Chances are if you’ve heard the term OCD before, you’ve probably heard some variation of this statement above - and if you have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), you know that LOVE is not a word you would use to describe your obsessive thoughts & compulsive actions. If organizing your home, or cleaning your home is an ENJOYABLE “necessity” for you, then that is not OCD! This misconception is probably the most common when it comes to OCD! OCD is uncomfortable. If it doesn’t bring you distress to not respond compulsively to the obsessive though - it’s not OCD.
The second most common misconception is that OCD compulsions can only be hand washing, organizing, and double-checking! While these are common obsessions for those suffering with OCD, we have to recognize that they are most definitely NOT the only forms of OCD, although it may seem that way because they are physical compulsions therefore easily identifiable! There are so many compulsions that are mental; counting in head, repeating things, etc. - these compulsions are just as real and distressing as physical compulsions. The variety of symptoms (mental and physical compulsions) is the contributes to the misdiagnosis of OCD is misdiagnosed, as it can be passed off as another mental health issue! For example, worrying/ruminating can easily be passed off as anxiety, despite perhaps actually being a compulsion responding to an obsessive thought!
There are many different categories or “types” of OCD, however OCD is unique to every individual! Even two people with the same type of OCD will not have the exact same obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions - this factor contributes to misdiagnosis. Below are a few of the different types of OCD:
Bad Thoughts OCD: This is where you have a bad thought which becomes an obsessive thought, which then makes you believe it is true. For example, if you randomly think about murder once, you must be a murderer - despite not having any actual intention or drive to murder, in fact you are adverse to the thought of it! Remember, just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s true.
Responsibility OCD: This is where you feel your OCD has allowed you to believe that you MUST do the compulsive action because it is your responsibility! For example, if you were to see a small stick in the road you would HAVE to pull over, get out, and move it. If you didn’t and something happened, you believe it would be 100% your fault. You essentially feel responsible for everyone and you will be obsessing and ruminating to the point of distress if you do not remove the stick from the road!
Just Right OCD: This can come in many different forms, however the most common is that things need to look a certain way - you cannot function when things are out of place!
Want to know the worst thing to say to someone with OCD? “Can’t you just ignore it?”
Obsessive thoughts are like an alarm right in your face. You’re trying to ignore the alarm and go about your day, but the alarm is unavoidable. This major distraction takes up a lot of brain power and leaves you functioning essentially at a quarter capacity of your brain. When you the compulsion it’s like having an itch that you have to scratch, if you don’t scratch it, it’s all consuming thinking about it. Compulsion may shut the alarm off temporarily, however giving in to the compulsion only strengths its connection to the obsessive though and perpetuates the behaviour. Based on this information, can you guess what the most popular form of treatment is for OCD? Do the exact OPPOSITE of what the obsessive thought is telling you to do!
EXPOSURE - RESPONSE - PREVENTION
EXPOSURE, RESPONSE, PREVENTION; this is the most effective form of treatment. You start by exposing yourself to the thing that’s making you feel anxious, triggering those obsessive thoughts - and you SIT in the discomfort! Your response? Well, you do the opposite of what your OCD is telling you to do. If OCD is telling you to take 5 steps, take 7. If OCD is telling you something needs to be perfect, purposely make mistakes. Whatever you do, do NOT respond with your compulsive action!
When searching for therapy/treatment for OCD, it is so important to connect with a professional that is deeply knowledgeable in this complex disorder. If you believe you may be suffering from OCD, or have been diagnosed and are looking for treatment - please consider Quigg Therapy! We are well-versed in identifying, diagnosing, and treating all forms of OCD!
Melanie Quigg - Owner & Therapist, Quigg Counselling & Therapy
