Obsesssive Compulsive Disorder is a complex illness that often impacts heavily on the lifestyle of not only the sufferer but also of their family and friends.  OCD is in fact quite common, it appears rare because it is misunderstood in the community and sufferers frequently keep it secret.

Even within Australia's small population, it is estimated that there are almost half a milion peole, possibly more. who experience OCD.

People with OCD have recurring obsessions - involuntary and unwanted thoughts, images or impulses.

They also experience compulsions - involuntary, unwanted and repeated actions.  people with OCD carry out these rituals to decrease anxiety, guilt or disgust which usually results from their obsessions.

Most rituals can be observed, but some people with OCD perform invisible thought rituls such as repeating words or counting under their breath.

Common Obsessions:

■ Fear of harming others
■ Fear that something terrible might happen
■ Fear of speaking or writing incorrectly
■ Concern about dirt or germs
■ Concern about contamination
■ Concern about contracting disease
■ Concern about body waste or secretions
■ Forbidden or perverse thoughts

Common Compulsions:

■ Saving old newspapers, mail, string or wrapping paper
■ Excessive hand washing or teeth brushing
■ Excessive house tidying and cleaning
■ Checking doors, locks and brakes
■ Needing to touch, measure things out
■ Needing to tell, ask, confess and debate
■ Packing/unpacking suitcases, rearranging drawers