Approximately 1% of the population in the United States has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can have no small impact on their lives. Unfortunately, the term “OCD” has made its way into the American lexicon, and it’s often used to jokingly refer to someone’s fastidious behaviors.
To help shed some light on this serious mental health disorder, the team of mental health experts here at Prime Psychiatry want to tackle some of the more common myths about OCD.
1. It’s a just part of your personality
All too often, people believe that OCD is just a personality trait. OCD is far more than just a quirk, as the mental health condition drives you to behave this way, rationally or no. In other words, you have no control over your thoughts and behaviors.
2. It’s all about cleanliness
If you were to believe Hollywood, OCD is all about avoiding germs through frequent handwashing. While germaphobia is quite common among those who have OCD, it certainly isn’t the only side effect of the condition.
For example, people with OCD may lock and unlock their doors several times before leaving or they may check their oven over and over to make sure it’s turned off.
Hoarding is another example of OCD, as is constant arranging and rearranging. As well, obsessively counting something can also be part of OCD.
OCD can present itself in a variety of different ways that go far beyond obsessive cleanliness.
3. OCD is only a result of trauma
While trauma certainly plays a role in many mental health issues, including OCD, there are other factors. While we’re not exactly sure why OCD develops, genetics appear to play a role, which means OCD may run in families.
If OCD develops on the heels of trauma, the condition is often different and the symptoms can be more severe. These symptoms might include suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, agoraphobia (anxiety ab
4. There’s always obsession and compulsion
While many people with OCD experience both compulsion and obsession, you can experience obsession without the compulsion. In other words, the condition may be confined to your brain with no outward behaviors that signal a problem. In fact, there's a term to describe this type of OCD — pure O.
5. OCD can’t be cured
When it comes to mental health issues, we always hesitate to use the word, “cure.” That said, there are several ways we can effectively manage OCD so it doesn’t limit your life and dominate your thoughts.
In most cases, we try a multipronged approach to OCD that may involve one or more of the following:
- Antidepressant medications
- Exposure and response therapy, which is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a technique that delivers electrical impulses into certain areas of your brain to stimulate nerve cells
- Lifestyle adjustments, including exercise and nutrition counseling
- Support groups
When it comes to OCD, we not only want you to have the facts, we want you to know that there is hope.
If you’d like to gain control over your OCD, please contact our office in Frisco, Texas, to schedule a consultation.