Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Myth VS Fact

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a well-known mental disorder that has circulated around the globe, however, the more we hear this term, the more misconceptions are made. Misconceptions such as: “OCD is just a personality trait’, “OCD is only about cleanliness”, and “Everyone has a little OCD” are not only myths but also offensive to the individuals actually suffering from OCD. Therefore, this article will clear away all misbeliefs about the term “OCD”, while highlighting the factual definition of the disorder, and its treatments.

What Exactly Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

O – Obsessions

The “Obsessive” in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder stands for the recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, sensations or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings such as fear, disgust, uncertainty, doubt, or a feeling that things have to be done in a way that is “just right.”; which the person suffering from OCD continuously experience throughout their life. However, someone without OCD may have these thoughts, be momentarily perturbed, and then move on, but in the context of OCD, these intrusive thoughts come frequently and trigger extreme anxiety that gets in the way of day-to-day functioning. This is the key when it comes to diagnosing an individual with OCD as it determines whether someone has OCD — a psychological disorder — rather than an obsessive personality trait.

The most common obsessions which people with OCD endure are Contamination Obsessions, Religious/Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity), Violent Obsessions, Identity Obsessions, Perfectionism-related Obsessions, or other types of obsessions such as obsessions about death/existence, relationship-related obsessions, along with others.

C – Compulsions

The “Compulsive” in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder signifies the repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing/cleaning, checking on things, and mental acts like counting or other activities an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease distress; significantly interfering with a person’s daily activities and social interactions. Nevertheless, not all repetitive behaviors are compulsions. This depends on the context of the behavior. For example, bedtime routines, and religious practices, all involve some level of repeating an activity over and over again but are usually a positive and functional part of daily life. Similarly, making the same cup of coffee for seven hours a day isn’t a compulsion if the person works in a cafe. Even if you are a perfectionist or like to have things neatly organized, these things are not to be “compulsive” behaviors, but a personality trait or something about yourself that you actually prefer or like to do. In most cases, individuals with OCD, rather than being a source of pleasure, feel driven to engage in compulsive behavior because they believe these acts are necessary to prevent negative consequences and to escape or reduce anxiety or the presence of obsessions and would rather not have to do these laborious and often torturous acts.

D – Disorder

The “Disorder” in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder simply means that OCD is a clinically certified Mental Disorder, that significantly affects a person’s cognition, mood, thinking, and behavior and not a personality trait. Just like other mental disorders, OCD has numerous treatment methods including psychotherapy, medications, intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs, Deep brain stimulation, and Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Let’s Overcome this Together

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be diagnosed in men, women and children. Some people start having symptoms early, often around puberty, but it usually starts during early adulthood and as it is a debilitating illness that often goes under-reported; it is crucial to seek professional help and help cure this disorder without putting it under the bridge. It is also a fundamental ethic to be always mindful of your words and actions, hence stop treating OCD as a verb or an adjective and together let us raise awareness about obsessive-compulsive disorder to everyone.

Tharuli Thehasna Sithsandi Wanniarachchi