Latest news with #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Shopping addiction should be taken more seriously say sufferers
A day of retail therapy can be just the ticket for some people to help them feel better about themselves. But what happens when you can't stop shopping?Surrounded by racks of shirts, dresses and jumpers, Lucy tells me that she could spend up to 14 hours a day searching out new clothes as an escape from 37-year-old's life may sound like a dream, but Lucy is clear that excessive shopping damaged her one point, Lucy found herself not paying her bills so she could continue to buy clothes."It's like a physical and an emotional drowning. I have felt like I'm just under a weight of clothes constantly," she has no idea how many garments she owns, but they take up an entire room in her West Yorkshire home as well as several suitcases - and a 35 sq ft storage unit. "Clothes acted like an armour to not feel the feelings that I did in real life," she set up a fashion Instagram account and her shopping eventually "spiralled" to the point that she was spending £700 per week - eventually racking up £12,000 of debt. "It was the first thing I would think about when I woke up. "You keep looking for clothes in the same way someone might keep drinking because they haven't quite reached the point of escapism they were hoping to reach," she recalls as she continues to recover. 'Penny drop moment' She says seeing influencers online with copious amount of clothes "normalised" her habits. It was not until a therapist told her she may have oniomania - the compulsive urge to buy things - that she realised it was possible to be addicted to describes the second in her NHS Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) session that she heard about the disorder as a "penny drop" addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder or oniomania, is when a person feels an uncontrollable need to shop and spend, despite the negative is not known how many people have it. A review of research suggests it affects around 5% of adults but a more recent study says it may have risen to 10% since the Lucy and others across the UK are calling for a better understanding of the condition and for more support from the NHS."I think the resources are currently lacking. The research and understanding of oniomania is just not there in the same way as addiction to substances," Lucy says. Natalie has what she calls her "cupboard of doom" with more than 10,000 household items in her Rotherham the 40-year-old, her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) "triggers" her to buy certain things - including a particular number of items and cupboard is home to 300 tubes of toothpaste and 3,000 washing pods."It just escalated to the point where I was going out and just wasn't settled until my boot was full of stuff," Natalie the peak of her addiction, she would be at the shops every day and could spend up to £3,000 a month - including £1,000 on toiletries."I cannot stop - and I do not want to stop either. If I see something online, I need it. I don't care how I get it, I need to get it."The mother-of-one recently spent £1,000 while on a flight - mainly on perfumes - and says she has about 400 fragrances, bought in little more than two who works in private nursing, says ads have a "massive effect" on her buying habits and she can spend around six hours a day watching perfume videos online when she is not working. She has undergone therapy both within the NHS and privately, but feels it was not successful as she is not yet ready to stop - but is focused on trying to cut her shopping."I think every addiction should be treated the same and more help and therapy should be available [from the NHS] to people who want it," she adds. The BBC has spoken to 15 people who feel they have a shopping talked of a mental toll and feelings of guilt and shame. One said they developed an eating disorder as a result, and another said it became a "monster" in their life. All felt that social media contributed to their addiction. According to experts, the proportion of retail sales online has more than doubled in the last decade, up from 12% in May 2015 to 27% in May advertising body IAB UK says advertisers' spend on social media content grew by 20% last year – standing at a total of £8.87bn. Zaheen Ahmed, director of therapy at The UKAT Group, which runs addiction treatment centres across the country, says they have seen more people with a shopping explains that the hormonal anticipation of a purchase could be equated to the reaction of a drug user securing a Ahmed says that social media use as part of smartphone ownership is "the new normal"."Social media is impacting our lives big time and it is contributing to our urge to buy, urge to spend, urge to interact every time." Shopping became a coping mechanism for issues surrounding Alyce's self-confidence and started using Buy Now Pay Later schemes when she was aged 18 - a decision she describes as a "gateway" to other the end, Alyce, from Bristol, was saddled with debts of £9,000 after spending up to £800 each month on new items, particularly ordering clothes online."The more I had to open, the more excitement there was."But once I opened the parcels, the buzz would wear off and I'd be sad again - so then the cycle continues."Social media is essentially another version of QVC, but one younger generations can watch," the 25-year-old who works in business administration, has since overcome her addiction with therapy and is now almost debt free."If I hadn't done that, I don't really know where I would be," she says."It does genuinely change your way of thinking and creeps into everything you do - your whole life revolves around payday when you can shop again."It just becomes so overwhelming." If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story you can visit the BBC Action Line for more support. The NHS says it is possible to become addicted to just about anything - but there's no distinct diagnosis for a shopping reason is because experts dispute how to classify it, with some believing it is a behavioural addiction, while others link it to mood or obsessive compulsive of addiction at the University of York Ian Hamilton says shopping addiction has "caught psychiatry on the back foot".The expert, who has worked in the field for three decades, said he believes we are still two or three years from the disorder being more widely recognised as a formal Hamilton says the retail sector has lifted some of the strategies used by the gambling industry to keep people engaged online."I don't think it's any accident that people find it difficult once they start this loop of spending, buying, feeling good then having remorse."The academic adds the rise of influencers is not just a coincidence."It's one thing having an item described to you, [but that] doesn't have the same impact as seeing a glossy well-put together video package which extols the virtue of an item and only shows the positives."Pamela Roberts, psychotherapist at the healthcare provider Priory Group, is clear: "We need to learn different coping strategies but we can only learn [them] when it's recognised as a problem - and that's only done when it's made official," she NHS spokesperson said: "NHS Talking Therapies provides treatment for a range of conditions including OCD and provides practical skills and techniques to help cope."They added that anyone struggling with obsessive and compulsive behaviour can contact their GP or refer themselves for therapy.
Leader Live
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
BBC award win for Wrexham student's brave OCD story
Faith Dodd, from Wrexham, was named BBC Wales Young Reporter of the Year while studying A Levels at Coleg Cambria. Faith received national recognition for bravely sharing her personal experiences of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), using journalism to raise awareness and help others. Now 22, Faith has gone on to study Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation at University College London (UCL), where she recently completed her undergraduate degree and is preparing to begin a Master's in Archaeology this autumn. Faith Dodd (right) during an archaeology dog. "I can't imagine my life anywhere else," said Faith. "The course, location, and people made UCL the perfect fit for me, and I've loved my time here so much that I'm staying to continue my studies." Faith secured A levels in Classical Civilisation, drama, and biology, with AS levels in media and art while at Cambria. Read more: Wrexham headteacher to retire after almost two decades at local school She credits the college - and particularly teachers Tom Brooks and Jayme Edwards - with inspiring her love for the ancient world and the arts. "I loved my time at Cambria, and while my subjects may have seemed disjointed at the time, they all fed into my current passions - ancient theatre, archaeological human remains, Greek art, and the public outreach of archaeology in media." Faith Dodd, from Wrexham. Her university experience has included starring in sold-out productions of The Bacchae and Aristophanes' Frogs at the Bloomsbury Theatre, participating in archaeological digs across the UK and Europe, and a unique study tour visiting historic sites in Rome, Athens, and Crete. Read more: Colourful display across Wrexham and Flintshire for prom 2025 Faith has excavated Second World War air raid shelters, Roman villas, and even unearthed quirky finds like an early 1900s Heinz pickle jar and a Blitz-damaged park bench. She now hopes to work in public archaeology, engaging people through museums, media, and journalism. Former BBC Wales Young Reporter of the Year winner Faith Dodd in London. Before returning to London in September, Faith is taking a short break back home in North Wales following the completion of her dissertation on the depiction of women on Ancient Greek vases. She thanked her family, friends in Wrexham, and her university peers "from around the world" for their support and offered this advice to students unsure about their next steps: "Choose what you enjoy and what you're good at - your passion will carry you through the hard times," said Faith. • Visit for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
More than one million people claim PIP for these 20 psychiatric conditions
Personal Independence Payments provide up to £749 per month to help people with the extra costs of being disabled or ill The Department for Work and Pensions' flagship disability benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), provides financial support to help people manage the extra costs that come with disability. Taxpayers' Alliance data reveals that out of the 3.7 million people currently receiving PIP, more than 1.3 million have psychiatric conditions as their primary condition. Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders top the list as the most common condition, with 365,653 beneficiaries. In stark contrast, factitious disorder, previously known as Munchausen syndrome, has only 18 successful PIP claims. This condition sees patients feigning illness or disability, sometimes even tampering with test results or self-harming to convince others of their ill health. In some cases, the disorder can be imposed on another person, typically when caregivers suffering from factitious disorder exaggerate or fabricate symptoms in those they care for, which can escalate to administering unnecessary medication or even poisoning. PIP can offer a maximum of £749.80 every four weeks. It's not means-tested, so a person's income, savings, or employment status doesn't impact eligibility. Eligibility isn't determined by diagnosis alone; some people qualify before they even have a defined diagnosis. The exact amount received hinges on how severely your disability affects your daily life and mobility. Psychiatric conditions and claimant figures: Anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia and panic disorder - 57,797 Autistic spectrum disorders - 212,306 Cognitive disorders such as dementia - 25,656 Conduct disorder - 1,068 Eating disorders - 7,442 Enuresis, or inability to control urination - 39 Factitious disorder - 18 Faecal soiling/encopresis - 63 ADHD/ADD, also known as hyperkinetic disorder - 77,896 Global learning disability such as Down's syndrome - 158,873 Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders - 365,653 Mood disorders, including bipolar affective disorder - 137,288 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - 10,401 Psychiatric disorders of childhood - 785 Personality disorder - 52,137 Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia - 120,229 Somatoform and dissociative disorders, including body dysmorphia - 1,781 Specific learning disorder, such as dyslexia - 34,179 Stress reactions including PTSD - 56,994 Substance use disorders - 15,656 This tally represents successful and ongoing PIP claims. According to DWP stats from the start of the year, only about 44% of new benefit claims make it this far. Just 37% of current PIP claimants receive the top award of £749.80 per month. Over 500 different health conditions are cited in PIP claims, according to Benefits and Work. Psychiatric disorders top the list for the most awards, followed by musculoskeletal disease and neurological disease. The charity highlighted that global learning disorders and cognitive disorders have the highest success rates, standing at 89.91% and 87.85% respectively. On the other hand, enuresis and faecal soiling have the lowest success rates, with figures of 34.81% and 26.80%. Factitious disorder also has a notably low success rate at 41.86%. PIP is made up of two components: a daily living element and a mobility element. Each of these also has two weekly rates: Daily living enhanced rate: £110.40 Daily living standard rate: £73.90 Mobility enhanced rate: £77.05 Mobility standard rate: £29.20
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
CHOO CHOO! coming to The Riverfront in Newport this July
CHOO CHOO!, a theatre production delving into the realities of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), will be performed at The Riverfront in Newport on Tuesday, July 8, at 8pm. The disability-led show by StammerMouth, the creative alias of Nye Russell Thompson, blends humour and song in an imaginative, honest portrayal of intrusive thoughts and mental health. The play tells the story of Nye and Duncan, who live together in what seems like a perfect home until Nye reveals his intrusive thoughts. Praised for its inventive approach and emotional resonance, the production has received widespread acclaim. The Scotsman described it as: "An original and audacious exploration of mental health and theatrical form." Neurodiverse Review called it: "An hour full of humour, heartfelt fun, and the best portrayal of OCD I've ever seen in a theatre production." Written and performed by Nye Russell Thompson and directed by Nerida Bradley, the show is fully accessible, with integrated British Sign Language, audio description, and inclusive storytelling. CHOO CHOO! is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be booked online or by calling 01633 656757.
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Common prescription drugs that can be fatal when taken in scorching 35C heat
An incredibly common prescription drug taken by millions of Brits can have dangerous side effects during a heatwave like the one parts of the UK are currently experiencing For the second time in two weeks, an amber health alert has been issued in parts of the UK due to sweltering temperatures amid an ongoing heatwave. The South East and London are predicted to see temperatures rise to about 34C-35C on June 1, which will be hotter than Barbados. An amber health alert is issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in times of extreme heat, which could impact people's health and wellbeing and therefore put strain on public services like the NHS. A yellow alert, the lowest level, notifies that temperatures will be high but most likely any health impacts will be on those who are vulnerable or elderly - but an amber alert means the entire population could be at risk from the extreme heat, with travel likely to be disrupted, and more ambulances needed. Experts have warned that five million Brits could also be at a further increased health risk due to a common prescription medication: antidepressants There are many different kinds of antidepressants but some of the most common are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are the most widely prescribed because, generally, the side effects of them are the easiest to manage, so they are often the kind a GP will start a patient with if they are suffering from anxiety or a persistent low mood. They are also prescribed for conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and bulimia - amongst others. SSRIs work, it is thought, by increasing the level of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the brain, which can improve your sleep and mood. However, one of the common side effects of SSRIs is sweating more than normal - and in a heatwave this can present a danger, experts have claimed. As reported in The Sun, this kind of antidepressant impacts the part of the brain that regulates temperature - the hypothalamus - as they influence the different chemical levels in the brain. With more serotonin, it is harder for this internal thermostat to send effective signals that regulate the overall temperature of the body. "This can lead to excessive sweating," explained pharmacist Thorrun Govind. This can be counterproductive in hot weather as the body is already struggling to cool down." Sweating too much can make people dehydrated, and then correspondingly cause a further increase in body temperature. Another kind of anti-depressant can also present danger during a heatwave, the expert warned: tricyclic antidepressants. These are less commonly prescribed compared to SSRIs, but can impact the function of the brain, which would make it more difficult for someone to notice that they are overheating. Whilst SSRIs can cause someone to sweat more, tricyclic antidepressants actually do the opposite, and sometimes cause people to sweat less than usual - which in high temperatures can be dangerous, because sweating is the body's natural way of cooling down. "In some cases, this disruption can be life-threatening when your body struggles to cope with the soaring temperatures," Thorrun warned. However, this does not mean you should stop taking antidepressants if you have been prescribed them - because a sudden withdrawal from these medications can be incredibly dangerous. Instead, you should take your prescription as your GP has directed and continue that normal - but take extra precautions surrounding the heat. This should include avoiding going outside or doing exercise during the hottest hours of the day - between 11am and 3pm - and sticking to the shade as much as possible. You should also avoid drinking any alcohol, because this is dehydrating, and make sure you are drinking plenty of water, as well as opting to wear loose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen during a heatwave.
