This chapter explores the nuanced presentation of OCD symptoms, emphasizing the challenge of accurate diagnosis due to varying disclosure patterns. It also highlights the importance of clinician education and the ongoing efforts to improve OCD understanding and treatment.
306. The Truth of OCD: Therapist Alegra Kastens on Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Therapist Alegra Kastens shares the truth about her lived experience with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that is vital for all of us to understand. Detailing her own struggle, and work as an OCD specialist, Alegra helps demystify the relentless cycle of ego-dystonic, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsions that define this often-misunderstood and under-diagnosed disorder – sharing why so many people have OCD and do not know it, and ways to support people with OCD without enabling and reinforcing the compulsions.
CW: Discussion of intrusive sexual and violent thoughts as well as suicidal ideation.
About Alegra:
Alegra Kastens is a licensed therapist, OCD specialist, writer, and the founder of the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders in New York City. Fueled by lived experience with a lesser-known manifestation of OCD, education and advocacy about OCD are at the forefront of her career.
IG: @AlegraKastens
TikTok: @AlegraKastens
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