The 6 Most Common Misconceptions About OCD
Obsessive-compulsive tendencies have long been misunderstood and misrepresented in mainstream society. As a result, an obsessive-compulsive diagnosis isn’t always treated as seriously as the condition should be. People joke about being “a little OCD,” but for people living with significant obsessions and compulsions, it is not so funny, These thoughts and rituals become so strong that they seriously impact overall life satisfaction and wellness.
Society at large isn’t the only source of common misconceptions. The medical community and even individuals diagnosed with OCD often perpetuate these stereotypes. At PCH, our dedicated OCD treatment center is focused on setting the record straight when it comes to six common misunderstandings about an OCD diagnosis:
Misconception 1: OCD Is an Individual’s Own Fault
Many people, including both individuals with an OCD diagnosis as well as those around them, erroneously regard the disorder as being the individual’s fault. In reality, it is likely that a complex range of biological, genetic, learned, and environmental factors have all been shown to contribute to OCD, though no definitive biological evidence has been found to date. Research shows that having OCD is not the individual’s—or anyone’s—fault, and obsessive compulsive behaviors usually evolve without conscious oversight.
Misconception 2: Intrusive or Unwanted Thoughts Are Abnormal
Many individuals struggling with an OCD diagnosis believe that the intrusive and unwanted thoughts they experience as a symptom of the disorder are abnormal; that these thoughts are what’s “wrong.” They believe that they are the only ones struggling with these unpleasant thoughts, and in trying to fight them, they drive feedback loops that only exacerbate the intensity or frequency of these thoughts.
In reality, everyone has intrusive and unwanted thoughts. These thoughts are normal and even a universal human experience. The average person has more than 4,000 distinct thoughts each day—it only makes sense that some of these thoughts will be random, strange, and even uncomfortable.
Misconception 3: An Individual Can Overcome OCD by Fighting, Ignoring, or Resisting Thoughts
Following an obsessive-compulsive diagnosis, some individuals believe that they can overcome the disorder by ignoring, resisting or fighting against any intrusive and unwanted thoughts. In reality, trying to fight these thoughts generally only increases anxiety, and thus the frequency and intensity of unpleasant thoughts.
Struggling to eliminate these obsessive thoughts can result in anxiety, depression and other psychological issues. That’s why learning to live with an obsessive-compulsive cognitive style starts by understanding that the thoughts themselves aren’t the disorder itself—instead, they are a symptom. Those with more severe forms of OCD require intensive treatment with cognitive therapy and exposure and response prevention strategies.
Misconception 4: There Are No Benefits to Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitive Styles
Many individuals believe that there are no upsides to obsessive-compulsive tendencies. While OCD is characterized as detrimentally affecting an individual’s quality of life, many individuals have an obsessive-compulsive cognitive style that serves them in many instances. The detail-oriented mindset that comes with an obsessive-compulsive cognitive style can even be a valuable asset in a range of professional fields, including healthcare, law, engineering, and accounting.
Misconception 5: Everybody Has OCD to Some Extent
The label “OCD” is thrown around our culture continuously, whether joking about neatness, or labeling someone who is excessively detailed or clean. If we like things a particular way or think of ourselves as a perfectionist, one may claim to “be a little OCD.” While these tendencies may indicate an obsessive-compulsive cognitive style, they are by no means confirmatory of an OCD diagnosis. In order for obsessive-compulsive traits to manifest as a “disorder” they must seriously impact an individual’s quality of life and overall life satisfaction in a negative direction.
Misconception 6: OCD Does Not Require Professional Help
Similar to the misconception that OCD can be overcome by resisting intrusive thoughts, some individuals believe that OCD can go away on its own and does not require professional treatment. In reality, an OCD diagnosis virtually never resolves itself without professional intervention. Because the individual has to arrive at an understanding that the thoughts are not the problem but a symptom of it, individualized therapy and exposure and response prevention are critical steps in treatment.
Can PCH Treatment Center Help?
How many of the above misconceptions did you previously hold? Let us know, and we'll share how we’re working to correct those misconceptions by helping individuals struggling with an obsessive-compulsive diagnosis. PCH offers a stand-alone OCD Treatment Program with therapists who specialize in OCD and work entirely with clients with OCD and related issues (such as anxiety, OCD Spectrum problems like hoarding and trichotillomania, Body dysmorphic disorder and body image problems, health anxiety, disordered eating, sexual compulsivity and others.