Understanding OCD: A Misunderstood Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a term often tossed around casually. You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m so OCD” about organizing their desk or arranging their bookshelf. But OCD is so much more than a preference for tidiness or a quirky habit. It’s a mental health condition that can feel overwhelming and exhausting, often making everyday life an uphill battle. Let’s take a closer look at what OCD really is and how it can show up in people’s lives.
What is OCD, Really?
At its core, OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that pop into someone’s mind and create a lot of anxiety or distress. Compulsions are the actions—physical or mental—that someone feels compelled to do to ease that distress or prevent something bad from happening.
For example, imagine someone constantly worrying about germs and contamination. They might wash their hands repeatedly, far beyond what feels typical, just to feel safe. But here’s the thing—OCD isn’t just about germs or being super clean. Let’s dig a little deeper…
Common and Less Common Ways OCD Can Manifest
Common Manifestations:
Contamination fears: Intense fear of germs, dirt, or illness, leading to excessive cleaning or handwashing.
Checking behaviors: Repeatedly making sure doors are locked, stoves are off, or appliances are unplugged.
Symmetry and order: Feeling an intense need for things to be arranged “just right” or in a perfect order.
Less Common Manifestations:
Harm-related obsessions: Intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally hurting someone, even though the person would never act on them.
Sexual or religious obsessions: Disturbing thoughts about taboo or blasphemous topics that go against the person’s values.
Mental compulsions: Repeatedly reviewing events, seeking reassurance, or mentally counting or praying to reduce anxiety.
Magical thinking: Believing certain actions, numbers, or rituals can prevent bad things from happening.
Relationship OCD: Obsessive doubts and fears about the quality, authenticity, or security of one’s romantic relationships.
OCD can also show up in subtler ways that might not meet the full diagnostic criteria but still cause distress. Maybe it’s occasional intrusive thoughts or mild compulsive behaviors that fly under the radar because they seem “manageable.” These quieter versions can be harder to spot and might lead to prolonged struggles before anyone seeks help.
Why OCD is Widely Misunderstood
We see it all the time—pop culture paints OCD as a quirky trait, like loving cleanliness or needing things in order. But for those living with OCD, it’s anything but quirky. It’s tiring. It’s isolating. And it can feel deeply shameful, especially when intrusive thoughts don’t align with a person’s values or sense of self (spoiler: they don’t reflect someone’s true character!).
Since OCD doesn’t always match the stereotypes, it’s often misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether. That misunderstanding can keep people from getting the right help, which is why learning about the many faces of OCD is so important.
The Best Approach to Treating OCD
The good news? OCD is treatable. One of the most effective methods is a form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This therapy involves gradually facing obsessions (in a safe, guided way) without giving in to compulsions. For example, someone worried about contamination might practice touching a doorknob and resisting the urge to wash their hands right away.
ERP works by reducing the anxiety linked to obsessions and breaking the compulsion cycle. For some, medication can also be a helpful part of the treatment plan.
Moving Forward
Living with OCD can be tough, but the journey doesn’t have to be walked alone. Support and effective treatment are available.
Ready to take the first step? Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting someone you love, connecting with a therapist who understands OCD can make all the difference. You can connect with our Client Care Coordinator so they can help you get a session scheduled with one of our therapists.
Warmly,
Helene Bringsli, AMFT
