Truths and myths of OCD revealed

A wellbeing specialist is calling for Brits to be more aware of the symptoms of a health condition which affects 1 in 50 people in the UK and which can even be life-threatening.

Author Lynn Crilly wants everyone – including medical professionals – to have a greater understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or ODC, which in its more severe cases can totally control a person’s life.

Speaking in OCD Awareness week, Lynn, the author of Hope with OCD: A self-help guide to obsessive- compulsive disorder for parents, carers and sufferers, said: “This week is OCD Awareness Week and it provides all of us with an opportunity to find out more about this mental health condition and bust a lot of the myths which exist,” said Lynn, whose daughter Samantha suffers from the illness.

“There is a lot of misunderstanding, especially in its earlier stages or for those who only show mild symptoms, which is when OCD is likely to be more responsive to treatment.

“But identifying it early and helping sufferers get treatment means we can take steps to avoid the illness becoming worse and increasingly disruptive to a person’s life.”

OCD Awareness Week aims to tackle the stigma surrounding the anxiety-related condition, which frequently involves rituals which have to be undertaken each day by the sufferer.

“We’ve probably all heard that friend or family member saying they have ‘a touch of OCD’ because they like the dishwasher stacked a certain way, but people who suffer from OCD aren’t ‘a bit tidy’ – they can link their behaviours with unconnected outcomes such as a loved one’s life being in jeopardy.

“That’s why I want to help tackle some of the myths surrounding this debilitating condition which can interfere with someone getting the help they need.”

Truth: There are two parts to OCD, obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, pictures, or urges whereas compulsions are the actions and behaviours in which people might engage in to help release the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

There is a distinct difference between compulsive inclinations and obsessive-compulsive behaviours, the main word being obsessive.

If someone has OCD, their lives will most likely be consumed with the obsessive thoughts and compulsions, which can interfere with work, school and social life, leaving very little time for anything else. OCD has certain criteria required to make a diagnosis, that criteria will be different to someone who is, say, thorough about certain aspects of their life.

Truth: OCD manifests itself differently in different people. Yes, there are a proportion of OCD sufferers who have a fear of germs which can result in hand washing or extreme cleaning compulsions. However, obsessions can fixate on almost anything from fear of contamination and illness, worrying about harming others, preoccupation with numbers and patterns or fear of their own death or a loved one’s death – which they can link to unrelated actions such as how neatly a desk is arranged.

Truth: Most sufferers do know that the relationship between their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and the compulsions can be potentially harmful to themselves and others around them. However, it is hard for them to know when their brain is ‘lying’ to them, whilst they are experiencing strong urges to obey its irrational commands.

Truth: Whilst stress can exacerbate the symptoms in sufferers, OCD is a mental illness which can incite uncontrollable fears and anxiety which will most likely occur with or without stressful situations.

Truth: Childhood-onset OCD is quite common, occurring in approximately 1% of all children. Furthermore, recent research3 indicates that approximately half of all adults with OCD experienced symptoms of the disorder during their childhood.

Truth: Everybody gets thoughts and worries about a loved one being harmed, or themselves becoming ill, or what would happen if……? How many times have you personally touched wood for good luck, or salute a magpie? Whilst you may do this occasionally, with the thought passing through as soon as the action is finished, someone with OCD will get trapped in a cycle.

Truth: OCD can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or social background. It has no limits.

Truth:  Many sufferers of OCD do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed, or they think there is nothing that can be done to help them. However, I cannot stress enough that recovery is possible if you are prepared to put in the effort needed to work at it. Treatment includes therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and medication.