Dispelling OCD Myths: What It Is and What It's Not

OCD is a widely misunderstood disorder, and persistent myths about this condition mean that many people struggle with their symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. People often think that OCD means being exceptionally neat and tidy, or that OCD is nothing more than a funny personality quirk. Someone might describe themselves as being “a little OCD” just because they have highly specific preferences.

These comments might seem harmless on the surface. But casual jokes and widespread misconceptions about OCD actually hold people back from getting the help they need. Let’s clear up a few common falsehoods about OCD and explore the reality of this condition.

Myth: People with OCD are just super clean and organized.

Many people assume that OCD centers around cleanliness. However, this perception is incomplete. Some people with OCD do struggle with fears around contamination that fuel compulsions like frequent handwashing, or the need for items to be “perfect,” which prompts reordering and arranging objects over and over again.

But OCD can include a wide range of obsessions and compulsive behaviors. People can suffer from obsessions relating to religion and morality, violence, relationships, and practically any other “theme.”

Myth: Compulsions are physical actions or habits.

It’s easy to assume that all OCD compulsions entail specific physical behaviors. But this particular myth paints a misleading picture of OCD. Compulsions can refer to behaviors or thoughts that temporarily alleviate the anxiety associated with obsessions. Thoughts could include counting, intense rumination, or repeatedly reviewing past events to understand what really happened.

OCD with solely mental compulsions can be just as difficult to cope with as OCD with physical compulsions. Sometimes, OCD without physical compulsions is referred to as “Pure OCD.” It might be mistaken for anxiety, which makes it harder for people with this presentation to get real support.

Myth: Intrusive thoughts represent hidden desires.

If you’re constantly dwelling on a particular fear, or dealing with disturbing intrusive thoughts, you might wonder if these obsessions are actually subconscious desires. Sometimes, people with OCD worry that if they don’t pay attention to their compulsive thoughts or obsessions, they’re “suppressing” legitimate desires. This is not true. In fact, obsessing over a fear about making a certain kind of mistake typically indicates that you value the opposite.

Myth: Avoiding triggers is the best way to deal with OCD.

In the short term, it can feel like avoiding situations, people, and places that trigger your symptoms is the only way to cope with OCD. For instance, someone with a fear of contamination might not want to use a public bathroom or dressing room.

But in the long run, avoiding triggers can lead to reclusiveness, social isolation, missed opportunities, and worsening symptoms. Avoidance can exacerbate your fears, making these situations seem even more frightening.

Myth: OCD symptoms are permanent and incurable.

Someone with intense OCD symptoms can feel like they’re trapped by their disorder, with no way out. But the severity of OCD can naturally fluctuate over time. Furthermore, working with an OCD therapist can be transformative.

Several therapeutic approaches, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), are highly effective for treating OCD. Many people with OCD benefit greatly from a short course of ERP, and some may want to combine ERP with medication. The idea of starting ERP and purposefully walking into triggering situations can seem intimidating, but your therapist will help you gradually step into these scenarios so that you’re not overwhelmed.

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OCD can feel debilitating, but working with a qualified OCD or anxiety therapist can help you find freedom from your symptoms. If you’re ready to explore your options or book your first session, we encourage you to call our practice.