Written by: Grace Dominguez
Edited by: Christy Qu
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects millions of individuals worldwide, however, it remains widely a misunderstood and stigmatized mental condition. OCD is the “presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both,” as defined by the DSM-5 (Glasheen et al., 2016). Individuals with OCD experience intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, which can significantly impair daily functioning. Furthermore, there are many misconceptions surrounding this disorder that discourage individuals from seeking help and accessing effective treatment. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that approximately 2.5 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with OCD, and that women are about three times more susceptible than men (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2022). Despite its prevalence, the pathology, diagnosis and treatment can still be intertwined with complex social challenges. Many individuals with OCD, as a result of negative societal connotations surrounding the mental disorder, experience shame and embarrassment about their disabilities. One prevailing belief incorrectly assumes that OCD simply entails cleanliness and organization, however this belief overlooks the complex nature of the condition. In reality, OCD encompasses a wide range of obsessions and compulsions, ranging from fears of contamination to intrusive thoughts about harm or routines. This diversity in symptoms amplifies the necessity for greater awareness and understanding of OCD.
Another prevalent myth about OCD is that individuals can overcome their symptoms through sheer willpower alone. This misconception minimizes the profound impact OCD has on an individual’s mental health and belittles the importance or need for well founded treatments. One organization that works to challenge these stereotypes and provide ample resources for individuals living with OCD is the International OCD Foundation (International OCD Foundation, 2024). Through their educational campaigns, this organization aims to debunk myths and encourage empathy and understanding. For example, the foundation encourages individuals diagnosed with OCD to share personal narratives about the disability. This initiative, by emphasizing the challenges these individuals face, garners support for those who face the same difficulties and elicits sympathy from those who do not. By emphasizing diverse voices, stories and experiences within the OCD community, all can rectify the misunderstanding about OCD as a trivial problem that can be solved with willpower.
Mental health professionals encourage individuals to recognize the importance of more pragmatic approaches to OCD treatment (Hassan et al., 2024). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is one of the most widely regarded treatments for OCD (International OCD Foundation, 2024). In ERP treatments, an individual is exposed to a feared stimuli, or anxiety-inducing, situation and the healthcare professional prevents their usual OCD related responses. Eventually the individual will overcome their anxiety or fear without needing to fulfill any obsessions or compulsions. ERP not only helps individuals learn to tolerate uncertainty in uncomfortable situations, but also helps individuals to regain confidence and control over their lives as a whole.
In conclusion, destigmatizing OCD requires a complex approach that combines education, advocacy, and evidence-based treatment. Through challenging misconceptions surrounding OCD, we promote empathy, understanding, and education within our communities. This creates a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals living with OCD, and encourages them to seek treatment and share their experiences.
References:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2022, October 28). Anxiety Disorders - Facts & Statistics. ADAA: Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
Glasheen, C., Batts, K., Karg, R., Bose, J., Hedden, S., & Piscopo, K. (2016, June). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t13/
Hassan, W., El Hayek, S., de Filippis, R., Eid, M., Hassan, S., & Shalbafan, M. (2024). Variations in obsessive compulsive disorder symptomatology across cultural dimensions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1329748
International OCD Foundation. (2024). Exposure and response prevention (ERP). International OCD Foundation. Retrieved from https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/erp/
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