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As part of our Lecture Series, we were honored to host a presentation by Christopher Pittenger, MD, PhD, director of the Yale OCD Research Clinic on June 3, 2025. Dr. Pittenger discussed his groundbreaking research on novel treatments for OCD, highlighting recent advancements in the field. His presentation also offered a comprehensive review of the foundational aspects of OCD, including treatment modalities and pharmacological interventions, with specific attention to emerging treatments like ketamine and psychedelics.

Dr. Pittenger, a renowned psychiatry researcher, is a leading figure in the field. He earned his MD and Ph.D. from Columbia University, where his graduate work was done with Nobel Prize recipient Eric Kandel. He then completed his residency and research training in psychiatry at Yale University, his undergraduate alma mater. By 2007, he became a faculty member at Yale and has since risen to the position of Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Psychiatry, with additional professorships in Psychology and the Child Study Center, also serving as Deputy Chair for Translational Research.

Dr. Pittenger’s research is dedicated to understanding the biological roots of mental illness, aiming to translate this knowledge into novel treatments. His work has extensively examined OCD and Tourette syndrome, focusing on the relevant brain circuitry. More recently, he co-founded the Yale Program for Psychedelic Science and the Yale Center for Brain and Mind Health. He has won a number of awards, including from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Society for Neuroscience, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and Chair of both their Grant Review Committee and their Annual Research Symposium Planning Committee. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Neurological Association.

The event took place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Cohen Auditorium located in the Yale Child Study Center, 230 S. Frontage Road NIHB E-02, New Haven, CT.

Dr. Pittenger’s website is https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/christopher-pittenger/.
The Yale OCD Research Clinic website is https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/ocd/.

This event has been recorded. Links to the recordings are below:

Video
Audio Only

Timmy Reen, a New York City firefighter, spent years concealing his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly his intense fear of contamination, from his colleagues. His rituals, such as wearing his oxygen mask longer, bringing his own bedding and cleaning supplies to the firehouse, and walking miles to work to avoid the subway’s perceived contamination, were viewed as quirks. After his shifts, he performed elaborate decontamination routines, including undressing outside and showering meticulously at home. While his colleagues saw him as a dependable firefighter, his family witnessed his growing isolation and the profound impact of his unseen struggles.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent vaccine mandate brought Reen’s hidden battle to a head. His overwhelming fear of permanent contamination from the vaccine led him to request an exemption, stating it would lead to suicide. This disclosure resulted in a contentious encounter with the Fire Department, a psychiatric evaluation, and ultimately the denial of his exemption. Forced to choose between his career and his debilitating O.C.D., Reen resigned after 20 years of service when the mandate was not lifted for him. Now retired and divorced, he lives a life of isolation, his every outing dictated by his contamination fears, a stark consequence of a disorder he had long tried to keep secret.

To read the entire article on The New York Times website, click here.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can be profoundly isolating, impacting emotional well-being and daily functioning. Yet with appropriate support and treatment, people with BDD can thrive.

Join the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation on Saturday, May 31, 2025, for the second annual Online BDD Conference — a vital virtual event dedicated to understanding and treating BDD, a serious and often misunderstood OCD-related disorder.

This conference will provide participants with the latest research, strategies for effective treatment, and a supportive community for those affected by BDD.

Why Attend?

• Understand BDD on a deeper level with expert insights into the nature, causes, and impact of this disorder.
• Explore effective, evidence-based treatment options that can help individuals with BDD live more fulfilling, productive lives.
• Gain practical tools for managing symptoms such as mirror checking, reassurance-seeking, and compulsive grooming.
• Hear from those with lived experience who will share their recovery journeys and from families and mental health professionals who understand the challenges and needs of people with BDD.
• Connect with a vibrant, supportive community committed to breaking the stigma surrounding BDD and providing hope for those affected.

This is your opportunity to be part of a movement that’s improving lives, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by BDD. Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward hope and healing!

The Online BDD Conference will be held online via Zoom for Healthcare, so you can attend in the comfort of your own home!

As part of our Lecture Series, we were honored to host a virtual Zoom event featuring a presentation by Tom Smalley, a National OCD Advocate, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Tom discussed the topic of OCD in sports.

Tom is the founder of Struggle into Strength Performance, LLC. He is a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Tom received his Master of Science in exercise and sports science from Merrimack College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Siena College.

Tom was diagnosed with OCD in 2014 at the age of 16 and, shortly after, became passionate about spreading awareness about what real OCD is. Tom was the recipient of the 2019 IOCDF Hero Award. He speaks at the annual International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) OCD conferences and schools around the Northeast. He has also appeared on a variety of blogs and podcasts.

In January 2021, Smalley became a Lead Advocate for the IOCDF and co-founded the Anxiety in Athletes initiative—a task force and online resource center with the help of the IOCDF in an effort to break the stigma around mental health in athletics.

Smalley has a strong passion for weightlifting and began competing in 2021, eight years after his mental health forced him to halt his athletic career. He is a USAW adaptive division 2x gold medalist.

This event has been recorded. Links to the recordings are below:

• Video
• Audio Only

For more information about Tom, you can visit his website at struggleintostrength.com.

Country singer Luke Combs, despite his immense public success, privately battles a challenging form of obsessive-compulsive disorder known as Pure O (A form of OCD where compulsions are primarily internal, mental rituals, rather than outward actions, like handwashing or checking, characterized by intrusive thoughts and crippling anxiety.) He describes experiencing a significant flare-up during his recent Australian tour, revealing that these thoughts are a daily struggle. Unlike typical OCD, his condition isn’t marked by visible compulsions, but rather an internal battle with unwanted, stressful thoughts.

Combs has learned to manage his Pure O, becoming “an expert” in navigating flare-ups, even while performing to massive crowds. He hopes his openness about his mental health will inspire others, demonstrating that success and personal struggles can coexist. He emphasizes that even superstars face challenges, and encourages those struggling to pursue their dreams. Combs’s relatable persona and genuine connection with his fans, along with his musical talent, contribute to his widespread popularity.

To read the entire article on the 60 Minutes Australia website, click here.

A global study found that only 6.9% of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders receive effective treatment, mainly due to a lack of recognition and inadequate care. Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School analyzed data from nearly 57,000 participants across 21 countries, revealing critical gaps in the treatment process. The biggest barrier is that many people do not recognize their need for help, and even those who seek medical care often do not receive adequate or effective treatment. The study highlights the need for better-trained general practitioners and evidence-based policy investments in mental health.

The research identified key drop-off points in the treatment process, showing that only 46.5% of those with a disorder recognized their need for care, and just 34.1% sought medical help. While 82.9% of those who did seek help received a minimum level of treatment, only 47% of them ultimately received effective care. These findings emphasize the need to train general practitioners in diagnosing and treating mild to moderate conditions and referring severe cases to specialists. The study provides a crucial evidence base to guide policy and funding decisions, helping policymakers target investments that improve access to effective mental health care worldwide.

To read the entire article on the SciTechDaily website, click here.

The Yale School of Medicine is conducting an OCD genetic study. The purpose of this study is to identify the genetic factors that cause OCD. This will greatly contribute to their understanding of OCD and may help develop new therapies in the future. This study requires participation from an individual with OCD and their biological parents, if possible. There is no age restriction to participate. The study can be done in-person or remotely, and participation will be compensated with a $100 Amazon gift card for a family or $30 for each individual. The Yale School of Medicine is not able to offer you a report of your genetic results because their studies are performed as research. Its research lab does not offer any treatment.

What do they need from you to participate?

1. Genetic Samples: They will obtain a blood sample and saliva sample for genetic analysis from the child and both parents. If a family member is unable to come to Yale University in person for a blood draw, they can send someone to your house to have this done at a convenient time for you.
2. Questionnaire: They will ask you to complete standardized questionnaires asking about how you and your child think, feel, and behave as well as questions about your medical and psychiatric history. These questionnaires can be completed from home, and they can assist with any questions or concerns.
3. Interview: Once you have completed the questionnaires and returned them to Yale, they will review them and set up a brief 15-20-minute phone call to review your responses.

The studies require participation from a child and both biological parents. Specifically, the Study Center is searching for families where the child (no age-restriction) is diagnosed with OCD/TS/Trichotillomania while the parents do not have the history. The studies can be done remotely and participation will be compensated with a $100 Amazon gift card for the family.

If you have further questions or are interested in participating in the study, please contact The Yale School of Medicine at findgenes@yale.edu, call them at (203)-677-0842, or use the following link to complete their study interest survey: https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a2z1a5YDogG154i.

Click here to complete the referral form to participate in this class.
Click here to download the study’s flyer.

Zane Gonzalez, kicker for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, lives with OCD, a condition that intertwines his daily routines and professional life. Whether it’s brushing his teeth, setting an alarm, or preparing for a high-stakes playoff kick, his life revolves around repetitive rituals that he cannot escape. These urges, like adjusting his socks and helmet repeatedly before a game, may seem odd or comical to others but are essential for him to feel “just right.” While OCD can be exhausting and isolating, Gonzalez channels its demands into his craft, treating every kick — from an extra point to a game-winning field goal — as a routine perfected through muscle memory and precise mental patterns.

For Gonzalez, OCD paradoxically helps calm his nerves during the most stressful moments of his career, such as his 37-yard playoff-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the visible quirks, which have now become a source of curiosity for teammates, Gonzalez’s ability to perform under pressure is nothing short of inspirational. Experts highlight how most OCD sufferers endure their struggles in private, making his openness and success remarkable. As Gonzalez prepares for another critical game on Sunday, January 26, 2025, with a potential Super Bowl berth on the line, his journey reflects the resilience required to live and thrive with OCD, turning a perceived limitation into a unique advantage.

To read the entire article on the Washington Post website, click here.