Sufferers will experience an unwanted thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters their mind (an obsession) combined with a repetitive behaviour or mental act that a person feels compelled to perform (a compulsion)
Unlike some other types of compulsive behaviour, such as an addiction to drugs or gambling, a person with OCD gets no pleasure from their compulsive behaviour. They feel that they need to carry out their compulsion to prevent their obsession becoming true
OCD is one of the most common mental health conditions. In men, symptoms usually begin during adolescence. They generally start later in women, usually in their early 20s although in both sexes OCD symptoms can begin at any time, including childhood
With treatment, the prognosis for OCD is good, and some people can achieve a complete cure. Even if a complete cure is not achievable, treatment can reduce the severity of a person's symptoms and help them to achieve a good quality of life. A form of psychotherapy, known as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be very successful in helping treat many people suffering from OCD
2% of children and teenagers have OCD
4 X how much more likely sufferers are to have a family member with OCD
12 MONTHS time most sufferers of OCD have to take medication for
Source: NHS Choices
