OCD-UK is the leading national charity, independently working with and for people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

OCD can cause a person to  be depressed.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.



Less than 7p per day to become a member of OCD-UK!
It costs less than 7p per day to support our work by becoming a member of OCD-UK

Please support our important work by becoming a member today.

 

 

OCD-UK News

Fantastic Fundraisers - £20k Challenge

Added 29th January 2010

OCD-UK LogoAs OCD-UK members will have read in their latest edition of our magazine, Compulsive Reading, on a minimal budget our team worked hard through 2009 providing support to the OCD community, and pioneering new initiative projects. Our ability to continue providing such work as been totally reliant on our core members regular donations, and their fantastic fundraising efforts.

For 2010 we want to push that even more and have set a target of raising £20,000 from additional fundraising events which will help secure the charities future through to 2012, allowing us a little financial stability, and the opportunity to develop our work for the OCD community further.

It may only be January, but our fantastic fundraiser's have already raised over 10% of that target with some exceptional ideas from Scousers dressing as Scousers! to beard growing to the opposite extreme of cutting of 10 year's worth of dreadlocks. From two wheeled cycle rides to two footed marathon efforts of those running in Paris and London, and running events of varying levels across the whole of the UK.

The effort and money you raise from £10 to £2000 will work towards this combined team target, which will aid the entire OCD community so if you want to get involved - from card making to running marathons, check our A-Z of fundraising ideas.

Thank you to everyone who have supported OCD-UK, people who donate to people who fundraise, we are only here because of you!

A-Z of Fundraising | Fundraising Events

 

OCD Research

Attitudes to Parenthood

Added 28th January 2010

Researchers from the Centre for Anxiety Disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry under Professor Paul Salkovskis are carrying out a study exploring beliefs about having children in the context of an anxiety problem.  They are looking for women who suffer from OCD or panic problems to take part, and would very much like to hear from people who have children as well as those who do not.

Visit our research page to read more.

Attitudes to Parenthood PDF | Other Research Adverts

 

OCD-UK News

Compulsive Reading - Enhanced Online Version

Added 12th January 2010

OCD-UK are delighted to launch our new enhanced online version of our members magazine, Compulsive Reading.

We have invested in new technology for our members to provide them with an improved way to view their favourite charity magazine, Compulsive Reading. Our new enhanced version allows them to view and turn pages just like a physical copy!

All OCD-UK members will receive an email with a link to view their magazine during the next 24 hours. Printed copies will be distributed direct during the next few days.

 

OCD News

A Christmas Wish

Added 25th December 2009 - Christmas Day

A Christmas message from the OCD-UK Team

All of the team here at OCD-UK would like to wish you a truly joyful and peaceful Christmas. This dark time of year can be a very difficult one for those afflicted by OCD but, in spite of that, we hope you can find the spirit of Christmas cheer in your hearts. Try and relax and enjoy the sparkle of this festival of light which we hope will uplift you and give you the courage to fight on and overcome your anxieties and fears.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support and we welcome your suggestions and ideas in how we can combat together this negative and insidious condition that wears us down and bears heavy on our hearts and minds.  Together we can remain strong and go forward hand-in-hand to fight on and find new ways to challenge our OCD.

So – we wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and let’s wish for a happy, prosperous and, hopefully, OCD-free New Year!

Festive Christmas Blog: Click to open an end of year message from our chair, Kylie Cloke.

Compulsive Blogging

 

OCD Resource

Finding A Therapist

Added 15th December 2009

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

Added: 11th December 2009

OCD-UK LogoDuring 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: Español (Spanish) OCD Information Guide

Added: 23rd November 2009

Una guía informativa de OCD-UPart of the OCD-UK commitment to the OCD community is to provide accessible and informative information. It gives us great pleasure to today release a Spanish translation of our main OCD information guide, a great addition to our range of OCD information guides.

OCD-UK want to thank volunteer Andrea Herrera for her proactive and positive commitment to complete this project.

During 2010, we will be releasing this information in various other languages, starting with Welsh and French translations in early 2010.

The booklet is available to download now, click here to open the PDF (3.96 MB).

Una guía informativa de OCD-UK Español: Traducción al español por Andrea Herrera

 

Una guía informativa de OCD-UK (3.96 MB)

 

Resource

NEW: Parents' Guide to OCD

Added: 22nd November 2009

Parents Guide to OCD (5.51 MB)

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

British 10K - Join the 2010 OCD-UK Team

Added 29th October 2009

Julia after the raceOn Sunday 12th July, fourteen fantastic fundraisers completed the British 10k fundraising for OCD-UK. They joined over 27,000 other people raising money for various charities by completing the 10k (6.2 miles) course which took them past many of London's famous landmarks.

Take a look at the race Pics to taste the atmosphere of this ever popular running event.

The date for the 2010 race is now confirmed for Sunday 11th July and we have just increased the number of guaranteed places (available on a first come, first served basis) for the British 10k in 2010. Contact us for details if you would like to enter the run or simply print out, complete and return this application form.

Like many charities, the economic climate means we face a real challenge to survive, and only by our supporters participating in such fundraising events to raise much needed sponsorship can we achieve our aims of supporting the OCD community.

The first 12 entries are also guaranteed a race time chip and free official photo download after the race.

British 10k

Print Application Form | View Race Map

 

OCD-UK News

New OCD-UK Zip-Thru Hoodies

The OCD-UK Zip HoodieAdded 22nd October 2009

Keep warm and fashionable this autumn with our stylish, zip-thru hoodies.

Available in both male and feminine versions, the feminine zip-thru coming in a great range of colours.

Priced at £34.99 with front split kangaroo pockets and drawcord double lined hood.

Female Zip-Thru | Male Zip-Thru

 

OCD-UK News

New OCD-UK Chair Appointed

Added 6th October 2009

Kylie Cloke OCD-UK are delighted to announce that former volunteer and trustee Kylie Cloke has been appointed as the new Chair of the charity, succeeding Maria Bavetta who stepped down after three years in the role.

The new appointment was confirmed at the charity's Annual General Meeting on Saturday 3rd October in Bournemouth.

Kylie will take up the new role with immediate effect, and Maria continues to remain an integral part of the OCD-UK team acting as an advisor to the charity.

Excited by the new challenge ahead, Kylie commented "I am extremely excited at the opportunity I have been given, and look forward to all the challenges ahead. - I will be working hard with the Management Team to ensure OCD-UK continues to provide its core services, as well as helping to develop the charity further."

The charity's CEO, Ashley Fulwood commented on the new change, "Under Maria's leadership, the charity has gone from strength to strength and behind the scenes she has ensured the charity operates in a very professional, self-sufficient and effective manner which is credit to Maria's professionalism."

Ashley went on to say "Having worked with Kylie for some time now, I know that Kylie will bring the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to the charity as Maria did, but in her own inimitable manner, and, together with the support of the other trustees, will ensure that the charity continues to thrive, and operate in the same professional manner in the coming years."

About OCD-UK

 

OCD-UK News

Women's 5k Challenge - Thank You

Added 22nd September 2009

The ladies from Crystal Palace Gymnastics Club

Thank you to Penny and the ladies from Crystal Palace Gymnastics Club for supporting OCD-UK by taking part in the recent Women's 5k Challenge in London.

 

OCD-UK News

OCD-UK on Virgin Money Giving

Added 18th September 2009

Fundraise for us using 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'

Added 30th August 2009

Understanding Pure OThis '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

 

Research

CBT for OCD after having a Child

By Dr Fiona Challacombe (Added March 2009)

Dr Fiona Challacome Research Proposal This study will be ongoing until 2012.

A treatment trial for mums who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with young children (less than 6 months) is taking place, offering a talking therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is run by the Institute of Psychiatry and the Centre for Anxiety Disorders, Maudsley Hospital, London under Professor Paul Salkovskis.  Treatments can be conducted at home for convenience.

For a confidential and informal discussion or for more details, please review the research proposals on our research page.

Research Pages | CBT for OCD after having child reasearch

 

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

 

July 18, 2009

OCD-UK - Working for the OCD Community

Copies of OCD-UK magazinesThis website and our magazines epitomise the philosophy of OCD-UK in the respect that we are here working for you, providing a service that the OCD community actually want and looking forward being proactive with our content.

Behind the scenes the OCD-UK team continue to work hard on your behalf, and for the good of the OCD community.

OCD-UK was formed in just 2004 and since then has worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to provide advice, empathy, empowerment, encouragement, knowledge, resources, support and by providing an
independent voice for people affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Our work is obvious in influencing of others in our field, ensuring that OCD-UK truly is the leading charity for people with OCD.

Over the last 5 years we have received very little external funding, with almost all of our work being funded through kind and generous donations by you, our members.

2009-2010 promises to be a challenging time for OCD-UK, but despite this we continue to work hard for our community, and below is a list of just some of the projects that we are currently working on for the benefit of everybody affected by OCD.



Taking 50 children suffering with OCD for a supported day out at Alton Towers.
Year long research project into understanding the NHS treatment provision for OCD in each area of the UK.
Unique conference specifically for family members of people with OCD.
Providing advocacy support on a daily basis.
Making support more accessible for young people.
Researching problems that older people face with OCD.
Creation of literature to support expectant new mothers with OCD.
Supporting the OCD community 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Please support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation, every penny you donate really does make a difference!

Donate | Become a Member of OCD-UK

 

July 17, 2009

New Support For Young People

Our Young People's GuideOCD-UK is delighted to announce further support for younger people with a 50% reduction off the cost of OCD-UK membership fees, now reduced to just £12 per year to people aged 22 and under. To take advantage of this special reduced rate, simply click here.

Coupled with an innovative new guide to support young people with OCD, both of these projects by OCD-UK will help towards enabling young people to overcome Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

For many young people, school and university can be amongst the most enjoyable times of their life. But when a young person suffers with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, these formative years can be very demanding and emotionally draining and stressful, and far from enjoyable.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder really does impact on a young person’s life. Access to support is never more vital than during these younger formative years.

Receiving access to a support network can be invaluable for anyone affected by this debilitating illness, and by offering this special discount to the younger members of our community we hope this will provide them with the resources and access to a community of people providing mutual understanding and support to each other.

Existing members aged 22 or under, who have paid their membership during the last 6 months, are advised to contact us by emailing us at office @ ocduk.org or calling 0845 120 3778 and we will extend your
membership.

Young People's Membership

 

July 13, 2009

An Audience with Dr Adam Radomsky, July 12th

Dr Adam RadomskyOCD-UK would like to thank Dr Adam Radomsky for very kindly giving up his time to come along and talk to our audience on Sunday.

The 'Audience with' events take two forms - a keynote lecture and Q+A session, as well as allowing guests the opportunity to network with other OCD sufferers.

The event was a fantastic success, and also thanks are offered to our audience for participating and for composing some excellent questions for Adam.

Thank you to everybody for making this event such a great success.

Event Details

 

June 19, 2009

The latest copy of Compulsive Reading Latest 'Compulsive Reading'

The latest copy of the OCD-UK magazine, 'Compulsive Reading' is now available.

OCD-UK members will automatically receive their copies within the next few days.

To receive your copy completely free of charge then become an OCD-UK member today.

Alternatively, from next week you can purchase a copy of the magazine for just £2.99.

Join OCD-UK | Buy a copy of the magazine

 

June 11, 2009

Professor Paul Salkovskis - Live Webchat

Earlier this year, Professor Paul Salkovskis, OCD-UK patron and OCD expert, answered your questions live on this website! Today we have updated the page with some additional Q+A that came in just after our webchat closed. Paul kindly came back and responded to those questions which we have now added to our website.

This link will take you to our webchat page.

2009 Webchat | Previous 2005 webchat with Prof Salkovskis

 

June 10, 2009

Research Grant Awarded - Treatment Availability

Comic Relief grant awarded to OCD-UKOCD-UK, with the support of a grant from Comic Relief, has announced a year long research project to understand and evaluate if treatment guidelines have had a positive impact on providing treatment for people with OCD across the UK.

In 2005, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) launched a set of guidelines for the identification, treatment and management of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In general, healthcare professionals in the NHS are expected to follow NICE’s clinical guidelines for the treatment of the illness.

OCD-UK Chief-Executive Ashley Fulwood commented: “Since 2005, these guidelines have been freely available to Primary Care and Mental Health Trusts, yet despite this we are receiving complaints on a daily basis from individuals claiming that they still can not access the correct form of therapy”.

“This research will provide us with the hard evidence about which Trusts are adhering to the treatment recommendations from NICE, and which have still yet to implement them some 4 years later. People with OCD deserve access to the correct form of treatment today, not tomorrow.”

OCD-UK intends to measure services now, and use the data collated to ensure the government’s current initiative to Improve Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) has a significant benefit to the OCD community as it is fully rolled out over the next 3 years.

Results of this research will be shared with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the Care Quality Commission (formerly Healthcare Commission).

Read Full Press Release

 

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.

Read Full Press Release

 

May 15, 2009

OCD-UK Compulsive Blogging

The OCD-UK team comes from all walks of life and, just like you, they have been affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, most of them still affected by the illness.

Take a look at our new blog website where our trustees and volunteers will share their experiences of working for OCD-UK.

This is their place to talk to you, our members, and tell you a little about what is going on in their life, or about an aspect of their work for OCD-UK. We hope that you will find it both interesting and give you a better understanding about the people running your charity.

Check back weekly for updates!

OCD-UK Compulsive Blogging Central

 

April 26, 2009

Thank You Jenny

Jenny at the 14 mile mark of the 2009 London MarathonThank you to Jenny, who took part in the 2009 Flora London Marathon in support of OCD-UK and managed to raise a fantastic £1651. She finished in the brilliant time of 4:48:55, and even managed to take timeout to pose for this photo at the 14 mile mark with the OCD-UK support team. She really does not look like she had just run 14 miles, does she?! Thank you to Jenny.

Come back soon to read about Peter and Tom's Flora London marathon stories.

OCD-UK are proud of all three of our intrepid 26.2 mile runners.

Fundraising events | British 10k Entry Form

 

March 29, 2009

OCD Guide for Young People - Brand New

Download our OCD guide for young people. A 1.5mb PDF download.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

Dr Jeffrey Schwartz speaking in 2006The 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

 

February 22, 2009

'OCD'

'OCD' is a short film by Matthew Tregoning. OCD-UK would like to thank Matthew for this brilliant piece of work and are honoured to offer him the opportunity to showcase his work.

Tell us what you think of Matthew's video, and we may include your comments on our website! And don't worry, we only publish your first name.

If you have any OCD related videos or artwork that you would like to submit for consideration for displaying on our website, please contact us. We would also be happy to help you storyboard your video.

Send us your comments | View another OCD video

 

November 29, 2008

New CBT Therapist Register

The new CBT RegisterA new on-line register, CBT Register, launched by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the Association for Rational and Emotive Behaviour Therapy (AREBT), is now online.

This new website means members of the public who are looking for an accredited CBT therapist will be able to find one within just a few clicks. CBT, which is supported by extensive clinical research, is recommended as an effective treatment for OCD by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

As the leading organisations in the CBT field, the BABCP and AREBT have been accrediting CBT therapists since 1994. In line with government moves to improve access to effective psychological therapies, the two organisations have now come together to form a single CBT Register UK.

Visit the new CBT Register website

 

September 2nd, 2008

OCD Guide for Young Children

Our children's Education and Awareness BookletThe 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.

 

March 14th, 2008

Sometimes - By Karley

Karley, pic from her demo coverOCD sufferers come from all walks of life and, despite the illness, can, in some cases, achieve great things, either personally or professionally.

We have many examples of this on our website of sufferers' creative work, and today we were delighted to receive Karley's story and a copy of her singing 'Sometimes' on lead vocals.

Read Karley's story and listen to Sometimes.

Karley's Story | Sometimes (MP3)

 

February 29th, 2008

HOCD, POCD and ROCD - The truth behind the terms!

Our latest magazineBy Kathryn Dwyer
Recently, on our forums and on other OCD-based resources the terms HOCD, POCD and ROCD have started to be used with increased frequency. Up until recently and despite being a very aware charity, we at OCD-UK didn’t really know if these terms had any scientific meaning, or were just made-up acronyms. A discussion topic was started on the online forums which caused some debate and consternation as to exactly what the two terms mean.........

Read the full article in our members magazine, Compulsive Reading which includes comment from Dr Raj Persaud, Prof Paul Salkovskis, Dr Steven Phillipson and Dr Fred Penzel.

All new members receive a complimentary copy of the magazine, or you can purchase a copy from our online shop.

5k Registration Pack | Events Page

 

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

 

November 28, 2007

REACH for Recovery

When OCD takes its grip it can be very difficult, seemingly impossible to see a way forward. Designed by the OCD-UK chair, Maria Bavetta, we hope this simple and practical 5 point plan, which can be practiced daily, will help initiate and maintain recovery.

REACH for recovery - PDF printout (19 kb)

So print it out and pin it to your fridge to remind yourself of these 5 tips to initiate or maintain recovery.

View and printout the REACH for recovery printout | Discuss in our forums

 

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 Download the GP visting information sheetembarrassed 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)?

Image by John Ayers. Source: www.johnayers.co.ukOften 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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