Anxiety Disorders Assoc. of America Lauches New Educational Campaign about OCD

Jerilyn Ross, President and CEO, Anxiety Disorders Association of America Blair Simpson, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Background: More than 2 million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD) and millions more may be living untreated. “Treat It, Don’t Repeat It: Break Free From OCD,” is a new national public-education campaign from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) designed to educate people about the disorder and its symptoms, and encourage people who have OCD to seek treatment. A recent national survey commissioned by ADAA and conducted by Harris Interactive underlined the need for increased awareness of OCD. Specifically, the survey found that nearly 7 in 10 respondents said their OCD, if left untreated, negatively impacted their personal relationships as well as their ability to carry out normal daily activities and their level of satisfaction with their careers. However, most adults who are currently being treated report that treatment had a positive impact on the relationships in their lives. The “Treat It, Don’t Repeat It: Break Free From OCD,” public-education campaign will provide information about OCD, including how to recognize symptoms and how to discuss treatment options with a health care professional. The campaign includes several PSAs that feature Jerilyn Ross and other notable spokespersons Howie Mandel, a well-known actor and host of the popular game show “Deal or No Deal,” David Hoberman, co-creator and executive producer of the award-winning TV series Monk, and Tony Shalhoub, who plays a detective with OCD on the Monk. To learn more about OCD, download informational videos featuring experts who treat OCD, view the campaign PSAs, order free educational materials, and hear from people who are recovering from OCD, please visit http://www.treatocd.org Sponsor: Anxiety Disorders Association More About ADAA The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders. ADAA offers free educational information and resources about anxiety disorders, local treatment providers, self-help groups, self-tests, clinical trials and more. ADAA promotes the message that anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable.