OCD

What is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition in which a 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 can help you keep it under control.

If you have OCD, you'll usually experience frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

• An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
• A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to carry out to try to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.

For example, someone with an obsessive fear 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.

People with OCD can be reluctant to seek help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. But there's nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. It's a health condition like any other – it doesn't mean you're "mad" and it's not your fault you have it.

Who Can Help? +

If you know someone or yourself is struggling with OCD you can visit your GP who will be able to refer you to someone to get help. You can also refer yourself directly to services that help with OCD and other Mental Health Challenges.

	Cambridge OCD Support Group - This group is open to people with OCD and their family, carers, and friends.The group meets on the first Monday of every month from 7pm-8.30pm. Bath house Mill Rd. For more information please contact: ocdcambridge@gmail.com or call 0303 040 1112 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
	The OCD Action website has a dedicated page for carers
	OCD UK has a dedicated section for Families
	The Mind website has good practical advice
	The International OCD Foundation also has good advice
	The NHS website has some information for people with OCD
	Two books that cover topics helpful to a caregiver. When a Family Member Has OCD: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Skills to Help Families Affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jon Hershfield, 2016 Loving Someone with OCD: Help for You and Your Family by Karen J Landsman, 2005
	Cambridge Insight have a page on their website which gives some guidance on hoarding, and what to do if you encounter it. If you meet someone who you feel is hoarding, or at risk of slipping into hoards.

*Some information gathered from www.nhs.uk and the services listed.