Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Charity Criticise MP Sir Gerald Kaufman

A leading anxiety charity has today criticised 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.

OCD-UK Chief-Executive, Ashley Fulwood commented “Without a doubt OCD can lead to some strange rituals, but there is a huge difference between compulsive habits that everybody has and the debilitating and disabling illness Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We are not able to comment if Sir Kaufman actually has OCD or not, but regardless we are extremely disappointed that he has used the illness as an excuse in this way which belittles the daily struggles that people affected by OCD go through.”

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 known to impart disabling effects on those affected by this debilitating illness, damaging a person’s overall quality of life, their well being, relationships and careers all suffering because of it.

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

For more information about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder people visit the OCD-UK website at www.ocduk.org

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Note to editors:

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

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.

Visit our media facts: http://www.ocduk.org/16/mediafacts.htm for more detailed information about OCD.

Registered Charity Number: 1103210