OCD Awareness Week 2025: What OCD Is, What Helps, and How We Can Support

BY: Bloomfield Health / October 13, 2025

Dates: OCD Awareness Week runs 12–18 October 2025. It’s a global campaign led by the International OCD Foundation and supported by UK partners to challenge myths, reduce stigma, and help people find effective treatment. International OCD Foundation+1

What is OCD?
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and feels driven to carry out repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes. Common examples include contamination fears and washing rituals, checking, symmetry/ordering, and intrusive taboo thoughts (e.g., harm, sexual, or religious themes). OCD can affect anyone—children, young people, and adults—and the symptoms are often hidden due to shame or fear of being misunderstood.

 OCD is not simply liking things “neat” or “organized”. For many, it is a time-consuming, disabling condition that interferes with school, work, and relationships.

What treatments work?

First-line psychological therapy: CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

CBT with ERP is the gold-standard therapy for OCD. It helps people gradually face feared thoughts/situations (exposure) while not performing the compulsion (response prevention), so anxiety reduces and confidence grows. Multiple reviews and meta-analyses show ERP is effective in reducing OCD symptoms and improving functioning across age groups. ScienceDirect+1

Medication: SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (for example, fluoxetine, sertraline) are recommended treatments for OCD. They may be used alone or alongside ERP, particularly when symptoms are moderate–severe or therapy alone has not been sufficient. Dosing is often at the higher end of the usual range for depression, and treatment should be reviewed regularly with a prescriber. NICE+1

UK guidance at a glance

NICE’s clinical guideline on OCD and BDD sets out a stepped-care approach: awareness and recognition; thorough assessment; CBT with ERP and/or SSRIs depending on severity; and access to more intensive/specialist support when needed. Family/carer involvement is encouraged, and adapted approaches are recommended for children and young people. NICE

Signs OCD may be a problem

• Intrusive thoughts that feel unacceptable, out of character, or distressing (e.g., contamination, harm, sexual, religious, “just-right” feelings).
• Repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (checking, washing, counting, reassurance-seeking, mental reviewing) that are hard to resist.
• Symptoms take an hour or more daily, disrupt routine, or cause marked distress.
• Avoidance (e.g., of kitchens, religious spaces, sharp objects, door handles) to prevent feared outcomes. www.rcpsych.ac.uk
• If these resonate, a professional assessment can clarify what’s going on and map out treatment options.

How Bloomfield Health can help

At Bloomfield Health, we assess and treat OCD in adults. Our approach is:

• Evidence-based: We follow NICE-aligned care pathways and work closely with therapists who deliver CBT with ERP. Where appropriate, we prescribe SSRIs and plan combined treatments. NICE
• Person-centred: We tailor treatment to symptom profile (e.g., contamination, checking, taboo intrusive thoughts), values, and practical circumstances (home, work).
• Collaborative: With consent, we can involve families/carers and liaise with other relevant in the system, where OCD impacts functioning.
• Trauma-informed and neuro-affirming: Many people with OCD have co-occurring anxiety, depression, autistic traits, or ADHD. We screen thoughtfully and integrate care where needed.

What to expect from an assessment

• A thorough psychiatric history and risk review.
• A structured symptom assessment.
• A clear formulation: what’s keeping OCD going, and how treatment will target those cycles.
• A written plan outlining therapy options (ERP), medication choices (if indicated), and step-up pathways if progress stalls.

Practical steps this Awareness Week

For individuals and families

• Learn the signs and read trusted resources (see RCPsych information page).
• Talk about it. Shame keeps OCD hidden; open conversations help.
• Seek help early. Ask your GP for a referral or contact us directly for a private assessment.
• Support a loved one by reducing reassurance-giving and encouraging therapy engagement.

For employers and referrers

• Recognise that OCD can be disabling but treatable. Reasonable adjustments (flexible breaks for ERP homework, reduced triggers where feasible) can facilitate recovery.
• Refer promptly when attendance, performance, or safety are affected. Early ERP often means faster, more durable gains.

Where to find reliable information and support

• Royal College of Psychiatrists – OCD overview (clear, evidence-based information for the public). www.rcpsych.ac.uk
• NICE guidance – OCD & BDD (for clinicians and informed readers). NICE
• International OCD Foundation – OCD Awareness Week hub (events and education). International OCD Foundation
• Mind/Rethink Mental Illness – UK resources and signposting, including this year’s Awareness Week dates. Mind

When to seek urgent help

If you or someone you care for is experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe self-neglect, or is at risk of harm, contact NHS 111, your GP, go to A&E, or call 999 in an emergency.

Talk to us

If OCD is affecting you, your family, or your client, Bloomfield Health can provide timely assessment and a clear, NICE-aligned treatment plan. Get in touch to discuss appointments and pathways.