Considerable efforts should be made to improve the detection and management of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or body dysmorphic disorder, say UK guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) this week. The guidelines warn that the current average time between first onset of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the provision of treatment is 17 years.

The guidelines recommend that all health professionals, including GPs, should routinely consider and explore the possibility of OCD for people at higher risk of the condition. OCD is characterised by the presence of obsessions (unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges) or compulsions (unwanted, unnecessary behaviours).

People at risk include those with symptoms of depression, anxiety, alcohol …