About this episode
How well do we really understand the full spectrum of OCD? Many people—including professionals—struggle to recognize the various ways OCD can manifest beyond the commonly known themes.
In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova welcomes Dr. Kimberly Glazier Leonte, PhD and Dr. Jacquelin Gouniai, PsyD, LPC, co-founders of The OCD Academy. They introduce the OCD Awareness Scale, a new tool designed to bridge the gap in OCD education by providing a more comprehensive look at the disorder's many forms.
Dr. Leonte and Dr. Gouniai discuss their professional experiences with OCD, the challenges of misdiagnosis, and the importance of increasing awareness for individuals, loved ones, and professionals. Dr. Gouniai also shares about her personal experience with OCD. The conversation highlights how their research has led to a scale that not only validates individual experiences but also helps guide effective treatment.
Whether you're seeking to understand your own OCD, support a loved one, or improve clinical awareness, this episode provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of OCD research and treatment.
Tune in to discover how the OCD Awareness Scale can help uncover the hidden dimensions of OCD.
In This Episode:
[00:00:03] Introduction to the OCD Whisperer Podcast
[00:01:02] Meet the Guests: Dr. Kimberly Glazier Leonte & Dr. Jacquelin Gouniai
[00:02:16] Why OCD Is So Commonly Misdiagnosed
[00:03:45] The Role of Research in Expanding OCD Awareness
[00:05:32] What Is the OCD Awareness Scale?
[00:07:10] Breaking the Stigma: Recognizing Lesser-Known OCD Themes
[00:09:05] How the Scale Helps Individuals with OCD
[00:10:45] Using the Scale for Loved Ones and Caregivers
[00:12:25] How Clinicians Can Use the Scale for Better Diagnosis
[00:14:30] OCD in Children: Can Parents Use the Scale?
[00:16:00] Jacquelin's Personal Journey with OCD and Misdiagnosis
[00:18:20] The Global Need for OCD Education and Accessible Resources
[00:20:15] Where to Find the OCD Awareness Scale
[00:22:00] Final Thoughts and Resources for Listeners
Notable Quotes:
"OCD can really latch onto anything. One of our goals was to create a tool that truly represents the full range of OCD themes and examples, so more people can recognize themselves in it." – Dr. Kimberly Glazier Leonte
"If someone doesn’t see their symptoms listed in a standard assessment, they might think they don’t have OCD at al
