Listed
amongst the top 10 most debilitating illnesses by the World Health Organisation
in terms of loss of income and decreased quality of life, Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder is thought to affect 2-3% of the UK population.
OCD-UK is unique in being an OCD charity that is completely service user led, a charity run by sufferers, for sufferers!
It is our belief that everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder should receive the most appropriate and the highest quality standards of care, support and treatment.
Our objective is to make a positive and meaningful difference in the everyday lives of people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, by providing accessible and effective support services and by campaigning for improved access and quality treatment and care for people with OCD. We believe it is vital that every person affected by OCD receives the highest quality of treatment and care that they are entitled to and deserve.
We facilitate a safe environment for people affected by OCD to communicate with each other and provide mutual understanding and support.
How can you help make a positive difference to sufferers' lives? By making a donation (every penny really makes a difference), or you can help by joining OCD-UK, which will help us achieve our goals and make a real difference to the lives of people affected by OCD.
There are a number of easy ways that you can donate to OCD-UK, details of which are listed on our donation page.
Please support our important work by becoming a member today.
OCD-UK News
Corrie Star Attending OCD-UK Conference
Event Date: Saturday 4th December, Cambridge.
As the latest love interest of Corrie maneating Liz McDonald, tough-talking businessman Owen Armstrong is set to ruffle a few hair extensions on Corrie over the coming months as both Liz and Eileen fall head over heels for his cheeky charm.
But the actor that plays him, Ian Puleston-Davies, 51, has suffered with OCD since childhood, although like many of us was only diagnosed 15 years ago.
Whilst other cast members take most scenes and socialising for granted, Ian has to work hard to get through those same daily events, something I am sure we can all relate to.
Ian who also wrote the ITV comedy drama Dirty, Filthy, Love, will be attending our conference in Cambridge to share his experiences of living with OCD.
Ian recently spoke to the Mirror about his OCD. He says: "I worry I'm going to cut my lip or chip my teeth on the glass, so that damn pint glass in the Rovers is always going to leave me susceptible to an OCD attack.
Ian admits that his OCD can also affect him socially, with everyday activities fraught with difficulties. He says: "A couple of the Corrie cast have suggested we go for lunch and I've had to make an excuse, because I prefer to eat on my own. I'm worried about sitting down, because I'm worried that I'll crack my coccyx. Then I'll examine the knives and forks to see if they're clean and I'll check my jaw to see if I can open it freely without breaking it. It can be exhausting."
Book Cambridge Conference Tickets | Mirror Story about Ian (External Link)
OCD Research
Research into the experience of living with someone with OCD
Do you live with someone with OCD?
OCD-UK are supporting Stephanie Fitzgerald (trainee Clinical Psychologist) in new important research aimed at furthering improvement into the support offered to those that live with someone with OCD.
OCD doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed but also those around them. Whilst much research has focused on the individual with OCD, Stephanie is looking for participants who would be willing to talk to her about their experiences of living with someone with OCD.
Click here to read more about this research, or email Stephanie directly if you wish to become involved.
OCD-UK News
Our Latest Edition ofCompulsive Reading
The latest edition of our magazine Compulsive Reading was published this month.
Published four times a year and sent to all OCD-UK members, our magazine provides a great mix of community content, OCD related news and stories.
The July edition is once again an A4 sized, 20 page full colour magazine including exclusive content not published online.
OCD-UK members should have already received their copies free of charge, and non-members can now purchase a copy from our online shop.
OCD-UK Event
OCD-UK Annual Conference - Cambridge
“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never in nothing, great or small, never give in.” - Sir Winston Churchill
An OCD-UK Conference of education, guidance and inspiration
Event Date: Saturday 4th December, Cambridge.
"Let us go forward together with our united strength" - Sir Winston Churchill
Our 2010 conference takes place in Cambridge on Saturday 4th December in the Churchill College, the true home for inspiration. As sufferers we know only too well what it is like to feel besieged and needing guidance and inspiration to break out of our besieged mind, and our intent is to provide that through this conference.
We are delighted to announce the date for our annual conference will be Saturday 4th December 2010.
Once again OCD-UK are keen to reinforce our commitment to take our conferences around the country. So this year we will be in the East of England in Cambridge.
Three confirmed speakers already are three leading OCD experts and, more importantly, three passionate, entertaining and caring health professionals - Dr Adam Radomsky, Associate Professor in the Dept of Psychology at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, always an entertaining speaker. From closer to home, Prof Roz Shafran from the University of Reading and Stephanie Fitzgerald, a trainee clinical psychologist and OCD specialist.
Contact us to register your interest in attending and to be sent more information once the conference agenda is confirmed or click here to book your tickets.
Book Tickets for our Cambridge Conference
OCD-UK News
Fantastic Fundraisers - British 10K on Sunday
Pictured above are just some of the fantastic OCD-UK fundraisers who, despite the soaring temperatures, joined 25,000 other charity runners and ran for OCD-UK during yesterday's British 10K around the streets of our capital.
In total we had 17 people representing OCD-UK, and between them they have already raised over £4000. Please contact us if you want to be part of the 2011 British 10K team. Every penny raised allows OCD-UK to provide an independent voice for people with OCD, and to lobby the Dept of Health on your behalf, free of conflicted interests. It also allows us to host conferences in schools for parents, to educate them about mental health in young people. Our last schools conference had over 200 parents in attendance.
You can still sponsor them by clicking any of their fundraising pages below.
- Annelise- Ashley
- Faye
- Harri
- Jen
- Julie
- Lisa
- Sam
- Stuart
- Victoria
- Vivien
OCD-UK Event
Children with OCD Support Group and Event
OCD-UK are working towards another innovative first, the launch of Family Support groups for Children with OCD and their parents. Initially we want to facilitate two support groups this year, where young people and their parents can come along, the groups will be split into younger children, teens and parents and provide people with the opportunity to share experiences, and learn and understand more about OCD in a fun, positive and proactively facilitated support group.
If you may be interested in attending such a support group, please email us with your name, children's ages and location which will allow us to make best efforts to fund a location that works for the majority.
We are also busy planning our fourth fun day out for children with OCD and their parents, 'Exploring London' on Saturday 4th September from midday until 5pm and will provide both the children and their parents the opportunity to meet with others in a fun, friendly environment, a day of fun and learning. We will start with a picnic (or McDonald's depending on the weather) on Jubilee Park next to the London Eye.
After lunch we will hop on the London Eye to explore London from the Sky, after which we will jump on a boat and explore London by the river bringing our day to an end near the Tower of London for those that wish to explore this famous London landmark. Please do email us if this trip may be of interest.
We were also delighted to receive this fantastically positive poster from 13 year old Eva, showing her 'OCD bully' and her message to it.
Although Eva is still fighting her own OCD bully, she took the time and trouble to create this poster to help other young people affected by the illness.
Thank you Eva.
Contact us to register your interest in attending and to be sent more information once the events are confirmed.
Support Forum for Young People | Support Forum for Parent's
OCD News
Josie And The Lovecats - New EP and OCD Songs
We are going to take the unusual step of promoting a band and their new EP released today on iTunes.
Called My Heart's An Idiot by Josie And The Lovecats, the EP features two OCD related songs.
Some of you may remember earlier in the year, composer, Simon Dobson cut off 10 year's worth of dreadlocks and raised over £2500 for OCD-UK. Simon's brother-in-law, George, the band's drummer, suffers with both OCD and BDD and is currently unable to perform because of the illness. His sister, Jo also sings in the band. Their debut single due to be released in July, called 'Brother', ' is about George's illness. The EP also features 'The OCD Song' (explicit language).
Read our discussion forum for more details and to hear from the band about their OCD Song. We hope to host a fundraising gig with the band later in the year.
We hope you enjoy the tracks as much as we did and we wish George well on his road to recovery.
My Heart's an Idiot on iTunes | OCD-UK Forum Discussion
OCD-UK Event
An Audience with Professor Paul Salkovskis
Ticket Booking Now Available.
Event Date: Friday 20th August 2010, Edinburgh.
Once again OCD-UK are delighted to host one of our popular 'Audience with' events, this time with world renowned OCD expert, Professor Paul Salkovskis.
We are bringing our latest event North of the border to Edinburgh city centre on Friday 20th August.
Our event will take place at The Ramada Edinburgh Mount Royal Hotel, just opposite the main Edinburgh Waverley railway station.
The 'Audience with' events take two forms. Firstly, a keynote lecture by the expert, and following a break, a Q+A session allowing you the opportunity to uniquely quiz one of the leading OCD experts. To make these events work we keep the audience numbers low. So you are advised to register your interest in attending early.
To book your event tickets, click here. Ticket prices are £20.00 for OCD-UK Members and £25 for non-members.
Prof Salkovskis Webchat | Book Tickets
OCD-UK News
Linda and Lisa sign up to run for OCD-UK
Event Date: Sunday 5th September 2010
OCD-UK are delighted to welcome Dr Linda Papadopoulos (left) and friend, model and TV presenter Lisa Butcher (right) to the ranks of people running for OCD-UK in 2010.
Every year, OCD-UK have a number of ladies that put on their running shoes and take part in the fabulous Women's 5k Challenge around Hyde Park in London in aid of OCD-UK, and this year includes Linda and Lisa.
Linda and Lisa, who first met a few years ago when they were both recording a radio campaign for Fairy Liquid of all things, have again teamed up for OCD-UK and will both represent OCD-UK in the Women's 5k Challenge in September and will even meet with fellow OCD-UK runners before the run.
To readers of our own magazine, Dr Linda Papadopoulos takes no introduction. Linda is one of the most well-known and respected psychologists in the UK. Initially known by the public for her regular appearances and commentary on the television phenomenon Big Brother, Dr. Linda has also provided professional psychological commentary for numerous British television and radio programs such as GMTV, The Wright Stuff, Newsround and LK Today. She is also Cosmopolitan magazine’s resident psychologist and a contributing editor, but she also writes a hugely-popular monthly column and interviews celebrities for the magazine’s celebrity-feature articles
Lisa Butcher is a former model and TV presenter and has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harpers and Queen and Tatler. She has also appeared in numerous commercials, most notably for Max Factor, Olympus Cameras, Vision Express, Lancaster, Vidal Sassoon, Pirelli, Clarion mascara and Onebiol moisturiser. She first appeared on TV with an appearance on The Big Breakfast alongside Chris Evans. Due to her demanding schedule as one of the world top models, she shelved her TV career until she appeared, some years later, as the host for Living TV's Britain's Next Top Model, and later along with her friend, the singer Mica Paris, as they presented the BBC1 fashion show What Not to Wear. Lisa is currently a designer and ambassador for tall-fashion specialist, Long Tall Sally.
So ladies, join them to help support OCD-UK by taking part in the Women's 5k Challenge on Sunday 5th September in Hyde Park, London.
Women's 5k Application Form (Microsoft Word Document)
OCD-UK Members Event
Bringing People Together - Camping Weekend
18th-20th June and 10th-12th Sept 2010
OCD-UK volunteer Stephen is organising two camping weekends this year.
These are open to any adult OCD-UK member, and accompanying family and friends. You don't have to camp as B&B accommodation is always available nearby.
The weekends offer great opportunity for people with OCD to come together in a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and maybe even challenge their OCD during the weekend!
This year's dates are: Fri 18th to Sun 20th June at Chapeltown, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire. and Fri 10th to Sun 12th September in Mid Wales, North Wales or Shropshire (site yet to be selected).
For full details please see the Members Only Area of the OCD-UK Bulletin Board at www.ocdforums.org (you need to be logged in as an OCD-UK member to view) or contact Stephen via his OCD-UK support group email address.
OCD-UK News
Involvement Through Photography
OCD-UK are launching a photographic fair for people affected by OCD.
We want to get children and adults with OCD exploring life a little differently to help them see the beauty of life through the focus of a camera lens, and to challenge the feelings and thoughts of pain and despair that this insidious illness often makes us feel on a daily basis.
We want everyone with OCD to get involved, photographer or not. If you have access to a camera then get involved – you may surprise yourself!
Hopefully it will also be an opportunity for you to participate in something that may help you refocus on the life around you rather than the daily struggle for life inside your head.
This is not a competition as such as our aim is for the OCD community to get involved for themselves, rather than to feel they must achieve specific standards of competition photography.
We are not necessarily looking for fantastic photographic technical skills – all pictures will be welcome, we want people of all photography abilities to get snapping away, this project is all about being involved and taking part.
To participate, you can upload your images through Facebook or Flickr both of which are free to register for and use, or you can simply email us your photos. To find out more and review the 'themes' for the coming month, visit our forum page here.
Upload via Facebook | Upload via Flickr | Email Photos
OCD-UK News
Find us on Facebook
Stay in touch with all the news and information from OCD-UK by becoming a fan of our Facebook page.
Click here to visit the OCD-UK Facebook page and click the 'like' button to register for OCD-UK updates.
OCD-UK News
Poets Needed -
What Does OCD Feel Like?
OCD-UK would like to hear from those of you that are affected by OCD who have a poetic bent and would like to share with us in a poem how their OCD makes them actually ‘feel’. What does your OCD feel like?
The poem could be emotional, sad, witty or in whatever mood you would like to express yourself about your own particular OCD. Poetry can be a very successful medium of expression about subjects that may be difficult to portray in other formats. It can throw a light, strike a chord or suddenly depict in words what we all may be experiencing in our heads.
This is a an opportunity for those of you who find poetry compelling to let us know the emotions that are within you regarding your OCD. The poems can be in any format – epics and Saxon Rhunes excluded! – and can be entered anonymously if you prefer.
We also hope to use some of your poems within our OCD training to try and show to health professionals just how OCD makes us feel, to try and offer a unique insight that is not found within text books.
We will also publish some of the entries on our website in due course, and within our quarterly magazine and other literature. We are also hoping to perhaps use these illuminating poems to collate a book of poems to highlight what it can be like to have OCD. This book would be very beneficial in terms of showing the uninitiated what OCD actually feels like, as well as a useful tool in training to give potential therapists or volunteer helpers, who don’t suffer from the condition, a first hand insight into how OCD can affect someone’s state of mind.
You never know, this may be your chance to bring your poetic talent out from behind that bushel. It may also help others to see that they are not alone and are going through the same trials and tribulations that OCD can cause but who find it hard to translate their feelings into words.
This is not a competition as such, but all published entries will receive a copy of the publication their poem appears in, but we may even look to find a prize for that star poem!
Please send your poems to office@ocduk.org (please state your age if you're under 16).
By the submission of a poem, it is understood that OCD-UK will be able to use the poem as we think fit. However, poems can be submitted anonymously or with name attached.
OCD News
Prof Salkovskis to join University of Bath
Exciting news for OCD-UK patron, and leading OCD expert, Professor Paul Salkovskis, who is set to leave his position at the institute of Psychiatry later this year to take up a new role as programme director of the Doctorate programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath.
Paul excitingly told us that he will be able to recruit his own team and their aim will be to develop an innovative programme of research and training in Clinical Psychology which will be of the highest quality. Perhaps most importantly for us it will see the creation of a new specialist centre for the treatment of Anxiety to benefit the people of Bath and the South West.
The Maudsley Hospital Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma will continue to provide treatment to people with OCD and other Anxiety disorders.
OCD-UK wish our friend Paul the very best of luck with his new and exciting project and look forward to continuing our long working partnership with Paul.
Research Pages | Official Press Release (External Link)
OCD Resource
New Central Tunbridge Wells Support Group
The new Central Tunbridge Wells OCD Support Group has now been confirmed to begin on Wednesday 21st April 2010 at 7pm.
The new group is open to people affected by this debilitating illness, be they sufferers, family members or friends and is facilitated and funded by OCD-UK.
The group will also feature regular guest speakers.
Click here for full dates and directions to this new resource for the OCD community.
Support Groups | Tunbridge Wells OCD Support Group
OCD News
OCD 'Bully' Sculpture Unveiled
 |
Earlier today, world renowned OCD expert Stanley Rachman had the honour of unveiling a statue depicting an 'OCD Bully' at the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit of the Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The 'OCD Bully' sculpture was the idea of the team at the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit led by Dr David Veale and has a more practical purpose in allowing OCD sufferers to deposit their OCD safety objects.
Visit the 'OCD bully' news page to read more about the sculpture's purpose, and to see pictures.
OCD Resource
Finding A Therapist
With a myriad of OCD treatments available and online offers of quick fix cures for OCD, following news that the BBC found that even a cat is able to be registered with regulation bodies of hypnotherapists, we decided to take a look at what people can do when trying to find a therapist privately.
This article offers guidance on choosing the right therapist and advice on maintaining the therapeutic relationship when things go wrong, and can be applied to both private and NHS therapists.
Click here to read our advice for Finding A Therapist.
Treatments | Finding A Therapist
OCD-UK News
Partnership Working
During 2009, OCD-UK has continued to work closely in partnership with other organisations whose objectives and philosophies closely mirror our own, and we are always open to new partnership workings. One such example being the Eva B Foundation who have been amazingly supportive towards OCD-UK, and whose own work we supported in their efforts to raise the profile of Pure O in their home town of Reading, Berkshire.
At the start of this year, another charity approached us with a view to merging and creating a large scale anxiety charity. The OCD-UK management committee and Chief Executive spent a lot of time investigating whether the merger was a viable option for OCD-UK and if the principles and philosophies that we have founded our charity on can be met by such a move. After hours of phone calls and research, the OCD-UK management committee made a decision that a merger wasn’t necessary for OCD-UK to continue delivering the innovative and unique projects that we have delivered for people affected by OCD over the past 5 years since our formation in 2004. Most importantly, we felt that the OCD community is best served by a service-user led voice that can be truly independent and representative for people affected by OCD and that our ability to work independently and maintain the fantastic and wonderful community that OCD-UK has become would be lost by such a merger.
The OCD-UK management committee have made it clear that we have not closed the door permanently but, for the moment we are confident that we are delivering projects for the OCD community of a high standard and that we wish to focus on continuing to deliver our projects and ensuring that we can provide an independent choice and voice for anyone affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Resource
NEW: Parents' Guide to OCD
OCD-UK are delighted to announce our new OCD resource, a guide for parents whose younger children (and teens) have OCD.
This contemporary and fresh looking guide uses family friendly illustrations, allowing this guide to be used as a demonstration aid by parents as a tool in family discussions.
The booklet is available to download now, click here to open the PDF (5.51 MB). We would also be happy to post you a copy of the guide - all we ask is you send an A5 sized regular SAE to help cover the postage costs.
OCD-UK want to thank all our volunteers that contributed in writing, designing and proof reading our booklet. All our volunteers have been affected by OCD themselves, and the booklet is a real tribute to the OCD community supporting each other.
Download Parent's OCD Guide (5.51 MB)
OCD-UK News
OCD-UK on Virgin Money Giving
OCD-UK has a new fundraising tool!
We have signed up with Virgin Money Giving to help our fundraisers create online sponsorship pages, making fundraising even easier.
Virgin Money Giving is a new service provided by the Virgin Money Group to help registered charities.
Launch OCD-UK on Virgin Money Giving
Resource
Helping You To Understand 'Pure-O'
This 'Understanding Pure-O' guide may help you further understand this often misunderstood form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
A huge thank you to Scott for compiling this brilliant guide to Pure-O.
Launch the PDF guide to Pure-O
July 27, 2009
You're doing a wonderful thing here...Thank you
Just one of the comments from an attendee of the first ever OCD conference specifically for the family, friends and carers of people with OCD, held in Reading on Saturday (25th July).
Key OCD experts spoke and, with the audience, explored the extent of the impact and the problems faced by those that care for people with OCD.
What came from this event was the need for more such events for carers and OCD-UK will be exploring those possibilities in the coming weeks.
Read Full Press Release | Full Conference and Agenda Details
July 20, 2008
Research Policy and Opportunities
OCD-UK value the importance of clinical research aimed at furthering the understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety illnesses.
Each year we receive dozens of requests for our members to take part in various studies, but OCD-UK have a very stringent policy in listing research requests, in order to protect our members' rights, dignity, well-being, very valuable time and, of course safety.
Therefore, OCD-UK will only ever list those research projects that have received NHS ethical approval (please note this differs to university ethical bodies) and which our research panel feels will make a significant difference, without carrying any potential risk to our members.
OCD-UK believe our policy on listing research requests ensures our members and community can have confidence in participation. The research we take such care to list will only be beneficial with the support of participants. So, if you are able to help, please do spare a few minutes of your time to browse the research opportunities.
Full information for open research requests are on our website here.
Research Pages | Latest Research Request
June 7, 2009
OCD-UK Criticise MP Sir Gerald Kaufman
OCD-UK has today issued a press release criticising Veteran Labour MP Sir Gerald Kaufman for using Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as an excuse for, by his own admission, ‘bizarre and daft’ MP expense claims.
March 29, 2009
OCD Guide for Young People - Brand New
OCD-UK are delighted to announce the release of a brand new OCD information guide, written specifically for young people.
The project was completed with the support and dedication of a team of OCD-UK volunteers who wrote, designed and produced this booklet. We are also indebted to Dr Victoria Bream and the team from the National Service for Young People with OCD and Related Disorders from the Children’s department of the Maudsley Hospital in London, all of whom supported our project.
With the support of 'Awards for All', we are able to print 10,000 of these booklets, which will be distributed to schools, universities, CAMHS, OCD clinics and many other outlets.
You can view and download the booklet by clicking the image above. Alternatively, you can receive a copy by sending a DL sized SAE to OCD-UK. If you would like to distribute multiple copies around your community, please contact us directly.
We hope this booklet helps educate and support the younger members of our community.
OCD guide for Young People | OCD guide for Younger Children
March 6, 2009
Introductory Overview of the Four Steps for OCD
The best selling OCD self-help book Brain Lock has been popular with the OCD community for many years.
This introductory video is aimed at complementing the book and was filmed live in London on 9th October 2006 (running time of 34 minutes).
Watch the Four Steps video | Buy a copy of Brain Lock
September 2nd, 2008
OCD Guide for Young Children
The first stage of our awareness and education booklets for young people and their families is now complete. Our OCD Kids' booklet and website are aimed at very young children and uses our cartoon characters, Jolly and Grump, to help explain what OCD is.
The booklets will be available by early next month. Parents can request copies of the booklet completely free of charge by sending an A4 size SAE (large letter stamp).
To compliment the booklet, we have created a website at www.ocdkids.org. The website and booklet are designed so that parents can talk through the illness with their children.
August 9, 2008
Raise Funds for OCD-UK When You Shop Online
Just a reminder that when shopping online for anything from books, dvds, flowers, insurance even holidays, please do so through the Easyfundraising website. By doing so (at no cost to yourself), your purchase, which you were making anyway, will earn OCD-UK a free donation. Remember, it is totally FREE to you - it costs you nothing other than 2 or 3 extra mouse clicks to go to your chosen retailer through the Easyfundraising website.
Easyfundraising have now added high street giants Argos and Boots to their website. So, when buying anything online from Argos or Boots be sure to use this link to navigate to their websites.
So far we have earned over £450 in donations through your support. So, thank you and carry on shopping. Read more...
P.S. If you register before the end of September (again free to do so) you will be entered in a prize draw for a luxury hamper.
February 19th, 2008
Understanding OCD
The following PowerPoint presentation was created by OCD-UK volunteer, Scott Wigglesworth and was created in order to try and explain what OCD is It may be suitable for family, friends, carers of OCD sufferers and some health professionals trying to get a better understanding of the illness.
To view the presentation, you will need PowerPoint installed on your PC and click each slide to progress to the next slide. View the slideshow or to view a PDF of the presention click here.
View the PowerPoint presentation | View PDF of the presentation
July 21, 2006
What do I say?
One problem that we see frequently is the difficult task of actually
telling your GP what is troubling you. So often we see the same worries,
'What do I say', 'I get to the Doctors and skirt around the real issues',
'I don't know where to start', 'I'm too 
embarrassed
to say', 'It's so hard to tell my Doctor'.
Often, it is that opening sentence that is the hardest to say. So, to help with such problems, we have put together a single, printable information sheet that can simply be handed to your GP. Hopefully, this will break the ice and allow your GP to ask the necessary questions that will enable them to correctly diagnose and offer the best available treatment.
The form can be downloaded completely free of charge or available upon request with a SAE.
Well done Caramoole and Scott for this idea and following the project through to competition... by sufferers, for sufferers.
Download the What Do I Say GP sheet.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Often
referred to as the secret illness, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
is a condition where a person will experience repetitive, intrusive and
unwelcome thoughts (the obsessions), which will usually cause the person
to carry out repetitive behaviours (the compulsions) in a vain attempt
to relieve themselves of the obsessions.
Sufferers are plagued by persistent, recurring thoughts about feared situations (obsessions), which they attempt to fight with mental or physical rituals, excessive repetition of actions, washing, checking or counting, or agonised ruminations (compulsions).
Common obsessions include fears around contamination, causing harm to one's self or others, inappropriate sexual thoughts, hypochondria and 'unlucky' numbers.
Most sufferers are actually aware that their fears and behaviour
are irrational but feel unable to control them.
Full detailed description of OCD | Related Disorders | Treatments
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