Is OCD a disability?

[Guest Elle Belle]

Hi All,

This feels like a stupid question to be asking. I was talking to my boss today about (believe it or not) somebody else at work who has OCD and who is having a really hard time with it at the moment (so am I but it's not affecting my job performance so I don't think anyone realises quite how bad I am).

Anyway, my boss (who is a really nice person, she says silly, inaccurate things about OCD but who doesn't?!) started implying we should make exceptions for this person (and let people know so they would too) and mentioned the Disability Discrimination Act. I feel weird about this. I feel like she or other people might have lower expectations of me. I never thought of myself as 'disabled', or 'less able' to other people. (Even though my internal mantra has often been 'I'm incapable!') I think the other reason I don't like the word 'disability' is that my OCD makes me hate myself so much I don't want sympathy for it as a disability!

Maybe I'm too focussed on the language of the word. 'Dis-able' = 'not-able'. And it implies one will always have it.

Just wondering what other people think?

Elle

xxx

[Guest Steve1983]

HHmmm...I don't know. I see it more as an illness, and I suppose it could lead to miss-interpretation if you call it a disability, like you said. On the plus side, maybe it could get us parking spaces nearer to the shop entrance.

[Ashley]

I think if we put aside the label for one moment, and look at the bigger picture for a moment, for some people OCD is incredibly disabling. It keeps them locked in a day of endless rituals, unable to function to even go to the toilet, for some going out is impossible, or can take hours just to leave the house. So for some, yes, I do think OCD is a disability.

My OCD did not disable in that respect, but looking back it disabled me socially, during my 20s I was working but then each night would be OCD rituals, so I did not have a social life during my 20s, my first girlfriend was in my 30s, so whilst I don't consider myself disabled by OCD, it certainly impacted on me and impacted on my quality of life.

[BristolChris]

Hi

Some people on here call it a disability

Personally I would call it an illness because although it is debilitating you don't actually lack an ability like a death person for example

[Guest legend]

Under the disabilty act, Or what ever they call it now, then yes ocd is classed as a disabilty and employers have to make reasonable adjustements to

accomodate it, and to allow those to seek help. Its is a complicated employment issue, but to answer your question, in certain circumstances it

is and should be addressed accordinally like any other disabilty .

Ocd is classed as one of the top ten most most debilitating illness in the world. So in my opinion yes it is a disabilty, as is chronic migraine as i asthma .... etc ,as it has a disabling effect on the sufferer

If it wasnt a " disabilty" then you wouldnt be rightly entitled to disabilty living allowances

However whether we have that tag or we dont want it ...... as its a term that might offend the individual, is that it is right that people in work places with "ocd" are made to feel more comfortable, so to speak....

Edited November 9, 2011 by legend

[Guest Thijs]

lack an ability like a death person for example

yeah being dead is a pretty bad disability! lol

[Ashley]

although it is debilitating you don't actually lack an ability like a death person for example

I am not sure that is true Chris. I am currently supporting a lady whose OCD is so severe she does not feel able to go to the toilet, when she does it takes her 7 hours, so she goes just once a day with the help of her husband... she is too disabled to use the toilet, and her OCD makes her feel so disabled.

So I would agree it is not a permanent disablement, but for the moment this lady is in a life of disablement.

[Guest Steve1983]

yeah being dead is a pretty bad disability! lol

ha ha ha. Think he meant Deaf, Thijs

Edited November 9, 2011 by Steve1983

[Guest Elle Belle]

My OCD did not disable in that respect, but looking back it disabled me socially, during my 20s I was working but then each night would be OCD rituals, so I did not have a social life during my 20s, my first girlfriend was in my 30s, so whilst I don't consider myself disabled by OCD, it certainly impacted on me and impacted on my quality of life.

That's a good point. I suppose the key is that it's different for everybody. Mine makes me hate and doubt myself and just feel terrified and worthless. (Sometimes I wonder if it makes me perfectionist and take so very long to complete things, but I prefer not to think of that as my OCD because it's a quality which I genuinely think is helpful and which I am praised on!)

I think what bothered me was my boss implying this person was less able than other people and that we should have lower expectations of this person which I didn't feel was fair as she works really hard most of the time to cover up her problems so they don't hold her back because of other people's opinions.

However, I'm sorry if I have offended anyone with this thread. I never meant to trivialise OCD. It's absolutely horrible.

[Guest Thijs]

ha ha ha. Think he meant Deaf, Thijs

i know

i just had to make the joke

....compulsion.... arggg....

[Claire1704]

I was looking into this only the other week after I was cross that my manager made some crass comment about OCD. I don't know how definitions of the term 'disability' vary from employer to employer but my company defines disability as a 'mental or physical disorder that affects day to day functioning' (or something like that).

So by that rule, my OCD is a disability.

My OCD is not always the same - some days are more difficult than others, and some days are fairly average and despite the OCD I can go into work and do the same job as everyone else.

Personally I would be concerned that if I was classed as disabled I might give in to the disorder... Other people may not feel the same way, but I think it must be a personal decision as it affects people in so many differnt ways and the answer is probably different for all of us.

I'm quite impressed with your boss, Elle Belle, for considering it to be honest! (Although that probably says more about the people I work with than anyting else....!)

My worry is also that I could say "I've got OCD, it's a disability" and rather than people thinking that they should make reasonable adjustments, I feel that the reaction I'd get is the old "everyone's got that a bit. What's your problem?..." I'd worry that people wouldn't take me seriously.

But again, that probably speaks volumes about where I work!!

I think it's great if an employer is willing to recognise it and work with the individual person as they may need to, but what might be appropriate for one person may not be for someone else...

[Guest orange socks]

i get disability living allowance - have done for years now.....specifically for my ocd - i have just had it reviewed and have been granted it for the next 10 years. so yes ocd is a disability - thankfully not so for everyone ....but certainly in many cases.

i thought it was good of your boss elle to be so considerate - cause its that kind of consideration and her trying to understand and make allowances that could keep the ocd sufferer in a job as opposed to being completely overwhelmed and having to finish work through people not understanding

[Hal]

I'm genuinely not having a 'go' at you orange socks, it isn't your fault, but it makes me a little angry that they've granted you DLA for the next 10 years.

I know you're the sort of person who'll continue fighting to get well again and get back on track work wise, but there must people out there who'll receive that sort of news and may stop working towards getting back on their feet.

I think it may have been Lawrie (sorry Lawrie if you didn't say this) mentioned once, that in those parts of the world where poverty's so bad that there's little or no choice other than to work, that that in itself can help rather than hinder their recovery.

Please don't get me wrong, I understand that for some people when the OCD's severe, work may not be possible, but by making that decision for you, the subtle inference is one of consigning you long term to the level of health you have now, when change and recovery's possible at any point.

Honestly, as I say, this isn't a dig at you personally orange socks, it just makes me a little :mad: at the way in which the system works sometimes.

Hal

[Guest LucyS]

DLA isn't means tested, it's awarded based on the level of support you require to live as normal a life as possible. It's paid whether you work or not so in that sense it isn't likely to put someone off returning to work should they feel able. I don't claim DLA, but I can see how the money could really be needed to allow someone with ocd to lead their lives. I do think that promising the money in 10 yearly blocks is extreme; OCD and the effect it has on your life from month to month can wax and wane dramatically and I do think that some people could see the fact they've been allocated the money for that length of time as a sign that it's a illness which is not manageable.

Edited November 10, 2011 by LucyS

[Guest SuffolkSarah]

I haven't been on here for a long time and I don't want to butt in, but I was genuinely disappointed by your comment Hal. Firstly Orange Socks is really lucky to have been awarded DLA, it is damn near impossible to get when you have Mental Health Problems and my Psychiatrist really had to help me to get my award of DLA. Mine is conditional on a yearly review of my health. DLA is such a lifeline for me as my expenses relating to my OCD can be high (cleaning products, toilet roll, transport, heating as I am at home all the time). Without it I would be in serious difficulties.

DLA does not consign me to permanent ill health, this neurological condition does. The lack of input and support from Mental Health Teams, the complete indifference of society, the associated depression and anxiety, the lack of any meaningful research into OCD, the side effects from all the medication and the sedation I am constantly under to prevent me feeling so desperate I can't go on anymore...they are what are hindering my recovery.

The benefits system has been an absolute life line to me and many thousands of others. But what I think I find hardest to take is this sanctimonious attitude that everyone with OCD should be constantly fighting to get better otherwise we are somehow not worthy. I am fighting to just get through each day. I would much rather you fight for better research and better treatments and much better support than give the impression that you are looking down your nose at those who are getting the help and support they need. I am so tired of people making me feel bad for having to receive benefits, as if I am not deserving. I am 31, I have had this condition all my life, I haven't the strength left to try and fight this condition. There is a neurological fault in my brain, I cannot 'think' that better, it needs comprehensive physiological treatment and so far there is none on the horizon.

I am sorry to be so angry. I am not usually so rude or snappy, but please do not belittle benefits recipients anymore. We are so vulnerable and so isolated and I came here tonight feeling low and hoping for some good advice or reassurance, instead I read your above comment. So I am sure I have over-reacted in my response and I will be terribly anxious about this tomorrow, but I had to say it.

[Ashley]

I don't think Hal was suggesting that the DLA should not have been awarded, but what I think he is saying that the length of time of 10 years is wrong. I don't know enough about DLA, is there an annual review of medical circumstance in that time? If so fine, but if not, the next review is not for 10 years then surely somebody should be checking within that time frame in case circumstances change, or if the person is receiving medical supervision in that time?

We do not know if OCD is caused by a neurological fault, the jury is still out on that one, but for some, even severe patients, a recovery is possible. Last year I helped someone who was destroyed by OCD access specialist treatment, and within 6 sessions, 6 hours effectively she was back at work full time, the OCD still impacting on her, but she had enough control to be back at work. Now, I accept that is not the case for everyone, not everyone can get that specialist treatment and for some it will take longer, but the point is that it is possible, so a 10-year-gap between reviewing of DLA seems an awful long time to me.

[Guest SuffolkSarah]

Hi Ashley,

DLA is awarded based on your disability. They assess your disability over the duration of the illness and award you a small financial monthly amount to help with additional costs relating to your disability. I have to reapply every year because my OCD has fluctuated dramatically within short time frames in the past. I am in no position to comment on Orange Socks, but if a 10 year review has been requested then this will be based on their medical history. People in work and out of work receive DLA and it is specifically to help people with a disability with additional costs. Also the recipient of DLA is legal required to inform the awarding body of any changes in circumstances or they are subject to prosecution. Employment and Support Allowance is purely an out of work benefit and is either contribution based or means tested. This is reviewed every six months and is based on a person's ability to work. You have to have the ATOS Work Capability Assessment in order to begin receiving ESA, which when I took it two years ago was very inadequate. They are planning to carry out this assessment more regularly, I believe annually for people receiving DLA, which I can tell you is a terrifying and very anxious time when you live on such a little income and the outcome of this test can result in significant changes to a your financial circumstances. And every time a review is due, it just starts all over again. I would much rather there was no review and my Consultant decided when I was ready to go back to work, as they surely know better than anyone how I am doing and they see me at least once every 3 months. Orange Socks has some peace of mind, some security and will no doubt benefit more from that than the constant form filling and begging I have to do.

As regards to the lady you helped, I am pleased that she has been able to get help. It is good that she has made some progress in 'managing' her condition, but as you say she still has OCD, she has not recovered, just improved. I have had treatment previously and I did improve for a little while, but I am only well for as long as I can 'manage' my condition. It is frankly exhausting trying to mediate and monitor every thought and apply all of the CBT training 24/7. CBT is not effective for everyone. I firmly believe in being positive, but at the same time I do not like this constant pressure to keep fighting because when people get ill again (as many do), then they feel to blame because they have not tried hard enough. That is not a reasonable approach to such a debilitating illness.

[Guest legend]

My son receives it for his chronic fatigue syndrome, and he has a blue badge as at times it is impossible for him to walk long distances.

He was awarded at 14 and his next review is at 16. HOWEVER ..... regardless of the length of time it is awarded , YOU have a duty to inform the

department of works and pensions, if they any changes in circumstances, one of those being an improvement in the illness itself, failure to do so

constitutes fraud, and can lead to a prosecution in court.

Re hal. I can see where he is coming from, as awarding it for the next 10 years might send out the wrong signals so to speak.... but as you mentioned

sarah, when a review is due, the paper work is such a long process, and then you are going over and over the same things again and again.

Personally, i feel that it should be reviewed on a yearly basis, BUT without the need to refill in the forms, but a simple "tick" the box sheet type of form.

Dla is and can be a godsend to those that require it, it is not means tested, and it doesnt matter if you are in work or not, you are entitled to it

if your disabilty fits into the criteria set out by the dwp.

Unfortuantly there are people out there who dont realise they are actually entitled to it, and there are others who feel to ashamed to apply for it,

for the fear of being judged. Dont be, its there for a reason.

Just a bloody shame that the politicians didnt put more money into recruiting/improving/ training new therapists, rather than wasting it on worthless other stuff, as there

still "worryingly" is a lack of good therapists on the nhs.,and/or the waiting lists are still way to long.

Edited November 10, 2011 by legend

[Guest orange socks]

just to clarify my position a little ......i had a stress induced heart attack 2 years ago and live with the risk of another hanging over me every day- ive got a lot of heart damage and have been told that i wouldnt survive another one - too much damage. experts believe the ocd caused the heart attack . thats pretty compelling evidence of the severity of my ocd and was a major influence in the recent assessment i had

the dla wasnt given because of the heart damage (i run marathons and am currently training for london) , the dla was given for the severity of my ocd and its dibilitating massive effect it has on my life

but that was based on 2 full tribunals and several medicals (all taking over 2 hours when the average 1 takes about half that time - so i'm told) - a complete history and masses of paperwork.

what the decision makers did was to look at my pattern of ocd from the age of 5 .....look at it now and how it affects me and they made the decision based on that and the heart experts notes on causes for heart attack.

i guess my case is pretty unique as few people have such medical evidence thats actually visible and measurable for the effects of extreme stress.

as you say Hal ....i'm not one to sit back and relax..... i have to fight the ocd because if it brings on another heart attack it will quite literally kill me.

every time i get anxious i get chest pain and its a constant reminder to me ....though as yet my ocd is worse than ever due to the sad loss of my beautiful horse oliver recently

they may call me back from time to time to see how i'm doing - i'm just going off what my current paperwork says

but maybe they have so many other people to check that they thought that i had presented with enough evidence and honesty that i would notify them if my circumstances changed - which of course i would do .

i know the lonliness and brokeness that not working brings you - believe you me -i would love to work i just need to stop checking everything for 20 hours a day and then i'd be fine !

Edited November 10, 2011 by orange socks

[Guest Elle Belle]

But what I think I find hardest to take is this sanctimonious attitude that everyone with OCD should be constantly fighting to get better otherwise we are somehow not worthy. I am fighting to just get through each day.

Hi SS (et. al.),

Your comment really made me think. I am actually in some ways the same: I do not really fight to get better and also find each day a struggle. I'm just lucky (I think?) that the nature of my OCD does not stop me from going to work. In fact, the idea of not working really, really terrifies me and is perhaps what stops me from accessing treatment. I had CBT for a while but I did not work hard enough at it which I regret now and I also had to pay a lot to have it privately as it was offered on the NHS but only in work hours and eventually finances meant I had to stop.

So I want to apologise for the fact my first post (and the title of this thread) implied thoughtlessly that OCD is not disabling. I feel like it's ruining my life sometimes. What upset me about the whole work thing was the thought that if it is a disability I may have to stop work because of it and work is all I have! (I am always concocting situations in my head where I'll do something really stupid or awful which will make me lose my job.) The other thing was that my boss said something like 'OCD - that's constant perfectionism'. She wasn't dismissing the fact that it causes suffering - she knows I hate mine and that it stops me from eating a lot of the time. She doesn't know much else. But I don't want 'perfectionism' to be seen as a symptom of my OCD/of a disability because it implies that without OCD I wouldn't be conscientious, and that any achievements I make are a result of having this horrible illness.

Anyway Sarah, please don't worry about writing the post you wrote (that's the kind of thing I would do!). You made me think and your points are a fair and valid as everybody else's.

Elle

xxx

[Guest FobicFairy]

My two penneth on the situation is.......

I used to get DLA, there is nothing on the claim form about mental illness, so if you have something like OCD you have to state your case by writing about how your illness effects your daily life. My OCD was very severe, so much so that I had to spend 6 months having inpatient treatment. The DLA was supposed to pay for a carer to help me each day. The amount of money I was awarded was £15. There is no way I could have got the help I needed for that amount of money. I tried to get upgraded, but was refused. Some people get called in for a medical, but I never have been. I only ever got the benefit for a limited period of about 2 years before I had to apply again.

To get DLA you have to supply the name of your doctor and psychiatric and when your last appointments were to see each of them, then the benefits office contact your mental health prosessionals to make sure you are telling the truth. Most people that apply for DLA get turned down the first time and have to fight to get them to change their minds, its an absolute nightmare and very stressful trying to get a little bit of help with living your every day life.

My mum gets DLA, she has worn discs in her back and has a lot of pain, some days its a struggle to get out of her bed and into a chair. At other times she has days when she can do a bit of shopping in town. She gets DLA for the rest of her life as her condition will only get worse and worse over time. I think thats a fair decision they made.

I do rate my OCD and bi-polar illnesses as a disability. Whilst I currently have control over my OCD I still face daily challenges. Only yesterday I thought there was ant powder on my shopping because there was white powder in the bottom of the basket. I had to make myself not wash everything I bought or wash my hands after putting my shopping away. So yes, I am a lot better, but I have anxiety most days and have to constantly use my ERP skills to get through life.

My bi-polar is a rare form, I don't have mania (thank God), but I am either depressed, severely depressed, or suicidal. I had tried every drug going and my psychiatrist admitted he didn't think he could get me well, finally, the new combination of drugs worked, I have now been mentally stable for 7 months, but despite that I am still ill and just because I am currently well doesnt mean my OCD or bi-polar will ever go away. So yes, I am disabled as I am limtied to what I can do, and as much as I relish a new challenge or job, I know that I couldnt manage. My shrink and husband don't want me to get a job because the stress could knock me back again and I am only well through luck, not judgement.

I worked for 15 years before I had a break down and during that time paid into the system, I think its only fair that I get DLA when I contributed for so long. My husband has a reasonable wage so I can't get any means tested benefits. I know we are lucky to have a little money in benefits, but when you take into account my wage and how I was contributing to paying the mortguage and bills we have had a massive lifestyle change. £15 a week doesnt go anywhere towards my keep, it doesnt even cover what I eat each week never mind bills. I don't feel guilty at all for getting my £15 a week, I only wish I had pushed harder from 2000 to 2007 when I was really distressed and in mental agony. The problem is when you are so ill that you need to help you are too dibilitaed to even think about benefits. There is no back payment system either.

I have no trouble at all in calling my problems a disibilty, and I don't care what others think, and if I had got a job I wouldnt have any problem with people knowing about my OCD. If I had a physical illness and needed help then thats fine, and I don't see how a mental illness should be any different from that. People who make silly comments are ignorant and not worthy of your time. The main thing is being honest and then if a situation arises where you have difficulty in completing a task help should be available.

If you apply for a job and get it, you get the contract with your job title and there is part of the form that asks about illnesses. If you don't say you have OCD and then are ill with it, you have actually broken your contract by not being truthful. Therefore your company has a right to sack you. However, if you declare your ilness the organisation have to provide support and will make allowances for you. If you don't need help then thats brilliant, but I think as OCD sufferes we need to ensure we are protected so we are not constantly afraid of being found out and mocked by other members of staff. The new(ish) disibility act is a huge step forward, and for me if I do feel able to work in the future it will be with great peace of mind that I am protected by that law.

I am disabled, its fine.

FF

[Guest Thijs]

bit off topic but ( im 19 now so idon really have a job yet) if I am going to apply for a job when I finish my study, should I tell them I suffer from OCD? I have told this at school that I suffer from it, and they immediatly started to say things like : Oh thats okay, you dont have to worry about not finishing school, you can do it in 6 years instead of 4 if you want to, they really didnt get my point as I was going there to do two courses at once, or to speed it up to 3 years....-.- Tried to make work of it, but they basically told me they didnt believe I could do the course faster especially not with ocd... it really [blee] me off. I want to do everything as normal as possible but sometimes it just doesnt go the 'normal' way for me. I feel like im labeled already especially since companys here have the right to look into your medical files. Im afraid I will not get a job even if I might get ocd free it will still shows ive had mental health problems and are taking medication against depression. A teacher at school did a lecture about such kind of thing and she said something like : " We once not hired somebody by looking at a blog of the employe and it showed she was having mental health problems, its good that we can use social media to see those kind of things as we dont want to take the risk in hiring "such" people." This really [bleep] me off and made me feel down.

I hate to be labeled by people but I feel like i need to tell them at school i have ocd,which i did, just in case, as i dont want my school to be screwed up by this illness.

Maybe I am disabled I dont know, yes sometimes I can not function the way I should, but that doesnt mean i should get the lable as somebody not being able to accomplish things or work at all or what so ever.

Edited November 10, 2011 by Thijs

[Guest Elle Belle]

bit off topic but ( im 19 now so idon really have a job yet) if I am going to apply for a job when I finish my study, should I tell them I suffer from OCD? I have told this at school that I suffer from it, and they immediatly started to say things like : Oh thats okay, you dont have to worry about not finishing school, you can do it in 6 years instead of 4 if you want to, they really didnt get my point as I was going there to do two courses at once, or to speed it up to 3 years....-.- Tried to make work of it, but they basically told me they didnt believe I could do the course faster especially not with ocd... it really [blee] me off. I want to do everything as normal as possible but sometimes it just doesnt go the 'normal' way for me. I feel like im labeled already especially since companys here have the right to look into your medical files. Im afraid I will not get a job even if I might get ocd free it will still shows ive had mental health problems and are taking medication against depression. A teacher at school did a lecture about such kind of thing and she said something like : " We once not hired somebody by looking at a blog of the employe and it showed she was having mental health problems, its good that we can use social media to see those kind of things as we dont want to take the risk in hiring "such" people." This really [bleep] me off and made me feel down.

I hate to be labeled by people but I feel like i need to tell them at school i have ocd,which i did, just in case, as i dont want my school to be screwed up by this illness.

Maybe I am disabled I dont know, yes sometimes I can not function the way I should, but that doesnt mean i should get the lable as somebody not being able to accomplish things or work at all or what so ever.

Hi Thijs,

Not off point at all. This is exactly the point I am making and what worries me.

You seem like a really intelligent, nice and capable person. OCD is an unwanted part of who you are, it isn't the whole of you. Even if it does get bad - you will still be you (you'll still be 'in there'). I also worry about medical records too which is one of the reasons why even though sometimes I am terrified of what might happen at work some days, I want my records to reflect a good sickness record almost to 'counteract' my medical record.

I don't know much about the laws in the Netherlands but I hope things go well for you.

Elle

xxx

[Guest SuffolkSarah]

So I want to apologise for the fact my first post (and the title of this thread) implied thoughtlessly that OCD is not disabling.

Hi Elle,

There is no need to apologise, you asked an incredibly valid question. I was never sure whether OCD was classed officially as a disability and it was not until my Psychiatrist told me that I was disabled by OCD and should be receiving DLA that I was sure. I have always struggled with whether to tell employers that I have OCD and I have never been sure of the employment legislation surrounding it. More information on how the regulations affect us and what our responsibilities and assurances are in respect to this would be really helpful to everyone. So well done on raising such an important issue.

I would also like to apologise for highjacking your thread a bit, I am just very frustrated by the system and struggling to get help and support. The current system of austerity with regards to the sick and disabled is terrifying and I dread every letter that comes as it may dramatically affect the help I receive. It is hard when the media are constantly painting people who receive benefits as scroungers, layabouts and people who are lazy. When you have doubts like OCD you are constantly terrified that you will be committing fraud and so you constantly analyze your health trying to see if you need to inform them of any change.

I hope you can find the information you need.

Sarah x

[Hal]

Hi there Sarah,

We're all entitled to our views and we're all entitled to express them here, so genuinely I hope you don't feel anxious today about this.

I would like to say a couple of things in my defence though, I would never say that someone shouldn't receive benefits, that they weren't entitled to them or didn't deserve them and I've certainly never or would never 'look down my nose' on anyone who receives them. I understand how important they are to many people, especially those coping with any form of illness, and all that's going on with the economy at the moment.

My bugbear was that by awarding the DLA that far into the future (if it had been given specifically for OCD alone), it could affect how someone views their condition, as Lucy says, symptoms can wax and wane over time, and for some ex-sufferers like Legend and others, a full recovery can be made too.

I have to take things on a day to day basis, some days are good, some days not so good, but I'd feel uncomfortable if someone were to say to me (or infer), well you've had OCD for so long it follows that you'll have it for a long time into the future. I honestly don't think that's the case with this disorder.

There is a neurological fault in my brain, I cannot 'think' that better, it needs comprehensive physiological treatment and so far there is none on the horizon.

I personally agree with you here that its cause is partly physiological, but CBT techniques can change that physiology by changing the way we're thinking, in the same sort of way a stroke victim can create new neural pathways and learn to speak again.

But what I think I find hardest to take is this sanctimonious attitude that everyone with OCD should be constantly fighting to get better otherwise we are somehow not worthy......

I'm sorry that you took what I wrote in that way Sarah, if we're ill, of course we're all worthy of support, but I also think that if we don't fight we won't get better, I honestly believe that. On a really bad day that might mean getting out of bed or trying to hold off performing a compulsion for a single minute, but in my book that's still fighting.

I hope things improve for you and if the DLA does come through, some pressure maybe taken off you, Hal

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