Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects approximately 2.2% of Australians, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Despite its prevalence, OCD remains a widely misunderstood disorder, with many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. In this article, we’ll delve into the realities of OCD and dispel some of the most common myths, providing a clearer understanding of this complex condition.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to perform. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with daily life, causing distress and consuming a considerable amount of time.
Common Obsessions in OCD
- Fear of contamination or germs: Individuals with OCD may have an intense fear of contamination by germs, dirt, or other substances. This fear can lead to excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoiding certain objects or situations perceived as contaminated.
- Excessive concern with order, symmetry, or exactness: Some people with OCD may strongly need things to be arranged in a specific way, such as objects being perfectly aligned or symmetrical. They may feel intense discomfort or anxiety when things are not in their “proper” place.
- Unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts: Intrusive thoughts of a violent, aggressive, or sexual nature can be a common obsession in OCD. These thoughts are often distressing and can lead to shame or guilt, even though the individual has no desire to act on them.
- Fear of losing control or causing harm to oneself or others: Some individuals with OCD may have a persistent fear of losing control and causing harm to themselves or others. It can include fears of impulsively jumping from a height, stabbing someone, or causing an accident.
- Religious or moral obsessions: Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, involves obsessive thoughts and doubts about religious or moral issues. Individuals may have intrusive blasphemous thoughts, excessive concerns about sin, or fears of divine retribution.
Common Compulsions in OCD
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing: In response to contamination fears, individuals with OCD may engage in prolonged or ritualistic cleaning and handwashing. It can result in raw, chapped skin and significant time spent on cleaning routines.
- Arranging objects in a specific order: To alleviate anxiety related to order and symmetry, people with OCD may spend excessive amounts of time arranging objects in a precise manner. It can include lining up items, ensuring labels face a certain direction, or organizing things by colour or size.
- Repeatedly checking appliances, locks, or switches: Compulsive checking can involve verifying that appliances are turned off, doors are locked, or switches are in the correct position. It can be time-consuming and may interfere with daily activities.
- Counting, tapping, or repeating certain words or phrases: Some individuals with OCD may engage in mental or physical rituals, such as counting, tapping, or repeating specific words or phrases. These rituals are often performed according to rigid rules and can be mentally exhausting.
- Seeking reassurance from others: Reassurance-seeking is a common compulsion in OCD, where individuals repeatedly ask others for confirmation or assurance about their fears or doubts. It can strain relationships and reinforce the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Myths vs. Reality: Debunking Common Misconceptions about OCD
Myth 1: OCD is just about being neat and tidy
Reality: One of the most pervasive myths about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is that it is simply a preference for cleanliness or orderliness. While some individuals with OCD may indeed have a preoccupation with neatness, this is just one possible manifestation of the disorder. In fact, OCD can involve a wide range of obsessions and compulsions that extend far beyond a desire for tidiness.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that cause anxiety or distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules.
Myth 2: People with OCD are just “quirky” or “particular.”
Reality: Another common misconception is that individuals with OCD are simply “quirky” or “particular” in their habits or preferences. However, OCD is a serious mental health condition that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.
It is not a personality quirk or a choice but a disorder requiring professional treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes OCD as one of the top 10 causes of disability worldwide, highlighting the severity and impact of the disorder on individuals’ lives.
Myth 3: OCD is caused by a lack of willpower
Reality: Some people mistakenly believe that a lack of willpower or personal weakness causes OCD. However, this is not the case. OCD is a complex disorder with a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contributing to its development.
Research has shown that OCD has a strong genetic component, with first-degree relatives of individuals with OCD having a significantly higher risk of developing the disorder compared to the general population. Additionally, studies have identified differences in brain structure and function in individuals with OCD, suggesting a neurobiological basis for the disorder.
Myth 4: OCD is rare
Reality: Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not a rare disorder. As mentioned earlier, approximately 2.2% of Australians experience OCD at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
It means that roughly 550,000 Australians are affected by the disorder, making it more common than many people realize. Globally, the lifetime prevalence of OCD is estimated to be around 1-3%, with similar rates observed across different cultures and countries.
Myth 5: OCD is untreatable
Reality: While there is currently no cure for OCD, effective treatments are available that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The two main evidence-based treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). ERP involves gradually exposing individuals to their feared objects or situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviours.
It helps them learn that their anxiety will eventually decrease on its own, without the need for compulsions. SSRIs, on the other hand, work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both ERP and SSRIs in treating OCD.
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that ERP was more effective than control conditions in reducing OCD symptoms, with a large effect size. Similarly, a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that SSRIs were more effective than placebo in treating OCD, with a moderate to large effect size.
The Impact of OCD on Daily Life
Living with OCD can be incredibly challenging, as the disorder can consume a significant amount of time and energy. People with OCD may struggle to maintain relationships, perform at work or school, and engage in leisure activities due to their obsessions and compulsions.
Seeking Help for OCD
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it’s essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can diagnose accurately and develop an individualized treatment plan.
In Australia, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) provide resources and directories to help individuals find qualified mental health professionals in their area.
Conclusion
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects many Australians. By separating myths from reality and increasing our understanding of the disorder, we can create a more supportive and informed society for those living with OCD. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, remember that effective treatments are available, and seeking professional help is the first step towards managing the disorder and improving quality of life.
