About OCD

OCD is a clinically recognised disorder which affects around 1-2% of the population. It is debilitating and paralysing. People with OCD experience intensely negative, repetitive and intrusive thoughts, combined with a chronic feeling of doubt or danger (obsessions). In order to quell the thought or quieten the anxiety, they will often repeat an action, again and again (compulsions).

One of the greatest challenges that people with OCD face is the need to fight both the all pervasive stigma of mental health disorders and the widely held belief that OCD is a mild or even “quirky” problem that is nothing more than hand washing. Many people now use the term “a bit OCD-ish” without understanding the onerous nature of the disorder in its severe form.

Despite all this, there is an average delay of 12 years between the onset of OCD and treatment being received. There are many reasons why people with OCD delay seeking help. These include a fear that they will be committed to a secure institution, a fear of the stigma associated with mental health disorders or a simple belief that no one can help them. OCD Action, the national charity for people affected by OCD, sees this as 12 years of pointless misery and isolation brought about by a disorder that can be successfully managed.

OCD does not just affect the individual with the disorder but draws in their friends and families, colleagues and employers. OCD rituals can take a huge toll on family life and drive a wedge between parents and children, husbands and wives who often feel unable to comprehend the pain a loved one is experiencing, let alone how best to support them.

OCD Action’s Website and online Community

OCD Action is the nation charity for people affected by OCD. On this website you will find resources and information about OCD and how you can find help for yourself or for a loved one. You can also join in on our online community where you can meet and chat with thousands of other people throughout the country, share experiences and fell less alone.


OCD Week 2012 Top Story

Information on OCD

About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the name given to a condition in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviours.

Related Material

Do I Have OCD?

Do I Have OCD?

  • Online Survey
  • Self Assessment
Related Disorders

Related Disorders

  • Body Dysmorphia
  • Hair Pulling
Treatments Available

Treatments Available

  • CBT
  • Medication
Getting Support

Getting Support

  • Helplines
  • Online Support

What You Can Do

Getting Involved

Getting Involved

OCD Action would not be able to achieve its objectives without the time and money generously donated by individuals, organisations, companies and charitable trusts throughout the country.

Related Material

Fundraising

Fundraising

  • Challenges
  • Events
Volunteer

Volunteer

  • Media & Awareness
Research

Research

  • Papers
  • Research Projects

About Us

OCD Action is the largest national charity focusing on Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.

Our vision is of a society where OCD is better understood and diagnosed quickly, where appropriate treatment options are open and accessible, where support and information are readily available and where nobody feels ashamed to ask for help.

We provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD, work to raise awareness of the disorder amongst the public and frontline healthcare workers and strive to secure a better deal for people with OCD.

What’s new

‘OCD at School’ Youth Event

Posted January 27, 2012

OCD Week 2012

Posted January 17, 2012

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Research Centre

CBT for children and adolescents with BDD

Posted January 18, 2012

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends Cognitive Behaviour...

The relationship between self-concept, reasoning, beliefs and obsessions and/or compulsions

Posted December 1, 2011

Laura Simonds and Gemma McDonnell would like to invite you...

More Research »

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Helpline: 0845 390 6232 / 020 7253 2664
Helpline email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

Office: 020 7253 5272
Office email: info@ocdaction.org.uk