After more than 30 years at the heart of OCD Action, Professor David Veale is stepping down from his role as a trustee, and we want to say a huge thank you for his contribution to the charity and his tireless dedication to reshaping how OCD is understood and treated.
As a founding trustee, David has played a pivotal role in shaping the charity’s vision and driving its growth. His impact on the OCD community is immeasurable, and we are so grateful for his commitment, leadership, and the countless ways he has supported people affected by OCD over the years.
As David steps back, we took the chance to reflect with him on his journey—from his early days in the field to the impact he’s had on OCD treatment and policy. He shared his thoughts on how far things have come, the challenges that remain, and what he hopes to see for the future of OCD care.
When asked about the defining moments of his career, David hesitates to focus on personal achievements. Instead, he sees himself as “just a piece in the jigsaw,” acknowledging the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience who have driven change.
His journey into OCD treatment was shaped by key figures in the field, including Professor Isaac Marks, whose early work with Professor Jack Rachman on the nature of OCD was groundbreaking. “We have a saying in science that we’re always standing on the shoulders of giants,” he reflects. Long-standing collaborations with colleagues such as Professors Paul Salkovskis, David Clark, Mark Freeston, and Paul Gilbert have also been instrumental in shaping his approach.
“Every person I see with OCD brings something new, something different. That’s what keeps it interesting.”
Beyond academic influence, David finds his greatest inspiration in the people he treats. “I hope I have championed the plight of many people with OCD and related disorders because I think they have a tough time.”
Expanding Access to Knowledge and Better Treatment
One of David’s most defining contributions has been his commitment to making knowledge about OCD widely accessible. Whether through being part of the NICE guidelines, mentoring professionals, or speaking at OCD Action conferences, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that information reaches those who need it most.
David was a member of the NICE Guideline Development Group for the treatment of OCD and BDD in 2006, playing a key role in shaping national standards of care. The introduction of these guidelines was a turning point for people with OCD, establishing clear, evidence-based treatment pathways that helped improve access to support.
“I think the revised NICE guidelines should include OCD as part of a broader family of conditions. It shouldn’t be treated in isolation,” he explains, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes conditions such as health anxiety and body-focused repetitive behaviours.
The Evolution of OCD Awareness and Treatment
The landscape of OCD awareness and treatment has changed dramatically since David first became involved in the field. He recalls one of the earliest OCD Action conferences in 1995, held in Red Lion Square, London.
“It was a strange event—on the one hand, very inspirational, but on the other, full of frustration. People were really angry about the lack of services, long waiting times, and limited treatment options. I hadn’t fully appreciated that level of frustration before.”
David also reflects on the rise in public awareness of OCD, acknowledging both progress and persistent misunderstandings. “When we started out, you’d be surprised—many people hadn’t even heard of OCD. Now, it’s everywhere, but often in the wrong way, with people saying things like, ‘I’m a little bit OCD.’ There’s still a frustrating amount of confusion between obsessive personality traits and OCD as a serious disorder. But overall, I think stigma is improving, and it’s easier to get psychological treatment on the NHS now than it was when I started.”
Challenging Harmful Misconceptions in OCD Care
One of David’s most pressing concerns is the growing emphasis on risk assessment over treatment within psychiatry. He has been a vocal critic of how some people with OCD, particularly those experiencing ‘taboo’ intrusive thoughts, are unnecessarily referred to safeguarding and forensic services.
“It makes me really angry,” he says. “These referrals often happen because of professional incompetence—people not understanding OCD and covering their own backs.”
To address this, David is currently working on a research project examining the experiences of people with OCD who have been referred to safeguarding services. “We want to understand their experiences and make it clear how damaging these processes can be. It’s something that needs serious attention.”
Looking Ahead and Hopes for the Future
David’s work with OCD Action has been a core part of his professional life. He describes his involvement as one element of a larger circle that connects his academic research, clinical practice, and engagement with the OCD community. “Being involved keeps me grounded in the reality of OCD,” he says.
Though stepping back as a trustee, David insists he’s not leaving entirely. “I’ve got a bit of life in me left yet,” he says with a smile. “I’ll still help in whatever way I can.”
Looking ahead, he wants OCD Action to continue its role as an effective lobbying force. “I want the charity to be a strong voice, making sure people with OCD and related disorders get prompt treatment and support,” he says.
A Personal Thank You from Our CEO, Leigh Wallbank
Getting to know and working alongside David has been a real privilege. What stands out most is his incredible generosity, not just with his time and expertise, but in the way he has always given so much of himself to OCD Action and the people we support.
On behalf of OCD Action, I want to thank him for everything he has done, not just for the charity, but for the entire OCD community. I’m also incredibly grateful that David will continue to support our work in other ways. His wisdom and knowledge have been central to OCD Action for over 30 years, and I know his influence will continue shaping our work in the years ahead.
Prof. David Veale stepped back as an OCD Action trustee at the most recent OCD Action AGM in November 2024.