Contamination fears and checking compulsions are just a couple of the OCD symptoms given attention on the HBO TV show “Girls.” Director, actress, and writer Lena Dunham takes her own struggle with OCD and works it into the show’s main character (Hannah) resulting in an honest portrayal of the disorder rarely seen on television.

Dunham delves into the details of her disorder and recovery in her new book: “Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s Learned.” One can hope that this kind of discussion will help bring the real experience of OCD sufferers to the attention of the public and break down the stereotypes and prejudices that many TV shows and books play a roll in perpetuating. Read more about Dunham and her new book.