Young Entrepreneur Creates App to Help People with OCD

NORTHBROOK - In 2014 Northbrook native Stephen Smith could barely leave the house as he struggled with severe symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a long-lasting mental health disorder, affecting millions of Americans, causing repeated thoughts and urges.

"My worst episodes never occurred when my doctor was with me, so when I needed help the most, I was always on my own," said Smith, a junior studying economics and Chinese at Pomona College.

Since 2014, Smith set his mind to help others with OCD. He and his business partner, Daniel Greenfeld of Denver, recently launched a mobile app called nOCD.

What sets this mobile and smartwatch app apart is the fact that it features real-time objective data, tracks OCD episodes, keeps users accountable to staying on track with their treatment, and allows doctors to give tailored treatment to their patients.

Smith and Greenfeld raised $80,000 in funding from private investors, found a medical advisor, and placed health entrepreneur Glenn Tullman, CEO of Livongo and Forbes magazine contributor, as a board member and advisor. 85 doctors in five countries are in the process of placing the app in their practice, according to Smith.

"This is definitely a calling," Smith said. "The motivation is that we are building something that is truly helping people who are suffering."

Board member Tullman got involved because he sees the potential to transform millions of lives.

“The future of health care is all about empowering consumers to take better care of themselves, and apps like nOCD are a perfect fit for enabling people when they feel an OCD episode coming on. They actually take charge and take control to better manage their own health,” says Tullman.

Read more via Chicago Tribune

Photo via Apple Store