OCD and employment

[TotalIdiot]

Hi,

I'm going to see a councellor tomorrow because I think I have OCD. I'll keep things brief cause I'm about 100 percent sure I have it - the main thing is that I get horrible images all the time that I can't control and they make me feel like an awful person. I am also highly paranoid and I always overly worry about things and get really anxious. Another thing is that I wash my hands a lot and worry about germs and catching or passing on disease. My question is, if I am diagnosed with OCD, will I have to give that information on application forms for jobs and such? I am studying at uni and the only thing I've ever wanted is to be a scientist. I'm terrified that if I am diagnosed with OCD, I wont be able to be a scientist. My education/career is the only thing that keeps me sane and I don't know what I'd do if that was taken away from me.

[ProudMumToBe]

You do not have to share the fact You suffer a Mental illness on application forms for jobs, regardless of if You did suffering Obsessive Compulsive Disorder does not make You any less of a hard worker than any other Employee.
I know someone who has run his own company for years and is one of the hardest working people I know and he suffers a severe case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
It does not have to affect Your employment

[ILADVOCATE]

Okay that was specific for the U.S. This is what would be applicable as regards disability employment laws for the U.K.:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068

[ILADVOCATE]

No you are not required to put down any information on application forms for jobs. However it would be worthwhile to (and this should be done only after you are hired) disclose your disability to your direct supervisor (who cannot share the information and must keep it confidential) and explain what accommodations could help with your ability to work. To find out more about reasonable accommodations and disability accommodations in general google "ada.gov". Having a specific diagnosis won't require you to disclose it but having it treated could help make you more able to cope with things in general including work so its worthwhile.