Surprisingly, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common psychiatric anxiety disorder. For the longest time, it was regarded as a rare condition until a study revealed that one in every 30 adults and one in every 100 children suffer from this disorder. Today in the United States alone, about seven million people live with OCD. Aside from its prevalence, its tremendous effects on the quality of life of its patients are also alarming. OCD patients cannot live their lives the way they should because the disorder interferes with their work, personal relationships and social environment. For these reasons, many individuals have decided to group together and set up foundations that aim to promote social awareness and education about OCD.
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF)
The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation is an international non-profit organization composed of people with OCD and related disorders. Other members include friends and families of patients, professionals and other concerned individuals. It was founded in 1986 by a group of OCD sufferers who wished to educate the public and promote awareness of OCD and related conditions; to offer assistance to individuals suffering from OCD; and to support research that can provide more information and better understanding of the disorder’s possible causes and effective treatments. The foundation publishes bi-monthly newsletters, sets up conferences and gives away research awards. It also organizes support groups all over the globe.
Awareness Foundation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (AFOCD)
The Awareness Foundation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder believes that understanding and hope are two powerful medicines in dealing with OCD. Founded in 1997, this non-profit foundation’s mission is to educate the public about the disorder through various lectures, emails, books and films.
Anxiety Disorders Foundation (ADF)
Established in the fall of 2002, the Anxiety Disorders Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from various anxiety disorders including OCD. The goal of the organization is to increase the number of OCD patients who receive effective treatment by funding treatment for sufferers who cannot afford it and funding training for practitioners in the field of mental health care. It also promotes public awareness and education about the disorder.