very debilitating.”
People with OCD, he explains, are often compelled to do tasks such as washing their hands repeatedly, counting things and checking over and over to see if a door has been locked or a light turned off. The uncontrollable activities can take hours each day and can lead to severe anxiety, depression and an increased risk of suicide.
“We have several ways to help people with OCD, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medications,” says Dr. Tolin. “Often we recommend a combination of the two for the greatest effect.”
Registration for the talk is requested. To register, call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).