As many as 3 million Americans live with some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Yet this mental health condition is often misunderstood and misrepresented — and these misconceptions perpetuate stigma and prevent people from seeking the help they need.
Our experienced team of psychiatrists and therapists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates is dedicated to changing that. OCD is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform to banish the thoughts. The good news is there is treatment that can help.
We strive to provide a clearer understanding of OCD, both for those who have it and their loved ones. Let’s start here by debunking five common myths about OCD.
One of the most pervasive myths about OCD is that it’s only a compulsion for cleanliness and orderliness. While it’s true that some people with OCD engage in excessive cleaning or organizing, OCD manifests in many other ways, too.
OCD is a diverse and complex disorder that goes beyond mere tidiness. People may have a variety of obsessions and compulsions such as keeping a specific distance from others, writing a word down 10 times every hour, having thoughts about harming others or compulsions related to checking or counting things repeatedly.
Another common myth is that people with OCD can simply stop their compulsive behaviors if they really want to, or that they’re doing these things just to get attention. However, OCD is a real mental health condition that involves both obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions that are driven by anxiety.
These behaviors are not a matter of choice or willpower — they’re coping mechanisms that temporarily reduce the distress caused by the obsessive thoughts. Attempting to resist or stop these behaviors without proper treatment is not only ineffective, but it can lead to increased anxiety and distress.
Some people think that OCD isn’t a serious condition and that those who experience it are simply overreacting. In reality, having OCD often has a very real, profound impact on a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
The constant cycle of obsessions and compulsions can be exhausting and debilitating, making it difficult to focus on work, school, or personal relationships. The truth is that OCD is a chronic condition that requires appropriate treatment and support to manage effectively.
The truth is, symptoms can start at any age. Many people with OCD experience symptoms in childhood, often between the ages of eight and 12.
Early intervention is one of the best ways to manage the condition, and getting the right treatment early on can even help prevent it from worsening over time. Children and teenagers with OCD might not always recognize their symptoms as a disorder, so OCD awareness and education are important for parents, teachers, and health care providers.
Finally, one of the most harmful myths is that therapy is ineffective for treating OCD. This misconception can discourage people from seeking help and getting the treatment they need. In reality, there are effective therapeutic approaches proven to help people with OCD manage their symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. ERP helps you gradually face your fears and reduce your reliance on compulsions. Medication can also be beneficial for some people when used in conjunction with therapy, and our team specializes in medication management for mental health conditions.
Understanding the truth about OCD is the first step to combating stigma and getting the help you need. Effective treatments are available, and therapy can make a significant difference for your quality of life. Reach out to our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates to get started today.
