The foundation member organisation OCDSS, has been actively supporting consumers, their families and carers since 1985 across South Australia.  Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) 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 more than half a million people experience OCD.

Most rituals can be observed, but some people with OCD perform invisible thought rituals such as repeating words or counting under their breath.  Common obsessions include fears of harming others, that something terrible might happen, speaking or writing incorrectly.  Common concerns range from dirt and germs, contamination, body waste or secretions, or forbidden or perverse thoughts.  Compulsions including hording old newspapers and string, excessive hand washing or teeth brushing, excessive cleaning, checking and touching, packing and unpacking.  Supporting people with OCD, Aceda are able to provide confidential support, information and referral services for consumers, their relatives, friends and professional carers.

As the lead agency in South Australia, Aceda are able to offer rural and remote area support through phone and email as well as a resource centre with up to date books, dvd and audio tapes.  With the regular meetings of the support groups at Everard Park and Tea Tree Gully, Aceda is able to give sufficient supports for a large part of the metropolitan area and will form a solid foundation for further support group meeting venues to be opened up in the future.