DEAR DEIDRE: My best mate is obsessed with washing his hands, and he’s too scared to touch anything in case it has germs on it.
I used to take the mickey out of him for it, but now I think he has a real problem. But I don’t know how to help him.
We’re both 19-year-old lads, and we’re at university together.
I don’t understand why my friend is so worried about hygiene. If we’re somewhere he can’t wash his hands – if there’s no soap in a bathroom, for example – he gets into a real panic.
I don’t know anyone else with a problem like this, and I’m worried about him.
Why does he do this and what should I do?
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DEIDRE SAYS: This sounds like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which isn’t as uncommon as you’d think.
It’s admirable you want to help your friend.
Give him my support pack on Obsessions and suggest he sees his GP, who can help him.
A type of talking treatment called Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is good for this condition and will teach him ways to manage it.
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