Get the Facts on OCD: 4 Myths Busted

One in 40 adults worldwide suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition in which intrusive thoughts are followed by compulsions meant to soothe the fears they create.

These patterns can take many forms, from rituals used to reduce fear to mental loops and excessive rumination that interfere with productivity, relationships, and emotional well-being.

OCD runs on a cycle that starts with an intrusive thought, followed by anxiety and the compulsion to soothe it through compulsive behavior and temporary relief. Once relief is achieved, this further reinforces the belief that, to be safe, a person must continue the cycle.

Want to learn more about OCD? We asked our experts at VP MindCare to share the facts and bust the myths about OCD.

Myth #1: OCD is an obsession with keeping things clean or organized

While the fear of contamination can make some people with OCD fixate on compulsions around cleaning, OCD is not about being unable to tolerate things being messy or disorganized. People struggling with OCD experience intrusive thoughts that they cannot dismiss, along with the fears associated with them. The behaviors are intended to relieve or manage the stress associated with their very real fears and anxieties. 

For example, one might fear contamination due to the risk of serious disease or even death, and, as a consequence, the solution to these fears becomes compulsive behaviors such as cleaning and disinfecting to avoid disease. 

Others might experience obsessive thoughts related to religion, relationships, harming themselves or others, or even obsessive thoughts about their own identity, reality, and existence.

Myth #2: OCD is just a habit you can break 

With OCD, we may notice the behaviors first, but in reality, OCD is triggered by intrusive thoughts and strong compulsions. What we see, the rituals, are merely a consequence of that.

Some types of OCD are not even linked to observable behaviors. For example, some people may have obsessive thoughts about their relationships, their feelings, or whether their partner loves them, even when there is no real threat to the relationship.

Myth #3: OCD is an advantage in life

Because OCD is often associated with cleanliness and organization, there is an assumption that OCD can be helpful. In reality, compulsive thoughts, obsessions, and rituals are time-consuming and often outside the control of the person. These compulsions are very hard to break and do not make life easier.

Learn more about the treatment of OCD

Fortunately, OCD can be treated. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, or other approaches tailored for patients with OCD. Medications are also available and can sometimes help manage intrusive thoughts and compulsions.

If you suspect you have intrusive thoughts, even in the absence of visible rituals, that constantly take up space in your mind, prevent you from being present, and decrease your quality of life, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lexington, Kentucky. 

After an evaluation, our experts let you know how they can help and what the best route is to improve your quality of life.