Draft guidance aims to improve identification of OCD and body dysmorphic disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) could be identified earlier and offered more appropriate treatment under draft NICE guidance published today.

The draft guideline introduces new recommendations to help healthcare professionals recognise OCD and BDD more consistently, particularly in people whose symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions or go unnoticed for years because of stigma, shame or limited information. The independent guideline committee said earlier identification could help more people access the support they need before their symptoms become severe.

The draft recommendations advise healthcare professionals to consider assessing for OCD or BDD in people with depression, anxiety, autism or ADHD, as well as in people seeking cosmetic procedures. The committee said symptoms can sometimes be overlooked, misunderstood or attributed to other conditions, contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment.