Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Misconceptions
By Kaylee Engle
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most widely known mental illnesses, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. People often describe themselves as “OCD” when discussing their tendencies to be neat and organized, and the media frequently depicts OCD incorrectly. Misconceptions about OCD often stigmatize the disorder and do not reflect the real struggles that people experience. Below are several common myths about OCD and the facts that disprove them.
Myth #1: Everyone is a little bit “OCD” sometimes.
Fact: OCD is a mental illness not a personality trait. It affects millions of people in the United States alone. People with OCD may experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts or impulses, otherwise known as obsessions. Examples of obsessions include fear of being contaminated by germs, stress when things appear to be out of order, or intrusive thoughts of harming themselves or others. To alleviate the distress that these obsessions cause, they may perform rituals, or compulsions. Examples of compulsions may include repeatedly checking that doors are locked, frequent handwashing, or counting in certain patterns. People with OCD fear that failing to perform a compulsion will result in negative consequences. For example, someone who has intrusive thoughts about becoming very ill may wash their hands until they are raw. When people claim to “be OCD,” they may be referring to another condition. Some people suffer from a disorder known as obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). This disorder is characterized by an intense need for things to be neat and orderly, a controlling attitude, and perfectionism. Someone who displays an extreme need for order and perfection may be suffering from OCPD rather than OCD.
Myth #2: People with OCD are germaphobes or neat freaks.
Fact: Obsessions and compulsions around cleanliness are common in OCD, but there are many other ways that someone might experience this disorder. People with OCD may experience obsessions and compulsions that have nothing to do with cleanliness or orderliness. Instead, they may feel the need to repeatedly check that the stove is turned off or the door is locked, to silently repeat phrases or words, or to count in specific patterns.
Myth #3: People with OCD do not realize that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational.
Fact: Most people with OCD are aware that their intrusive thoughts are unlikely to come true. They know that it is unreasonable to think that the house will burn down if they do not check the stove 20 times. Compulsions are not meant to prevent something from happening. Instead, they serve to temporarily reduce anxiety. The knowledge that their behaviors are irrational can be very frustrating for people with OCD.
Myth #4: There is no way for people with OCD to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Fact: While OCD can have serious impacts on a person’s life, proper treatment can alleviate the distress that the disorder causes. The first line of treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). This treatment involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that trigger their obsessions and compulsions. Over time, the patient will learn how to respond to these triggers in new ways that decrease their obsessions and compulsions. For example, a patient who excessively fears germs may be asked by their therapist to touch a surface that they believe is dirty. Each time they do this, they will wait longer to wash their hands after. Medication, such as antidepressants, can also be an effective treatment.
OCD is a serious mental illness that is often trivialized or stigmatized. We must be aware of our own misconceptions of OCD in order for us to change our beliefs and reduce the stigma around it. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is suffering from OCD, it is important to consult a doctor or mental health professional. If you have questions about OCD or are looking for support or resources, you can call The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
References
Beyond OCD. (2019). Facts about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Beyond OCD. https://beyondocd.org/ocd-facts
International OCD Foundation. (2017, October 3). Help separate OCD myths from the facts. International OCD Foundation Blog. https://iocdf.org/blog/2017/10/03/help-seperate-ocd-myths-from-the-facts/
Mayo Clinic. (2020, March 11). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). NAMI HelpLine. The National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/help#:~:text=To%20contact%20the%20NAMI%20HelpLine,to%20info%40nami.org
SANE Australia. (2017, October 10). Busting the myths about OCD. The SANE Blog. https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/mythbusters/busting-the-myths-about-ocd
Villines, Z. (2018, May 13). Top 10 myths: A guide to everything OCD is not. GoodTherapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/top-ten-myths-a-guide-to-everything-ocd-is-not-0513187
Watson, K. (2018, September 29). Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder