I read with interest the article about obsessional compulsive disorder (OCD) (The Argus Woman, May 5).

My daughter has suffered with OCD for approximately five years but it has come to light only in the past couple of years as the disorder has worsened.

The article stated that 80 per cent of patients who complete the course of treatment of between three and six months have an 80 per cent improvement.

This is wonderful news for sufferers but what the article failed to point out was the length of time wasted on waiting lists for treatment.

My daughter would not or could not ask for treatment until she was ready. After all, what 20-year-old ever does what she is asked, even if it is for her own good?

The therapist even now thinks my daughter went for treatment only because I made her go.

This was because she wanted me to accompany her to the appointment in case she missed any vital information.

My daughter waited four months for an initial assessment to see if her case warranted treatment. She is now on the waiting list for 14 months until she is called in to start this treatment.

After 18 months, she will be a lot worse than she is now because she does not know what to do to stop this.

If OCD can be successfully treated within six months, why can't patients be seen sooner?

Surely, the earlier they are taught a different way of thinking, the easier it is to treat? This all boils down to NHS priorities yet again.

-Name and address supplied