Written by Halsey Redman

October is OCD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While the term often gets tossed around casually in everyday conversation ("I’m so OCD about my desk"), the reality of living with OCD is far more complex and, for many, debilitating.

Let’s take a closer look at what OCD really is, what it isn’t, and how we can support those affected.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily life, causing significant distress, anxiety, and impairment.

Obsessions: Intrusive and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that trigger intense anxiety. Examples include fears of contamination, harming others, or disturbing taboo thoughts.
Compulsions: Behaviors or mental acts performed in an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. This might include handwashing, checking, repeating phrases, or arranging items in a specific order.

People with OCD often know their thoughts or behaviors are irrational but feel powerless to stop them.

Common Misconceptions About OCD

Despite growing awareness, OCD is still widely misunderstood. Here are some myths that need debunking:

1. Myth: OCD is just about being neat or organized.

Fact: While cleanliness or orderliness can be part of OCD, the disorder is much more complex. Many individuals struggle with distressing thoughts that have nothing to do with tidiness.

2. Myth: Everyone is “a little OCD.”

Fact: OCD is not a personality quirk or preference. It’s a diagnosable mental illness that can be severely impairing. Liking things a certain way is not the same as having OCD.

3. Myth: People with OCD can just stop their behaviors if they try hard enough.

Fact: OCD is not a matter of willpower. The compulsions serve as a coping mechanism to relieve intense anxiety. Telling someone to “just stop” is not only unhelpful—it’s harmful.

What Causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but research suggests a combination of factors:

Genetics: OCD tends to run in families.
Brain Structure and Functioning: Studies have shown differences in brain activity in people with OCD, particularly in areas related to decision-making and emotional regulation.
Environmental Factors: Trauma, stress, or certain infections (like PANDAS in children) can trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms.

OCD Is Treatable

The good news? OCD is treatable, and many people see significant improvement with proper care. The most effective treatments include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard. ERP involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations while helping them resist the urge to perform compulsions.

2. Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine or sertraline, can help reduce OCD symptoms. Sometimes higher doses are needed compared to treating depression.

3. Support Groups and Education

Connecting with others who understand can reduce isolation. Education helps both individuals and their loved ones better navigate the condition.

4. Other Options

In severe or treatment-resistant cases, options like intensive outpatient programs, deep brain stimulation, or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered.

OCD Awareness Month