Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is OCD?
Recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, and urges that are unwanted and intrusive that lead to distress (also called an obsession)
Attempt to avoid or suppress thoughts, images, and urges with an action or thought (also referred to as compulsion or ritual)
Obsessions or compulsions are time consuming
Common Misconceptions about OCD:
Isn’t OCD just anxiety?
OCD is Germophobia.
Everyone has a little OCD.
While OCD and anxiety have similarities (excessive worrying, fear, etc), there are some distinct differences. People suffering from OCD experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts and then use rituals or compulsions to avoid or suppress the distress they’re feeling. This is not a feature of Anxiety Disorders.
This is a good example of the power of media. We often see OCD portrayed in TV shows and movies as someone who obsessively washes their hands or needs things to be symmetrical. Contamination fears are only one category of obsessions, along with fears of harming others, doubts about relationships, and others.
Along with being untrue, this can be dismissive of those who are suffering from OCD. OCD is a mental health condition that often takes a heavy toll for people suffering. Experiencing intrusive thoughts and feeling the need to perform rituals and compulsions can be incredibly exhausting. While we all have our quirks, that does not mean we all have OCD.
Treatment: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The treatment involves confronting fears and obsessions and resisting the urge to respond with a ritual or compulsion. While it can be intimidating to imagine this process, it is the gold-standard for treating OCD. Over time, practicing ERP will allow the mind to manage uncertainty with less anxiety and distress.
Resources for OCD
The OCD Stories
Podcast hosted by Stuart Ralph 
Freedom From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Jonathan Grayson, PhD
International OCD Foundation