Intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behavior are characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which affects one in every 100 young people. Many afflicted with OCD hide their symptoms and are unaware that they suffer from a treatable condition.

WHAT IS OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological disorder affecting 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children. The hallmark of OCD is the presence of recurrent, intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Common symptoms of OCD include contamination fears, excessive handwashing, horrific thoughts and images, and checking and counting rituals. These fears, phobias, and rituals can devastate a person's life. Related disorders frequently coexist with OCD, including depression, anxiety disorders, Tourette Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Current theories indicate that OCD is a biological disease, involving an imbalance of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical that sends impulses from one nerve cell to another. Medication may help correct this imbalance.

Although stress does not cause OCD, a stressful event like death of a loved one, birth of a child or divorce can trigger the onset of the disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is far more common than once thought. Research indicates that approximately 2-3% of adolescents in community samples are afflicted with OCD. In addition, OCD in adolescence has been associated with serious problems such as difficulties with peer relationships, isolation, substance use and abuse, and even suicide.

Often, young people have no idea that what they are experiencing is an illness. Their bizarre thoughts lead to behavioral habits such as Boothe's "ritual" in Red Light August that in turn lead to guilty feelings, deeper isolation and despair. The ultimate goal of filmmaker Jeff Gomez is to educate the public about OCD by creating films such as Red Light August.