Fast Facts About OCD!
Little nuggets of information about OCD for reading and sharing
So here are a few facts you might not have known about OCD. Or – if you knew them all already – a few facts to share with your friends…
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions.
- An obsession is an intrusive, unwanted thought that causes anxiety.
- Obsessions can trigger repetitive behaviours to reduce the distress they cause. These are known as compulsions.
- OCD can be very severe and debilitating; it is much more than hand-washing.
- It is estimated that 1-2 % of the UK population have OCD.
- Around 130,000 young people at school in the UK have OCD.
- OCD is a spectrum; exhibiting OCD behaviours is not the same as having OCD.
- OCD is known as the ‘secret disorder’ as it is easily hidden and may take a long time to be noticed.
- OCD does not discriminate – it affects people of all abilities.
- There is an average delay of 12 years between the onset of OCD and a diagnosis being made.
- The recommended treatment for OCD is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). This is often combined with exposure and response prevention (ERP).
- Another treatment for OCD is a medication called SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
- With the right support, OCD can be managed! Hurrah!
Find out more about OCD in our info’ pages for young people, parents and teachers.
