"I'm So OCD," or Am I?

Author: Kelsey Cottingham, LMSW, Psychotherapist

In everyday conversations, you might hear someone casually say, "I'm so OCD," when referring to their habits of keeping things tidy or organized. But what does it really mean to have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and is it accurate or fair to use the term in this way? Let's explore the difference between having a preference for orderliness and living with a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.


Misconceptions About OCD

OCD is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture. While many people might describe themselves as "a bit OCD" because they like things neat or have specific routines, true OCD is far more complex and challenging. The casual use of "OCD" in everyday language can minimize the struggles faced by those who live with this disorder.


What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by:

• Obsessions: Persistent, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress.
• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

These obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and can significantly interfere with a person's daily life, work, and relationships.

Example:

• Obsessive Thought: A person with OCD might have a persistent fear of germs and contamination.
• Compulsive Behavior: To manage this fear, they might engage in excessive hand washing, sometimes for hours each day, until their skin becomes raw and painful.
  
  
  

The Difference Between Preferences and OCD

It's important to distinguish between having preferences or being meticulous and having OCD. Here are some key differences:
1. Voluntary vs. Involuntary:

• Preferences: Choosing to keep your desk organized or having a specific way of doing things is voluntary and often brings a sense of satisfaction.
• OCD: The behaviors in OCD are involuntary and driven by distressing obsessions. The person may recognize the irrationality of their thoughts but feel powerless to stop their compulsive actions.

2. Impact on Daily Life:

• Preferences: While being orderly might be important to you, it doesn't significantly disrupt your daily functioning.
• OCD: The compulsions in OCD can be so time-consuming and debilitating that they interfere with work, school, and relationships.

3. Emotional Response:

• Preferences: Keeping things tidy may bring a sense of pleasure or accomplishment.
• OCD: Compulsions are performed to alleviate anxiety or distress, often providing only temporary relief.
  
  
  

The Harm of Misusing "OCD"

When people casually say, "I'm so OCD," they inadvertently trivialize the experiences of those who struggle with this condition. This can contribute to stigma and misunderstanding, making it harder for individuals with OCD to seek help and be taken seriously.


Seeking Help for OCD

If you find that your thoughts and behaviors are causing you significant distress or interfering with your daily life, it might be time to seek professional help. Effective treatments for OCD include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to their obsessions while preventing the compulsive behaviors. ERP helps reduce the anxiety associated with obsessions and the need to perform compulsions.

Medication:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Medications commonly prescribed to help reduce OCD symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

A Personal Note

As someone deeply committed to mental health awareness, I encourage you to be mindful of how we use terms like "OCD" in our everyday language. Understanding the true nature of OCD helps foster empathy and support for those affected by it. If you think you might have OCD, know that you are not alone, and help is available. Reach out to a mental health professional to explore your options and start your journey toward better mental health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office. We are here to support you on your path to understanding and managing OCD.