5 OCD Myths Debunked

The clinical language of mental health seeps into everyday conversation. However, it can sometimes be used too casually. For example, think about a friend labeling someone as “neurotic” or how often it seems people are branded “narcissists” despite the fact that they may be just a bit self-absorbed.

This might be a sign that people are more familiar with and versed in the language of therapy, and that’s a good thing if more people are seeking mental health services. However, it may also be the result of a recent rise in self-diagnoses, which isn’t such a positive. 

One condition that’s talked about frequently is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, we’d like to clear up some misconceptions about the condition and why it’s important to differentiate between an accurate diagnosis of OCD and possessing traits that may echo some of its symptoms — which is very different from living with the diagnosed condition.

The treatment that our caring team of providers at Clarity Psychiatric Care delivers for OCD and a range of other conditions is innovative and trusted. We believe in offering our clients customized treatment plans, a high degree of respect, and unwavering compassion.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a disorder with symptoms that include having extremely upsetting thoughts and being obsessively focused on fears. People coping with OCD then engage in compulsive ritualistic behaviors meant to subdue the fear-based thoughts. 

This might look like:

• Fear of germs and illness
• Worries about forgetting things
• Thoughts of violently harming one’s self or others
• Ruminating about the safety of loved ones
• Intense perfectionism

The compulsions that a person responds to obsessive thoughts with include obsessive hand washing, counting, arranging things precisely, checking to see if they’ve locked the door many times, even after they leave the house, or touching objects ritualistically.

OCD requires treatment because the thoughts and actions that define it significantly disrupt your normal life and routines. Your well-being is seriously compromised since OCD seems to take over your life.  

Learn what OCD is and isn’t

Now that we’ve defined OCD, it’s important to understand that the disorder is often referred to in an exaggerated, unrealistic way. 

Here are five myths that surround OCD that should be corrected.

1. If you’re organized or clean a lot, you have OCD

Many people are simply natural organizers, lovers of order, and meticulous housekeepers. 

However, with OCD, there’s a depth of fear about contamination and illness, which the person cannot shake. This, in turn, may make them wash their hands until they’re raw or engage in other compulsive behaviors.

A related obsession is a need for symmetry. Again, for some without OCD, this might look like a design preference. However, if one is affected by the disorder, they’ll have zero flexibility around how things are arranged, and the placement tasks will eclipse bigger responsibilities, like work and school.

2. OCD has roots in one’s childhood

While genetics is associated with OCD, childhood experiences haven’t been found to be consistently linked with developing the disorder.

3. People living with OCD don’t understand that they’re acting irrationally

On the contrary, most people affected by OCD understand that their ritualistic actions won’t actually prevent something terrible from happening. Still, the compulsive behaviors are successful at lessening obsession-related anxiety — temporarily.

Often, compulsive behavior seems preferable to the unpleasant feelings associated with the obsessive thoughts plaguing those with OCD. 

4. OCD is easy to correct

We know that OCD is more than just preferences about how things should be or repetitive thoughts that are limited. In fact, the opposite is true. 

People struggling with OCD are saddled with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that are time-consuming, painful, and interfering with their lives and relationships. 

OCD is a clinical condition that requires a proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. OCD is untreatable

Fortunately, this isn’t correct. OCD doesn’t simply go away, but seeking treatment from our team can give you tools for recovery so you can live a more fulfilling life.

If you’re diagnosed with OCD, we may recommend medication to address brain chemistry issues, and therapy so you can learn healthy mechanisms to cope with the troubling thoughts and compulsions that accompany OCD.

We may also suggest lifestyle choice changes that can ease OCD symptoms, such as dietary changes, becoming more physically active, and getting more high-quality rest.

Don’t believe any of the myths about living with OCD. With proper treatment, you can live a life unencumbered by thoughts and actions.

Contact our Cherry Hill, New Jersey, office at 856-428-1260 to schedule an appointment or book online.