I am Becky Steinfels, a Certified Social Worker (CSW) at the Centerville office of The Counseling Center. I work with children (8 and older), teens, adolescents, and adults specializing in treating anxiety, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Since 2009, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has designated each October for OCD Awareness Week, a worldwide event to support individuals and families affected by OCD and to educate the public about this often-misunderstood disorder. This year OCD Awareness week took place from October 13-19, so I would like to share information about what OCD is and clarify some common myths and facts.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted obsessions, disturbing thoughts, images, or impulses, and compulsions which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing distress. The symptoms must be time-consuming (taking more than 1 hour a day) or cause significant impairment in daily life to qualify for an OCD diagnosis. Diagnosing OCD requires careful evaluation by a mental health professional, who may use certain interview questions, screening tools, and the DSM-5 criteria to confirm symptoms and rule out other causes.
Obsessions are intrusive, distressing thoughts that create intense anxiety and feel beyond the person’s control. They often lead to significant discomfort and disrupt daily functioning. Common obsessive thoughts may cause anxiety, fear, or disgust, making it challenging for individuals to get through the day.
Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that people with OCD are driven to perform to relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions. Although these actions bring temporary relief, they reinforce the cycle of fear and anxiety, creating the need to repeat them. Managing these patterns can be exhausting and typically requires support from a mental health professional trained in OCD treatment.
Effective treatment for OCD often includes a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and as needed, medication. ERP consists of gradually exposing the individuals to situations that trigger their obsessions, while guiding them to resist engaging in their compulsions. Over time, this helps reduce anxiety and weaken the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage symptoms, particularly when combined with ERP. Together, these approaches can provide lasting relief and improve day-to-day functioning for individuals with OCD.
Let’s have some fun debunking a few common myths and sharing some interesting facts about OCD! Misunderstandings can sometimes create stigma, which makes it tough for people to seek the support they deserve. By spreading accurate information, we can help create a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone affected by OCD. Together, we can make a positive difference!
Myth #1: Everyone is a little OCD.
Fact: OCD is not a trait; it is a mental health disorder and cannot be turned off.
It is common for people to say their OCD when it comes to cleaning and organizing. People diagnosed with OCD have brains that are wired differently than are not OCD. OCD causes these individuals to experience distress that significantly impacts their life, taking over their thoughts and actions. The severity and impact of this disorder is minimized when compared to everyday habits. Individuals with OCD do not enjoy the things their OCD causes them to do.
Myth #2: OCD is about handwashing, cleaning, and being neat.
Fact: There are a variety of OCD related obsessions and compulsions.
Handwashing, cleaning, and being neat are a small part of the OCD triggers and symptoms of OCD. There are a wide variety of obsessions that may also include things related to: hurting others/themselves, losing control, unwanted sexual thoughts, religious/moral obsessions, perfectionism or needing things “just right,” responsibility, and other obsessions. An individual’s obsession can change over time and throughout their life. Knowing it can look so different for everyone; it is important to get a proper diagnosis.
Myth #3: OCD is chronic and will never get better.
Fact: OCD is treatable and with the right support can be managed.
Individuals diagnosed with OCD cannot logic their way out of it, or just tell themselves to “Stop it” and get better. If they could logic their way out of it, they would already be cured. However, there are evidence-based treatments that can help with obsessions and compulsions. As mentioned above, an effective treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy that is used to help individuals learn how intrusive thoughts affect their behavior.
Exposure and response prevention (a specific type of CBT) guides the individual in exposing themselves to something they fear and learning to resist/avoid their compulsions.
Group Therapy helps the individuals feel less alone and reduces the stigma surrounding their diagnosis and intrusive thoughts.
Myth #4: Compulsions are always visible actions.
Fact: Some compulsions are thoughts and cannot be seen.
Compulsions that are thoughts may include: “safe” words, colors, numbers, prayers, and some may be mentally reviewing past conversations, events, or interactions with others. Mental compulsions are harder to notice and spot since the individual experiencing them is the only one aware they are happening.
Myth #5: OCD does not affect that many people, it is rare.
Fact: OCD affects many people and is more common than you think.
OCD can affect young children, teens, and adults. It does not discriminate between sex, race, or background. According to the International OCD Foundation, an estimated 1 in 100 adults have OCD, and 1 in 200 children and teens have OCD. This adds up to 2 to 3 million adults and about 500,000 youth in the US who are affected by this diagnosis.
Myth #6: Avoiding OCD Triggers will reduce symptoms.
Fact: Avoiding triggers worsens OCD symptoms.
Trying to avoid triggers (people, places, and situations) in the hopes of reducing fear, anxiety, and obsessions. Can cause fear, anxiety, and obsession to grow and become stronger. Doing this confirms the obsession and can cause the person to isolate themselves more.
Myth #7: OCD is caused by a lack of willpower and weak character.
Fact: OCD is complex and requires proper treatment to overcome.
OCD is a complex disorder that requires the guidance of a mental health professional trained to develop a treatment plan specific to each patient. These clinicians can create a safe and supportive space for the client to learn about and manage their OCD.
Myth #8: You have been through treatment, now you are better.
Fact: OCD is a chronic disorder that typically requires ongoing management.
While treatment can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life, OCD often remains a lifelong condition. Individuals may need to continue practicing coping strategies (ERP), going to therapy, or adjusting their treatment plan to maintain their progress. This approach helps manage their symptoms effectively and allows them to live fulfilling lives. ERP must become a lifestyle and a regular part of every day to live your best life.
Myth #9: Individuals with OCD do not know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational.
Fact: Most individuals know their OCD is irrational and feel powerless to stop it.
This knowledge increases their distress since they can see the logic, but their actions do not match up. They know their fears/rituals feel uncontrollable and are not based on reality makes it more painful. This does not mean it is impossible to gain some control and get your life back though.
Myth # 10: OCD people need to relax or just stop worrying so much.
Fact: OCD is not something you can manage by avoiding worry or relaxing more.
It can be dismissive to tell someone with OCD to “stop worrying” or “just relax” and this can increase their distress. OCD is rooted in brain chemistry and abnormalities in specific neurotransmitters and brain circuits. Due to this OCD requires a structured therapeutic approach for treatment and management.
Challenging Myths, Embracing Facts
Looking beyond stereotypes and understanding OCD will help us recognize the complexity of OCD. These myths reflect common misunderstandings that may make it harder for those affected to seek help. OCD is real and often a debilitating condition that requires specialized treatment rather than quick fixes.
OCD Awareness Week helps us remember the importance of understanding, compassion, and action. Living with OCD is an ongoing challenge, and finding the right support can make a world of difference. Reaching out for help is a brave step toward reclaiming your life, one day at a time. For friends, family, and communities, learning more about OCD is the key to offering real support—breaking down stigma and opening doors to understanding.
If you or someone you know is affected by OCD, remember:
Help is out there, and treatment can make things better.
Together, we can replace myths with facts, misunderstandings with empathy, and challenges with hope.
By supporting each other, we are all working toward a world where people with OCD feel seen, supported, and empowered to live the lives they deserve.
Resources for OCD Information:
International OCD Foundation (https://iocdf.org)
American Psychological Association (apa.org)
NOCD (https://www.treatmyocd.com)
OCD and Anxiety: Let’s BEAT this Together – Nathan Peterson (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ClvnrcrC-3wr27fz_HlIQ)