It takes an average of 14 to 17 years for people to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after they start experiencing symptoms. One of the reasons so many “suffer in silence” is the shame that cloaks their days, says Alexandra McNulty, a therapist in Baltimore who specializes in the condition, which is characterized by unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

“The challenge is that OCD is often filled with very distressing thoughts that go against someone’s values and morals,” she says. That could mean repeated thoughts about hurting themselves by jumping in front of traffic, committing a violent act like murder, or engaging in taboo sexual acts. “Because of that shame, people often don't feel comfortable explaining to folks, including their providers, what they're

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