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