Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is arguably one of the most misunderstood of all mental health diagnoses. This is particularly unfortunate because due to pervasive myths about OCD, people who actually have the disorder can’t recognize the symptoms in themselves, and often wait a very long time before getting help. What do you know about OCD? Where did your information come from? If the majority of your assumptions about OCD come from movies and TV shows, sit back and relax while I destigmatize and bust some myths about OCD!

Myth #1: People with OCD are “clean freaks” or have cleaning compulsions.

One of the biggest myths about OCD is that it is intrinsically related to cleanliness and orderliness. Sure, some individual’s OCD may manifest as cleaning or organizing compulsions. However, many types of OCD have nothing to do with cleaning! And most people who are extremely orderly and cleanly do not have OCD!

Myth #2: It’s possible to have OCD without engaging in compulsions.

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion around “pure O” OCD which is the idea that some people with OCD can experience mentally distressing obsessions without engaging in any compulsions. Usually when people bring up “pure O” they are describing the absence of physical compulsions like checking, redoing, or cleaning. However, mental compulsions are just as common. Some common mental compulsions include self assurance, mental reviewing, rumination, and avoidance. Compulsions come in many forms! Talk to your therapist if you think you may have OCD but are unsure of how your compulsions manifest.

Myth #3: OCD isn't Treatable.

While there is no cure for OCD, there are multiple treatments which are proven to help manage symptoms incredibly well. Examples of treatment include Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and medication management. .

Myth #4: I’m a danger to myself and my loved ones if I have intrusive thoughts.

Intrusive thoughts are a common hallmark of OCD. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and repetitive thoughts that scare us. Common intrusive thoughts center around suicidal action, hurting a loved one, or hurting a pet. These thoughts can be frightening, and with OCD they often accompany an avoidance compulsion such as not trusting yourself to hold a knife or to be alone.

It’s important to remember that intrusive thoughts do not equal desire. The fear you feel at the thought, and the compulsion you engage in for avoidance can help remind you the thought is intrusive and unwanted. It’s important to be open about intrusive thoughts in therapy because they can be treated and managed. You do not have to live in fear!