Prevalence

  If you have OCD you might sometimes feel that you're very

  alone In fact, this is far from the truth. People with OCD are

  usually aware that their thoughts and behaviour are excessive

  or irrational. Although this awareness is a healthy sign –

  evidence of insight and a good foundation upon which to build

  in therapy – it often has the unfortunate effect of making the

  person feel ashamed, embarrassed or unworthy of help.

  For this reason, OCD was under-reported for a very long

  time and thus thought to be a rare disorder.

 

  In fact, experts now believe that 2.5% will have OCD at some

  point in their lives and it is the 4 th most common

  psychiatric diagnosis.

 

  Next time you are in a crowded streetcar or in a public venue

  such as a movie theatre, look around you: the chances are,

  there are people with direct experience with OCD right there

  in front of you. OCD is a common phenomenon, and at last

  this is recognized by mental health professionals.

 

  But, while at last the stigma of all psychological disorders is

  lessening its hold, many people are still not comfortable

  speaking freely about their problems, and OCD remains a

  relatively hidden epidemic when compared with other conditions

  such as depression. Too many people in Ontario and across

  the world are currently suffering in silence and isolation, and

  therefore not gaining the benefits of professional treatment and

  peer support.