Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is not a rare health disorder. At present there are around three quarters of a million people living with OCD at any one time in the UK. OCD has three main components:

• Obsessions – The thoughts that lead to anxiety.
• Emotions – The anxiety you feel (fearful, disgusted, depressed, tense).
• Compulsions – The things you do to try and reduce anxious feelings (rituals, checking, avoidance).

When the above symptoms become severe, OCD can make it impossible to take part in family life and complete normal activities of daily living.

Treatment for OCD involves psychological therapy, often CBT and sometimes medication in line with NICE Guidelines.