What is the Orchard OCD Registry?
The Orchard OCD Registry was created to match individuals over the age of 18 with OCD (no diagnosis needed) who are interested in being involved in research studies, to researchers who require participants. We aim to collect information from individuals with OCD and use it to identify potentially suitable studies for them to participate in. The Registry is currently UK-based only, however we do have plans to expand internationally in the future.
Why is it important?
Researchers are continuously trying to find out more information and knowledge in order to support the individuals who experience OCD. Existing treatments for OCD are often ineffective, which is why we are pushing for the development of new and better treatments for this devastating condition.
Unfortunately, many research trials often don’t reach the desired number of participants and therefore the results are not completely reliable, or the trial is unable to be conducted at all. By having more people involved in research, we can increase our understanding of OCD to aid the development of new treatments.
Is the Orchard OCD Registry the same as Orchard?
No. Orchard is a registered charity that works to accelerates the development of new and better treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Orchard OCD Registry was developed as a branch from Orchard and is a collaboration between Orchard and the University of Hertfordshire. For more information about Orchard and the work they do, please see their website: https://www.orchardocd.org/ .
“As someone with Lived/Living Experience of OCD, I am fully endorsing the OCD Registry. The information gathered may just be what we need to improve the lives of those with OCD. I am confident that by having this Registry initiative in place will help increase our understanding of how the illness progresses over time, and also help to determine the genetic influences of this disorder to make a real difference in this world. It can also help with overall healthcare R&D and future treatment methods for the next generation.”
“We need an OCD registry because it is a fundamentally important part of developing new and better treatments for an often debilitating disorder and being able to individualise care for suffers. By having such a registry, we will be able to get more people involved in research but also speed up the pace of research, thereby hopefully improving our understanding of OCD and developing new treatments. For example, in my case, I did find a combination of medications that manage my OCD (escitalopram with aripiprazole), but this took 5 long years to find the right dose and combination. If we could get suitable participants to relevant researchers quicker, this could shorten such agonizing years for suffers and also allow us to match the most effective treatments to the individual. This is where the registry comes in!”
The Orchard OCD Registry Partnership
The Orchard OCD Registry is a partnership between the University of Hertfordshire and Orchard, an OCD charity.
