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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 1.2% of the UK population, some 742,000 people.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE - NEW WEBSITE
IMPORTANT - NEW WEBSITE
If you are reading this message, then you may have bookmarked the OCD-UK index page, rather than the domain.
Last week we updated our website to our brand spanking new website which will be packed full of great resources. All you need to do is browse to http://www.ocduk.org
If you have a browser bookmark set which led you to this page, you may need to delete that and then browse to the new site using the link above to reset your bookmark.
This webpage will be deleted in a few days so please bookmark your new website today.
OCD-UK News
New Patron - Ian Puleston-Davies
During our annual conference on Saturday, we heard about the OCD experiences of the writer and actor Ian Puleston-Davies, who later admitted that standing on stage on Saturday was far more nerve wracking than his forthcoming live episode of Coronation Street, which aired tonight.
Ian spoke very candidly about his own experiences of OCD, which still plague him today, and how they partly inspired him to co-write the comedy drama about a character with OCD, Dirty, Filthy, Love which was shown on ITV in 2005.
It is with great pleasure that we are able to welcome Ian as a new Patron for OCD-UK. Ian will work with us during the coming year to help raise awareness about the condition, and help promote the good work of OCD-UK.
OCD-UK News
New Awareness and Self-Help Product - Cotton Bags
Our latest awareness and self-help tool is our environmentally friendly cotton bags which are lightweight, foldable, reusable and biodegradable and ideal for carrying magazines and folders.
The bag carries an OCD awareness message printed on one side, and the other side is purposely left blank for times when you prefer discretion. The bags carry the message 'Just a thought?', which is the popular awareness initiative from OCD-UK to raise awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The message not only helps explain the condition, but also helps remind sufferers during tougher moments that their obsessive thoughts are just that, thoughts. The ever decreasing circles of the tree are also symbolic of how OCD can manipulate us over time.
Usually priced at £2.50, they are specially priced at just £1.50 plus P+P until Christmas from our online shop.
Buy from our secure online shop
OCD-UK News
Conference Thank You
Event Date: Saturday 4th December, Cambridge.
OCD-UK would like to thank all those that made it to our annual conference on Saturday and for the lovely kind and supportive messages throughout the day. Despite the weather, the conference was a huge success so we are extremely grateful for you being able to attend, and for you helping to make it the day that it was.
We heard from some fantastic speakers from the world of OCD, and on so many different OCD subjects, contamination, mental contamination, checking, hoarding, intrusive thoughts in the form of paedophile OCD and homosexual OCD and on compassionate mind training. Speakers included Professor Adam Radomsky, Professor Roz Shafran, Dr Elizabeth Forrester, Dr Asmita Patel, Dr Jan van Niekerk and Professor Paul Salkovskis.
We also heard about the OCD experiences of young comic Joe Wells and the writer and actor Ian Puleston-Davies, who later admitted that standing on stage on Saturday was far more nerve wracking than his forthcoming live episode of Coronation Street, due to air later tonight.
For those that attended, please do let us have any feedback, suggestions or ideas for next year if you have not already done so, because we want to build on what appears to have been an excellent conference and make it a superb conference next year! In the meantime, the charity will continue to work hard and do our very best to help and support both children and adults affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Thank you so much for your support on Saturday and throughout the year, we really hope you found Saturday helpful, insightful, encouraging and possibly even inspiring.
Have a great Christmas and let's hope 2011 is a better OCD free New Year for us all.
The OCD-UK Team
OCD-UK News
Fundraising Runs for 2011 - Available Places
In 2010 our fantastic fundraisers raised over £33,000 by participating in fundraising events, from beard growing, dreadlock hair cutting, parachute jumps, cycle rides through to 5K and Marathon running. We had fundraisers from Portugal and Germany and we sent fundraisers to Paris and from Plymouth all the way up to Scotland.
OCD-UK receives no external funding, and we have no wealthy charitable trust funding us, so we are totally self sufficient and reliant on our members and fundraisers efforts, for which we are incredibly grateful.
As our financial year draws to a close (end of November), we have estimated that it cost us £75,000 to run our charity this year. By comparison to similar charities of our size, this is only a small amount of money, and we achieved some remarkable things in 2010, changing policy, getting clarity on treatment policy and supporting children and adults affected by OCD. But, we still need your support to ensure that we can remain self-sufficient, and expand further in the coming years. Without the support of our members and fundraisers we will have to downsize our work, so please do support us if you can.
If you would like to support OCD-UK in 2011, we have guaranteed places in the following runs. You do not have to be super fit to participate, or even a runner, we have fundraisers of all fitness abilities supporting us in 2010.
- Women's 5K Challenge (Hyde Park, London - September)
- BUPA 10,000 (10K, London - May)
- BUPA Great Manchester Run (10K - May)
- British 10K (London - July)
- Royal Parks Half Marathon (London Parks - October)
- Run to the Beat Half Marathon (Greenwich, London - October)
For more information, or to enter any of these runs for OCD-UK please contact us.
If running is not your thing, and you just wish to make a donation you can do so online, or you could even become a member of OCD-UK.
OCD-UK News
Our Latest Edition ofCompulsive Reading
The latest edition of our magazine Compulsive Reading was published recently.
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 October 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 Event
OCD Awareness Week - October 2011
Event Date: 10th-16th October 2011.
OCD-UK are delighted to announce that as part of our ongoing strategy to raise Awareness of OCD across the UK, we will be launching the first ever OCD Awareness Week here in the UK during October 2011. A week that is completely dedicated to raising awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
OCD Awareness Week will look to raise awareness not only amongst the general public, but also with health professionals, politicians and policy makers with two key aims: to highlight the different aspects of the illness and to raise awareness about the debilitating nature of the illness and the totally devastating impact it can have on the estimated 742,000 people that are thought to be affected by this illness in the UK alone.
OCD-UK Chair Kylie Cloke spoke about the plans. "I am very excited to be leading the team that is preparing and producing an innovative week dedicated solely to raising awareness of OCD. The 24/7, 365 days a year support we offer those affected by OCD is amazing, but as most of us can testify, we endured many long, often soul destroying years, suffering in silence without knowing what the pain we endured was actually called, and where to turn for support and help. We need to ensure that those still suffering in silence are made aware that there is support, treatment and, most importantly, hope for the future out there. The OCD Awareness Week aims to do exactly that!"
By sharing information regarding OCD and highlighting the traits and symptoms of this condition is a great start on our journey to educate and raise awareness of this very often debilitating condition.
We anticipate that one of the outcomes and objectives is to ensure that children and adults, through additional awareness, are empowered to seek earlier diagnosis and treatment and improvements to their education, careers, relationships and home life - offering an overall enhanced quality of life.
And you can help! From today we are recruiting volunteers from across the whole of the UK to play a part. If you want to help, then you can help! From front line campaigners, behind the scenes planners, OCD spokespeople, through to foot soldiers distributing campaign material, we need your help to get involved in the October 2011 OCD Awareness Week!
We already have some fantastic and amazing ideas planned, but all of which are going to take lots of time to plan and prepare and that is why we are announcing our plans over a year in advance, to ensure that the inaugural OCD Awareness Week maximises its full potential and is a success in achieving its goals.
The OCD Awareness Week will not be branded as an OCD-UK event, this is our donation to the OCD Community and we hope that all individuals and charities involved or interested in OCD will lend their support to the campaign.
OCD Awareness week will take place between the 10th and 17th October 2011. So please do your part for OCD by pledging to raise your awareness on the subject. Our website will start to carry more information about our plans from early 2011, but we are recruiting volunteers right now, so please get in touch to offer your support. We already have the support of some high profile names...
Star of Coronation Street, Ian Puleston Davies - "I am supporting OCD Awareness Week in October 2011 because Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has been a huge part of my life for many years now, and has impacted on me dramatically over the years. OCD is so often misunderstood and considered to be a quirky illness but to those of us that suffer with this illness it is incredibly distressing and upsetting, and so I fully support OCD-UK in their plans for OCD Awareness Week 2011." - Ian Puleston Davies - Writer, Actor and OCD sufferer.
Psychologist and Broadcaster, Dr Linda Papadopoulos - "I am supporting OCD Awareness Week in October 2011 because Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is so often misunderstood and taken far too lightly. It is an incredibly debilitating and disabling illness that impacts dramatically on individuals and families, and so I fully support OCD-UK in their plans for OCD Awareness Week 2011."
OCD Expert, Professor Paul Salkovskis - "I am supporting OCD Awareness Week in October 2011 because prevention and early intervention are vital, particularly as it takes an average of seven years for a person to receive an accurate diagnosis. So, I completely welcome this OCD Awareness Week."
OCD Awareness Week Forum | Contact us to offer your support
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-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 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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