Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe and debilitating anxiety disorder that affects one person in 40. It affects not only how people feel or think, but also how they behave. OCD symptoms -- such as compulsive hoarding or handwashing -- often evoke uncomfortable emotions in family and friends.

This guide discusses:

• what OCD is and what causes it
• treatments, including both cognitive and behavioural therapy and medication
• recovery and relapse prevention
• family involvement

The guide is a thorough and helpful introduction for people with OCD, their family and friends.

This edition was fully revised and updated in 2016.

Neil A. Rector, PhD, C.Psych., is a clinical psychologist and director of the mood and anxiety research and treatment program in the department of psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. He is also a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He is a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (USA). Dr. Rector is also the author of two other CAMH information guides: Anxiety Disorders and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.

Christina Bartha, MSW, RSW, is the administrative director Child, Youth and Family Program, Addictions Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, Ontario. Christina Bartha is also the author of two other CAMH information guides: Depression and Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

Kate Kitchen, MSW, RSW, currently provides individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy in private practice. Kate worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) from 1997 to 2010. While at CAMH she was a clinical social worker in the Mood and Anxiety Program, as a psychotherapist, and later as an advanced practice clinician. She has co-authored several CAMH Information Guides, including Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.