Introduction
Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental illness that affects about 1-3% of the population. While this on its own may not sound like a very big number, this means that across the world, millions of people are affected by OCD. People with OCD typically experience obsessions (intrusive thoughts, doubts, urges or images that can make the person feel very distressed and anxious), and compulsions (repetitive behaviours or thoughts typically aimed at reducing the anxiety, fear and disgust caused by obsessions).
"Knowing the science behind my OCD and its treatment, i.e., how they work in the brain, has been a big motivator in my recovery. It has demonstrated to me that what I'm dealing with is real and that the treatment addresses the neurobiological issue at hand. Knowing how OCD and its treatments work in the brain has also helped me educate my support system on OCD, as it's a highly misunderstood disorder."
Maya Tadross,
Community Gatekeeper
"Knowing more about OCD and the brain matters to me because it helps arm me with information to help combat the stigma associated with this mental illness. Finding out more gives me hope as it relates to improved treatments for OCD, and understanding more helps me to learn the connections between brain chemistry and the neurological effects on the body."
Kathy Stocking,
Community Gatekeeper
This website serves as a knowledge hub designed by researchers, charities and people living with OCD, to make the latest brain research on OCD more accessible. Discover what we currently know about OCD and the brain below.
This website focuses on what we know about OCD and the brain. If you would like to find out more about OCD in general, or about treatment and support, please go to our OCD Resources section.