OCD “Fun” Facts
The media often portrays OCD as handwashing, organizing, and counting. Although these are some ways OCD shows up, this often leads to underrecognizing OCD symptoms.
Here are some “fun” facts!
1 in 100 adults and 1 in 200 children and teens experience OCD (although this is likely under-represented).
OCD doesn't discriminate and affects people from all walks of life.
OCD isn't only about cleaning, washing your hands, or organizing a lot. Those are just some easy expressions for the media to portray.
OCD is not caused by trauma but it is exacerbated by trauma and stress.
OCD likes to bring its friends anxiety, depression, ADHD, excoriation (skin picking), trichotillomania (hair-pulling), eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and others. It rarely shows up alone.
We have extremely effective treatment interventions for OCD that have been around for a long time!
Despite having had lots of info and evidence based practices for OCD treatment for decades, it often goes misdiagnosed and underrecognized.
It can take up to 17 years for someone with OCD to receive adequate care. Imagine having all those "fun" thoughts for YEARS w/o relief.
OCD is genetic and also influenced by environmental factors.
People with OCD tend to have a great sense of responsibility.
OCD is correlated with higher rates of suicidal ideation.
OCD can feel shameful and cause isolation. Imagine telling people you have any of the lovely thoughts mentioned above.
OCD plays "whack-a-mole." As soon as one obsession alleviates, another theme can show up.
OCD doesn't go away but can be effectively managed.
OCD is a jerk, a bully, and not worth your time. It is a distraction from the present and it steals our joy. If you ever hear someone say they are "Sooo OCD" like it's a good thing - they are likely not talking about actual OCD. Please be mindful to not downplay OCD with this language.
If any of this sounds like you too, know there are resources out there. The International OCD Foundation (www.iocdf.org) is one of my favorites.
