While the term “OCD” often gets thrown around a lot in conversation, there’s a lot more to it than many people may know. “A lot of people use the term ‘OCD’ casually,” says Jesse Higgins, PMHNP, director of Integrated Behavioral Health at Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “As in, ‘I’m so OCD,’ which can feel dismissive to people coping with a serious mental illness.”
There are several common misconceptions about what OCD actually is, and to help you gain a better understanding of it, Higgins offered up five facts:
- OCD is not just about being neat or organized: “In reality, OCD is a severe and complex neurobiological disorder involving distressing, uncontrollable obsessions, and repetitive compulsions driven by intense anxiety.”
- It is not easily overcome: “Other top misconceptions include that people can ‘snap out of it’ or fix it with willpower or that it’s something minor everyone experiences. That just is not the case.”
- For some, it can become a serious chronic medical condition: “OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted obsessions and repetitive compulsions that the person feels they must perform to alleviate intolerable anxiety related to these thoughts. Common obsessions include excessive fears of contamination, a need for things to be ordered or symmetrical, disturbing or aggressive thoughts, and pervasive doubts about actions. In response, individuals may engage in compulsions such as excessive washing and cleaning, ordering objects perfectly, repeated counting, checking actions (often for safety), or silent repetition of words or phrases.”
- OCD can occur in new moms: “In the case of postpartum OCD, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as psychosis because the obsessive thoughts can be so disturbing. If the thoughts are upsetting to the person experiencing them, chances are it is an anxiety disorder. Either way, it’s important to seek help from a medical or mental health provider or call 988 if you need help emergently.
- OCD is treatable: “Professional treatment can significantly improve symptoms and help individuals manage their lives much more effectively. People with OCD tend to feel trapped in a rigid set of rules they can’t escape; treatment can mean freedom and flexibility. If you are worried that you or someone you care about may be struggling with OCD, please tell someone you trust, and feel free to reach out to your primary care or mental health practitioner. If you are worried, scared, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call the crisis line at 988 or go to your nearest emergency department so you can quickly connect with someone who can help you get started on your own recovery journey.”
For more on Northern Light Behavioral Health, visit https://northernlighthealth.org/BehavioralServices