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The experiences of help-seeking in people with obsessive compulsive disorder: an internet survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 August 2016

Thanh Mai Vuong ,
Judith Gellatly ,
Karina Lovell  and
Penny Bee
Thanh Mai Vuong
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, UK
Judith Gellatly*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, UK
Karina Lovell
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, UK
Penny Bee
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Dr J. Gellatly, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK (email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health disorder, with prevalence in adults of around 3.1%. The social and economic consequences of OCD are high for patients and their families. It is unlikely to improve without treatment. Help-seeking for treatment is often delayed and studies have found an average treatment gap of up to 17 years. This study aimed to explore the factors that influenced how, when and why people sought help and to identify any issues that they faced during help-seeking. Individuals experiencing OCD were invited to complete a web-based survey hosted on a national OCD charity website over a 3-month period. Eighty-eight individuals took part. Most had sought help from their general practitioner (GP), while others accessed websites and private services. Lack of awareness and understanding by health professionals was reported as a problem, as was the speed of referral or getting the right treatment. There is a need for further training and education for health professionals and GPs. Education and awareness campaigns for the general public, with more focus on how help can be sought, and on the different types of OCD may contribute to improving recognition of symptoms and accessing timely help.

Keywords

Help-seekingobsessive compulsive disorderpatient experiencesurvey
Type
Original Research
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 9 , 2016 , e14
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2016 

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Recommended follow-up reading

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