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Myths about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 

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Myths about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 

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Believing that people are "a little OCD"

People with OCD just need to relax, that it's easily overcome with willpower

OCD is only about being overly organized or neat

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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.. 

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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.. 

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A disorder that consists of unwanted intrusive thoughts that get obsessed over

These thoughts make a person engage in performing "compulsions" to attempt to reduce or get rid of anxiety/ distress that is caused by these thoughts.

The more compulsions that are performed the stronger the OCD gets.

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Things to remember about OCD misconceptions:

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Things to remember about OCD misconceptions:

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It's not just about cleanliness,

yes, while handwashing can be a compulsion for some with OCD, it's not the only symptom and many people with OCD may not have excessive cleaning behaviors at all.

Not a personality trait:

Saying things like "I'm a little OCD" about liking things organized and tidy invalidates individuals who struggle with OCD because in reality, it is a debilitating mental health condition that significantly impacts daily life.

OCD is NOT easily controlled:

People with OCD cannot simply "snap out of it" or "just relax" as their compulsions are driven by intense anxiety and are often difficult to resist.

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Fear of contamination

Harming others

Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something

Fear of losing control over one’s behavior

Aggressive thoughts toward others or self

Unwanted thoughts

Desire to have things "just right" or symmetrical

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Handwashing

Checking things repeatedly (like locked doors or stove top)

Compulsive counting

Praying or repeating words silently

These behaviors are often done to relieve the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Medication

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An estimated 1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in the past year

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An estimated 1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in the past year

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Debunking the myths of OCD - Natascha M. Santos

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-or-repetitive-behaviors-take-over

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Can’t control obsessions or compulsions

Spend more than 1 hour a day on their obsessions or compulsions.

Experience significant problems in daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors.