OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition in whicha person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
It affects men, women and children and can develop at any age. Some people develop the condition early, often around puberty, but it typically develops during early adulthood.
OCD can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment canhelp you keep it under control.
This page covers:
If you have OCD, you'll usually experience frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
For example, someone with an obsessivefear of their house being burgled may feel they need to check all the windows and doors are locked several times before they can leave the house.
It's a health condition likeany other it doesn't mean you're "mad" andit's not your fault you have it.
There are two main ways to get help:
If you think a friend or family member may have OCD, try talking to them about your concerns and suggest they seek help.
OCD is unlikely to get better without propertreatment and support.
There are some effective treatments for OCD that can help reduce the impact the condition has on your life.
The main treatments are:
CBT will usually have an effect quite quickly. It can take several months before you notice the effects of treatment with SSRIs, but most people will eventually benefit.
If these treatments don't help, you may be offered an alternative SSRI or given a combination of an SSRI and CBT. Some people may be referred to a specialist mental health service for further treatment.
A number of different factors may play a role in the condition.
These include:
Living with OCD can be difficult. In addition to getting medical help, you might find ithelps to contact a support group or other peoplewith OCD for information and advice.
The following sites may beuseful sources of support:
OCD Action, OCD-UK and TOP UK can also let you know about any local support groups in your area.
Find out about the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), where to get help, and what the main treatments are for it.
Find out about the main symptoms of OCD, including some common examples of how the condition can affect you.
Find out about the main treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), including therapy and medication.
Diana Wilson had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for more than 25 years. Now working for OCD-UK, here she shares her story about how she finally overcame the disorder.