Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
Health

What is obsessive compulsive disorder, what are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

More than half a million Australians experience obsessive compulsive disorder in their lifetime. (Pexels: Liza Summer)

It's often thought of as having a fixation with cleanliness or being paranoid about leaving the oven on, but obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that is as common as diabetes.

Beyond Blue estimates that OCD affects around 3 per cent of Australians in their lifetime — more than 500,000 people — however, psychologists say it's still majorly misunderstood.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.