Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This is sort of like a public announcement for people who's lives have been touched by autism.

On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

This annual conference has been designed to inspire, invigorate and educate participants and provide an opportunity to share personal experiences of a condition which affects an estimated 1.8 million people in the UK alone. Public awareness of the challenges faced by OCD sufferers has increased in recent years after several well-known public figures, including David Beckham and Justin Timberlake, spoke frankly and openly about the effect OCD has had on their lives.

OCD Conference 2008 is organised by OCD Action, the leading UK national charity for people affected by OCD spectrum disorders.

Keynote speakers at the conference will include Professor Paul Salkovskis (Channel 4's 'The House of Obsessive Compulsives') and Dr. Isobel Heyman (Maudsley Hospital, London), both specialists on the treatment of OCD and health anxiety. The day will also include workshops, presentations and short films designed to help adults, families and children identify, treat and seek advice about OCD spectrum disorders including Tourette's syndrome, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)/'Imagined Ugliness' and skin picking.

Though OCD is listed as one of the top 10 disabling conditions (including physical ailments) in the world by the World Health Organisation, people who suffer from OCD are usually reluctant to request help from others. They worry that people might think them mad and are often unaware that their disorder is a recognised condition with effective treatments. Events such as OCD Conference 2008 are a vital step forwards in developing public awareness not only of this debilitating disorder, but also of the many different treatments and support networks available to OCD sufferers and those around them.

OCD Action Chairman Peter Jennings said: "This day of action will have internationally-respected experts deconstruct this complex disorder to show people that these intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals are purely symptoms of OCD; symptoms which can be managed through therapy, medication and the determination to say 'No' to OCD.

"You don't have to suffer from OCD to be affected by it, but you need to know about the disorder to fight it. I hope that as many people as possible will join us for OCD Conference 2008 to learn more about OCD spectrum disorders, find out which forms of therapy and medication are most effective, and learn how to manage OCD whilst working, studying and socialising."

OCD Conference 2008
Date: Saturday 22nd November, 2008
Time: 09.30 - 17.00
Venue: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ
Fees: £75 (health professionals), £30 (public), £20 (members of OCD Action and supporting charities)
To register: visit http://www.ocdconference.org.uk or telephone 0870 360 6232.