More Than Just “Being Neat”: What Is OCD?
Photo by Orgalux on Unsplash
“I’m such an OCD neat freak.” or “Everything has to be lined up perfectly in my closet. I definitely have OCD.” Sound familiar?
You’ve probably heard statements like these countless times, or maybe even said them yourself. While these comments might seem harmless, they actually contribute to a harmful stigma that misrepresents what obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) really is.
People who genuinely struggle with OCD often feel ashamed of their condition and rarely make offhanded remarks about it. More importantly, OCD is far more complex and debilitating than simply preferring things to be clean or organized. Let’s clear up the misconceptions and explore what OCD actually involves.
What OCD Really Is
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by two main components: obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is an unwanted, intrusive thought that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. A compulsion is a physical or mental ritual that they then feel compelled to perform in response to their obsessive thoughts.
This cycle of obsessions and compulsions goes far beyond wanting a tidy space. It’s a pattern that can consume hours of someone’s day and significantly interfere with their ability to function.
Common Obsessions
OCD obsessions often center around several key themes:
Fear of contamination: Worrying about germs, dirt, or harmful substances
Need for symmetry: Feeling deeply uncomfortable when things aren’t “just right” or complete
Fear of harm: Intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally hurting yourself or others
Unwanted sexual or aggressive thoughts: Disturbing images or ideas that go against the person’s values and character
These obsessions can cause tremendous shame, especially since they often contradict what the person actually believes or wants to happen.
Common Compulsions
Compulsions are the behaviors people with OCD feel driven to perform to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessions:
Excessive cleaning: Hand washing, sanitizing, or cleaning beyond what’s reasonable
Repetitive behaviors: Doing things a specific number of times or in a particular sequence
Checking: Repeatedly verifying that doors are locked, the stove is off, or other safety concerns
Mental rituals: Internal behaviors like counting, praying, or repeating phrases to “cancel out” unwanted thoughts
How OCD Affects Daily Life
Imagine needing to wash your hands a specific number of times before you can leave the house, or being unable to make decisions because you’re paralyzed by intrusive thoughts. Some people with OCD spend hours each day performing compulsions, sometimes making it difficult to maintain relationships, hold down jobs, or enjoy life.
What Causes OCD?
The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully known, but research suggests it likely results from a combination of biological and environmental factors:
Genetics
Brain structure and chemistry
Environmental triggers, like stress, trauma, or major life changes
Personality traits, such as perfectionism
Effective Treatment Options
The good news is that OCD is highly treatable. Often, the best treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In ERP, you work with a therapist to gradually face your fears while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. For example, someone with symmetry OCD might look at disorganized objects and gradually learn to refrain from aligning them. This process helps build resilience and breaks the obsessive-compulsive cycle.
Some people also benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help reduce OCD symptoms when prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions
Real OCD isn’t about being particular or preferring things organized. It’s a serious mental health condition that can be incredibly distressing and disruptive. When we use “OCD” casually to describe quirks or preferences, we minimize the genuine struggles of people living with this disorder.
If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that interfere with your daily life, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Contact me today to get the help and support you need through therapy for OCD.