What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Anyway?

You’ve most likely heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but how accurate is the information that you’ve been given? More often than not, the term OCD is used incorrectly. We see the “classic” germaphobe in TV and movies. People tend to say things like “I’m so OCD” when referring to their desire for things to be neat and orderly. In reality, OCD is a misunderstood, complex and debilitating disorder. It’s important to know that OCD is not “perfectionism” or quirky behaviors.

Let’s start with definitions. To make things easier to understand, we can think of obsessions as thoughts, feelings, objects, etc., that causes a lot of distress and feelings of anxiety. We can then think of compulsions as the way that people ease the distress they feel from these obsessions. Compulsions do offer some relief from the obsessions, but the relief is only temporary.

For example, someone with contamination OCD is obsessed with the idea of “becoming contaminated.” This could be contamination from viruses, bacteria, or incurable diseases (even diseases that aren’t contagious). In response, they might wash their hands for hours or until it “feels right.” If these actions aren’t performed, the distress could become unbearable. Some people may stop leaving their house, stop eating certain foods or touching specific objects.

For those living with OCD, this condition can consume significant amounts of time and energy. The obsessions are incredibly upsetting, and the compulsions often take up hours of the day. This can interfere with work, school, relationships, and personal well-being.

The social stigma surrounding OCD can also lead to feelings of isolation and shame, as people may feel embarrassed by their symptoms or fear being misunderstood. By understanding the complexities of OCD, we can help reduce stigma and encourage those who are struggling to seek the help they need.