OCD is Not Just About Cleanliness: Debunking Stereotypes
Greetings! In February, I'll be sharing a series of short blogs, each aimed at dispelling common myths and misconceptions about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The goal is simple: to provide straightforward information that clarifies misunderstandings and promotes a more accurate understanding of OCD. Join me weekly as we explore different aspects of the disorder and work towards fostering a more informed and open conversation about mental health.
OCD is Not Just About Cleanliness: Debunking Stereotypes
If you ever made a joke such as, “Oh, I am so OCD, I have to make sure this is clean” and saw someone roll their eyes, you may have unknowingly just made fun of their, or a loved one’s, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). You likely won’t know this though, because so much misinformation is spread about OCD. It is often, (incorrectly) perceived as a trivial and perhaps quirky condition. In all reality, it is a widely misunderstood mental health condition that affects individuals in diverse and intricate ways.
While the stereotype of OCD often revolves around cleanliness and organization, this oversimplification fails to capture the true complexity of the disorder. In this blog post, we will briefly explore the misconception that OCD is solely about cleanliness and highlight the multifaceted nature of the disorder.
The Reality of OCD
OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform to alleviate distress or prevent perceived harm. While concerns about cleanliness and contamination are indeed common manifestations of OCD, they represent only a fraction of the diverse range of obsessions and compulsions that individuals may face.
Obsessions can take many forms, ranging from fears of contamination to intrusive thoughts about harm, symmetry, taboo subjects, or even existential concerns. Compulsions, likewise, can vary widely, encompassing rituals such as washing, checking, counting, repeating phrases, arranging objects, or mental compulsions such as praying or seeking reassurance.
Dispelling the Cleanliness Myth
Individuals with OCD may spend hours each day performing rituals, experiencing intense anxiety if they are unable to complete them or if their routines are disrupted. Many individuals with OCD never have these rituals centered around cleanliness. For example, someone with OCD may engage in elaborate checking rituals to ensure that they haven't caused harm to others, or they may feel compelled to repeat actions until they feel "just right," regardless of whether cleanliness is involved.
Dispelling the cleanliness myth surrounding OCD is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the disorder and supporting individuals who may be struggling with it. As stated, cleanliness and organization are indeed common themes in OCD, but they represent only a fraction of the diverse range of obsessions and compulsions that individuals may experience. By exploring further, we can better grasp the complexity of OCD and challenge misconceptions. Below are some broader areas we can explore to understand OCD better.
Exploring Obsessions Beyond Cleanliness: Obsessions in OCD can encompass many themes beyond cleanliness. Individuals may experience intrusive thoughts related to fears of harm, such as worries about causing accidents or unintentionally hurting others. These obsessions can be distressing and pervasive, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning.
For example, someone with OCD may experience intrusive thoughts about accidentally leaving the stove on and causing a fire. Despite checking the stove multiple times to ensure it's turned off, they may still be overwhelmed by doubt and uncertainty, fueling their compulsive behavior.
Understanding Compulsions in Various Contexts: Compulsions, the behaviors or rituals individuals feel compelled to perform in response to their obsessions, extend far beyond cleanliness rituals. While some compulsions may involve cleaning or hand-washing, others manifest as repetitive actions aimed at neutralizing intrusive thoughts or alleviating anxiety.
Consider a person with OCD who experiences intrusive thoughts about harming a loved one. To alleviate their anxiety, they may engage in mental rituals, such as counting or silently repeating phrases, to "undo" the thought or prevent harm. These compulsions, though less visible, are equally distressing and time-consuming.
Highlighting the Diversity of Experiences: It's essential to recognize that OCD is a highly individualized disorder, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. While one individual may struggle primarily with cleanliness-related obsessions and compulsions, another may experience entirely different themes, such as religious obsessions or fears of contamination from environmental toxins. These different focuses of OCD can also be referred to as “subtypes.” For more information on common subtypes, click here.
By acknowledging the diversity of experiences within the OCD community, we can move beyond simplistic stereotypes and validate the lived experiences of individuals with the disorder. Each person's journey with OCD is unique and shaped by a myriad of factors including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and personal history.
Challenging Stigma and Misunderstanding: The cleanliness myth perpetuates stigma and misunderstanding surrounding OCD, leading to misconceptions about the severity and impact of the disorder. When OCD is reduced to a stereotype centered around cleanliness, individuals may feel ashamed or invalidated if their symptoms deviate from this narrative. By sharing diverse narratives and personal experiences, we can humanize the disorder and emphasize that OCD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Individuals with lived experience and/or loved ones with OCD speaking up about the condition is always a helpful way to promote better understanding.
Advocating for Comprehensive Support and Treatment: Dispelling the cleanliness myth is not only about raising awareness but also advocating for comprehensive support and evidence-based treatment for individuals with OCD. Effective treatment approaches, such as exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) and medication, target the underlying mechanisms of OCD, rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms.
By promoting access to culturally competent and affirming care, we can empower individuals with OCD to seek help without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Supportive environments, including peer support groups and online communities, can also play a vital role in reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Dispelling the cleanliness myth surrounding OCD requires a concerted effort to broaden our understanding of the disorder beyond surface-level stereotypes. By acknowledging the diversity of obsessions and compulsions, challenging stigma, and advocating for comprehensive support, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic society for individuals living with OCD. If you would like to learn more about OCD, consider continuing to read my blog or reach out, whether it be for a professional consultation or an initial assessment as a client.
Next week, I will explore demographic myths around OCD! It will review some basic myths and misconceptions about who one may think has OCD vs. who does (hint - OCD can affect anyone!). Check it out next week on Saturday, 2/17/24.
******Please keep in mind that this blog post serves as a source of information, based on references and the writers’ professional experience, and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice or treatment from your primary providers.******
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Goodman, W. K., Grice, D. E., & Lapidus, K. A. B. (2014). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. In G. O. Gabbard (Ed.), Gabbard's Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders (5th ed., pp. 2037–2060). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Salkovskis, P. M. (1999). Understanding and treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37(Suppl 1), S29–S52. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7967(99)00050-9
