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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, often gets misrepresented in the media. The stereotypes that are seen in the media focus on cleanliness, and we frequently hear phrases like “my room is so messy it’s triggering my OCD, I need to clean it soon.” But what people don’t always realize is that for those living with OCD, it is way more than just needing things to be tidy. OCD is a mental health disorder that can truly impact a person’s quality of life.
OCD is a mental health disorder that is distinguished by obsessions and compulsions.
A typical example is someone who is obsessed with germs who frequently finds themselves needing to wash their hands. Repeated handwashing serves as a compulsion in this example.
OCD can also look like intrusive thoughts, examples being fears that you may have hit someone while driving and having to go back and check. It can look like worry that you’ve left the stove or a candle on and are repeatedly going back to check.
It’s not uncommon for someone to have an intrusive thought pop up in their brain, but for someone dealing with OCD, these thoughts can become all-encompassing and severely impact their day-to-day functioning.
OCD is believed to occur due to a shift in brain functioning. Research supports the idea that individuals with OCD have an active part of the brain that overestimates a “threat” response.
Research also supports the idea that stress may exacerbate symptoms of OCD, making it harder to control.
Myth 1: OCD is about being clean and organized
A common misconception about OCD is that it is solely about being clean, organized, and particular with things. OCD is far more complex than this and can truly affect an individual’s quality of life. OCD obsessions can involve intrusive thoughts about religion, unwanted sexual thoughts, fears of contamination, aggressive urges, worry of accidental harm to others and more.
Myth 2: OCD is always visible
OCD is not always obvious. For some, OCD can appear as physical compulsions, such as excessive hand-washing and repeatedly checking the lights or stove. However, OCD can also look like mental compulsions, such as uncomfortable repetitive thoughts and urges that enter their minds. Even if they know that the thoughts do not make sense, it can feel out of their control.
Myth 3: OCD is rare
Approximately 1-2% of the population suffers from OCD.
Myth 4: OCD is a personality quirk
People often use the term OCD as a personality quirk, but it is so much more than that, and this misconception can minimize the struggles that individuals with OCD deal with. OCD is a mental health disorder that can cause severe distress and challenges.
Myth 5: OCD only affects adults
OCD is not something that only affects adults, when in fact, OCD symptoms can begin in childhood.
OCD can be treated through approaches that target the behaviour patterns that maintain the disorder. The techniques are utilized to reduce distress caused by OCD and help individuals gain control over their thoughts and behaviours.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
The most common treatment option for OCD is Cognitive behavioural therapy, specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP). The focus of ERP is to help individuals face their fears and manage their obsessions over time. ERP therapy encourages individuals to face their fears while resisting their compulsions.
2. Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Although ERP is the most recommended form of treatment for OCD, research also supports the use of acceptance and mindfulness therapy in treatment for OCD. Acceptance therapy encourages individuals to sit with and accept the uncertainty and discomfort that is associated with OCD without avoiding them. Mindfulness can be utilized to support individuals in recognizing their intrusive thoughts without reacting to them.
If you are struggling with OCD and are looking for support, contact us today, and we can connect you with one of our therapists to support you in your mental health journey.