Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition that affects 1.2% of adults in the US and is one of the top ten leading causes of disability in developed countries. It is defined by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to complete to either prevent something bad from happening or reduce distress associated with obsessions.
Despite the prevalence of OCD and the impact it has on sufferers, many people lack awareness about what it really means to be diagnosed with this disorder. Even worse, there are myths and stereotypes surrounding OCD that are inaccurate, offensive and unhelpful.
In honor of OCD Awareness Week October 13–19, 2024, and for all those battling the disorder, let’s debunk a few commonly held beliefs and misconceptions.
Myth 1: OCD is a positive personality trait!
Picture this: you are having a party at your house. You spend the entire day cleaning and preparing for the event. When your guests arrive, they compliment you on how amazing everything looks. You respond saying, “Thank you so much! I spent all day cleaning. I’m so OCD!” Everyone laughs. But it’s actually not that funny for those who struggle with OCD.
The idea that OCD is just a personality trait that inspires organization and cleanliness is common and often seen as a positive quality. Many use “OCD” as an adjective regularly with a positive connotation to it in everyday language and in popular television and media. Unfortunately, this can lead to a misunderstanding of what the true experience of OCD is really like.
Now picture this: you are trying to get ready for work, but you know you’re going to be late because you are stuck. You’re stuck in a compulsion of making sure that the books on your bookshelf are lined up perfectly. You don’t want to be doing this, but you have an intense fear that “something bad will happen if you don’t.” You’re late for work again. Your boss tells you that this is your last chance. Next time, you’ll be fired.
The reality is that obsessions and compulsions are very distressing for those who experience them. Individuals with severe OCD can spend hours a day engaging in rituals that leave them paralyzed and greatly impact their ability to engage in everyday activities. OCD sufferers may have limited to no control over their behavior, which not only impacts their functioning, but their relationships and ultimately all aspects of their lives.
Myth 2: OCD is just about germs and being clean.
Fear of contamination is just one of the subtypes of OCD. The nature of OCD is “ego-dystonic” meaning it is inconsistent with a person’s self-concept, values, or personality. The intrusive thoughts consistent with OCD take on an ego-dystonic nature, which is ultimately what keeps those thoughts present in one’s mind. Obsessions can consist of intrusive thoughts about physically harming someone, fear of engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior, or fear of harming oneself. OCD also creates doubt in one’s mind leading to constant checking, questioning, or reassurance-seeking about specific worries. This could take the form of subtypes like sexual orientation OCD (doubts about one’s sexual orientation) or relationship OCD (doubts about one’s relationship).
Along with the above-mentioned subtypes, here are a few more common examples:
- Harm OCD
- Pedophile OCD
- Just Right OCD
- Contamination OCD
- Magical Thinking OCD
- Sexual-Orientation OCD
- Relationship OCD
- Suicide OCD
- Scrupulosity Based OCD
- Responsibility OCD
- Post-partum OCD
Clearly, OCD is about much more than germs and cleanliness. The condition can take various forms and requires a tailored treatment approach for every individual.
OCD sufferers may have limited to no control over their behavior, which not only impacts their functioning, but their relationships and ultimately all aspects of their lives.
Myth 3: People with OCD just need to “relax” and “stop thinking about it.”
If only it was that easy. Many times, individuals with OCD are very aware that their thoughts are intrusive or not realistic. However, the anxiety they face is so debilitating that they are not able to overcome it simply by just “relaxing.” Additionally, the act of engaging in compulsions is part of the OCD cycle that keeps the disorder alive. When people try to reduce the anxiety they are experiencing due to obsessions, it is typically through the act of rituals or compulsive behavior. These behaviors are not simply stopped. Unfortunately, people often feel compelled to engage in rituals or compulsive behaviors not just to reduce their anxiety but often times to prevent fear related to an obsession from coming to fruition.
For example, imagine that you are a new mom who is experiencing post-partum OCD. You experience an intrusive thought that you are going to hurt your baby by driving your car off a bridge. You are gripped by fear and so terrified that this may happen. As a result, you will no longer drive in the car with your baby, and you will no longer drive over any bridges. The intrusive thoughts that people with OCD experience are terrifying and not about logic. OCD is about anxiety and as we all do when feeling anxious, we try to reduce those feelings. When it comes to OCD, compulsions only reduce the anxiety in the moment while perpetuating and even reinforcing the cycle of OCD.
What should you do if you or someone you know has OCD?
While OCD can be debilitating and cause immense distress and suffering, it is also treatable. The International OCD Foundation states that the most effective treatment for OCD is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy called ERP (exposure and response prevention) and medication. ERP is a widely researched therapeutic modality and highly efficacious with a success rate as high as 80%. It involves exposing a client to their fears while preventing them from engaging in compulsions, thus breaking the cycle of OCD. An ERP therapist will work collaboratively with their client to develop a hierarchy, or a list of fears and expose them in a graduated fashion. The goal is to create challenging but manageable opportunities for someone to face their fears without engaging in rituals or compulsive behaviors.
Remember, OCD is not an adjective, it is not a personality trait, it is not a quirk, and it is not wanted by those who experience it. However, OCD is treatable. With the right support, people can heal and move forward. If you are suffering from OCD or know someone who is, reach out for help. You are worth it.
For more information on OCD and ERP please check out the International OCD Foundation website at IOCDF.org or reach out to local or national providers for support.
Meredith Hettler, LMFT, is the National Director of the OCD and Anxiety Program at Newport Healthcare. She has extensive experience in the behavioral healthcare field working with individuals of all ages, and treating a wide array of mental health, behavioral, and relational issues. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Meredith is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is also a certified yoga instructor.
This article was originally published on Medium.com.