The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) recently released the largest U.S. analysis to date on how obsessive–compulsive disorder is identified and treated. The findings are stark. Although up to 10 million Americans are likely living with OCD, only about one in six ever receive a diagnosis, and 95 percent do not receive the most effective treatment. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is considered the gold standard therapy, appeared in only 2 percent of patient records. These gaps show up at every stage of care: screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment.
The encouraging news is that people who do receive ERP and other evidence-based care often experience significant improvement in daily functioning, stability, and quality of life. To help close the gap, IOCDF recommends routine screening across healthcare settings, increased clinician training in OCD diagnosis and ERP delivery, stronger adherence to treatment guidelines, better access and affordability, and broader public education about what OCD is and the fact that it is treatable.
To explore the full data and recommendations, you can read the IOCDF report here:
https://iocdf.org/ocdcarecrisis/
If you or someone you care about is struggling with OCD symptoms, Milestone Counseling provides evidence-based treatment options including ERP and I-CBT, both in person and through telehealth. Contact us to learn more.