OCD Awareness Week: Three Misconceptions About OCD

Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant

OCD Awareness Week occurs annually during the second week in October. Led by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), OCD Awareness Week was founded to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with OCD, destigmatize mental health conditions, and promote empathy and support within communities. 

Although there have been significant advances in OCD treatment, with therapeutic modalities like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) proving effective, OCD remains largely misunderstood. The lack of awareness about the intrusive nature of obsessive thoughts and the distressing need to perform rituals contributes to the stigmatization of those living with OCD. Increased education and dialogue during OCD Awareness Month and throughout the year are crucial to dispelling misconceptions and fostering a more empathetic understanding of this intricate mental health condition.

In honor of October’s initiative to destigmatize OCD, the pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Check out three misconceptions about OCD accompanied with the truth about OCD.

Misconception #1: OCD is about being neat and orderly.

A common misconception about OCD is that it revolves solely around a desire for cleanliness and orderliness. Many people mistakenly believe that those with OCD simply prefer things to be neat, leading to a trivialization of the disorder's true complexities. We see this in statements like “I love to clean, I’m SO OCD.”

In reality, OCD encompasses intrusive thoughts that trigger significant distress, leading individuals to perform rituals or compulsions to alleviate anxiety. These obsessions can be unrelated to cleanliness or order, encompassing a broad spectrum of fears and anxieties. However, many subtypes of OCD (see below!) have nothing to do with cleanliness or order, but are still equally as distressing. 

Misconception #2: All OCD looks the same.

A prevailing misconception surrounding OCD is the belief that its manifestations are uniform and easily recognizable. This oversimplification contributes to misunderstanding as it implies that individuals with OCD will exhibit the same specific behaviors or rituals, overlooking the diverse ways the disorder can present itself.

In truth, OCD is a highly heterogeneous disorder, and its symptoms can vary widely among individuals. The content and themes of obsessions can differ significantly; for example, some subtypes focus on germs, some on counting/time, some on ordering, some on existential thoughts, and some on fear of harming themselves or others. Recognizing the diverse presentations of OCD is essential for fostering empathy and dismantling stereotypes, allowing for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the challenges faced by those with the disorder.

Misconception 3: You can always tell when someone has OCD.

A prevalent myth surrounding OCD is the assumption that the disorder is always characterized by observable rituals or compulsions, meaning OCD is always visible. This misconception leads to the oversight of individuals whose struggles predominantly involve internal mental processes rather than outward behaviors, contributing to the stigmatization of less overt forms of OCD.

In reality, OCD can manifest through a spectrum of symptoms, including internal mental rituals such as counting, repeating words, or intrusive thoughts that may not be externally apparent. Some individuals with OCD may experience distressing mental processes without engaging in observable compulsive behaviors. Understanding that OCD extends beyond visible rituals is crucial for fostering empathy and ensuring that those with less apparent symptoms receive the support and validation they need.

We hope this post helped you learn why three misconceptions about OCD simply aren’t true. At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!