Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK. People living with OCD will experience obsessions and/or compulsions  – an obsession is a repeated unwelcome thought or image which can be hard to ignore, while a compulsion is something you think about or do repeatedly to help relieve anxiety.

What is OCD Awareness Week?

• OCD Awareness Week is an international event that raises awareness about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
• The week aims to educate people about OCD, reduce stigma, and help people get treatment.
• The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) started the event.

What is OCD?

• OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes people to have obsessions and compulsions.
• Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or images that are hard to ignore.

• Compulsions are actions or thoughts that people repeat to relieve anxiety.