SURROUNDING MYTHS OF OCD (CHAPTER 4)

In theory, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the name given to a recognised condition that causes someone to become stuck in a cycle of distressing obsessions and compulsions. It is a very debilitating and often misunderstood condition, so much so that many people with OCD hide it for years or decades. Although it is estimated roughly around 1 or 2% of the population suffer from the illness, however, the good news is that OCD is a treatable condition both with therapy and medication available, which can ultimately help people who suffer from the disease through a series of recovery process.

FACTS VS MYTHS

#1 – LIFE TRAGEDY

a. Myth: Poor parenting or difficult childhood experiences such as a divorce or bullying cause OCD/anxiety.

b. Fact: People with OCD, their families and their loved ones do no cause OCD. Although a specific event or set of circumstances might have contributed to how and when the OCD symptoms started, however, they are not bound to the fact that they did. In fact, the most important thing loved ones can do is not to worry about whether they are the reasons to blame, but rather than to support the person with where they are in their journey to better understanding and recovery.

#2 – CHILDREN ARE NOT PRONE TO THE ILLNESS

a. Myth: OCD is rare in children and therefore are not required to be diagnosed.

b. Fact: OCD can affect all groups of ages. According to the NICE guidelines, it is reported that at least half of adults who receive help for OCD having it since they were little. In most of these cases, they did not have the courage to tell anyone because they were ashamed of it, or they already asked for help but did not receive it.

#3 – A SENSE OF INDULGEMENT

a. Myth: People with OCD enjoy their own rules and compulsions.

b. Fact: Obsessions revolve around intrusive thoughts which go against their values, desires, and beliefs. And the psychological terminology for this is "ego-dystonic". As we know, the OCD cycle is driven by anxieties and doubts, and could not work as they do even if intrusive thoughts were looming over one’s mind.

#4 – OCD IS A TRIVIAL MENTAL DISORDER

a. Myth: For many people, OCD is perceived as something insignificant and is not a big deal to worry about it too much.

b. Fact: Having OCD is not simply an overreaction to the stresses of life. While stressful situations can make things worse, they do not cause OCD. Often, people with OCD confront their severe and debilitating anxiety over any number of things, called "obsessions". As a result, this level of extreme worry and fear can be so overwhelming that it gets in the way of their ability to function. In order to try to overcome the amount of severe anxiety, people with OCD use "compulsions" or rituals, which are specific repetitive actions or behaviours. Bottom line, OCD is not a disease which can be sorted by using logic. It is about an extreme degree of anxiety and trying to get relief for that amount of anxiety.