OCD facts

OCD is a mental health condition

OCD is a 'neurotic' rather than a 'psychotic' condition

It is estimated that around 2% of the population has suffered OCD

OCD is different to OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder)

Hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder are essentially forms of OCD

The World Health Organisation has ranked OCD in the top 10 of the most disabling illnesses

OCD is not just about hand washing or checking doors and taps

OCD attaches itself to a sufferer's strongest values

'Pure O' is a form of OCD where the compulsions themselves are thoughts

OCD can be treated with talking therapy and medication

In France, OCD is sometimes known as the doubting disease (la folie de doute)

OCD is not contagious

OCD is not a character flaw

Many well known and well respected people suffer with OCD

OCD is an illness - not a lifestyle choice