OCD facts

OCD affects ~3% of Australians in their lifetime
Onset is most common in adolescence, but can occur as early as 6 or 7 years old
Onset in boys is earlier than in girls
People with OCD often have other mental health conditions (e.g. depression, ADHD, eating disorders)
OCD can be very disabling – in severe cases it can stop people working and leading normal lives.
Myth: We’re all a bit OCD at times.
- Fact: OCD is a mental illness that significantly interferes with normal life. It cannot be 'turned off'; neither is it just a preference for order or being neat.
Myth: People with OCD just need to ignore the compulsions and thoughts
- Fact: By definition, people with OCD can’t 'just put the thoughts out of their mind'.