be careful with your words

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic, longstanding disorder in which a person experiences repeated uncontrollable behaviors of obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are recurring thoughts, urges or images that can cause anxiety and other disorders. Frequent obsessions include fear of germs and contamination and unwanted thoughts of sex, religion, harm, etc.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person struggling with OCD does in response to obsessions. Many people struggle with compulsive counting, excessive cleaning or repeatedly checking on many things. OCD is one of the most common mental disorders, yet despite its prominence, it is still largely misrepresented in the media and within society. age of 35 is still possible. Many factors can explain the cause, including genetics, brain structure, functioning and environment.

OCD is normally treated with medication, typically serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective-SRIs; psychotherapy, typically cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal training; or a combination of the two. However, even if a patient’s brain responds positively to treatment, NIMH states that a continuation of symptoms is possible.

NIMH also said that some individuals with OCD can have a corresponding tic disorder, in which they experience brief, repetitive and uncontrollable movements that hinder their day-to-day functioning. Motor tics can include excessive eye blinking, facial grimacing and head or shoulder jerking, while vocal tics can include excessive throat-clearing, sniffing or grunting sounds, as well as unfiltered speech.

The media plays a significant role in shaping the public perception of OCD. Many often resort to stereotypes when portraying those with OCD. In TV shows and movies, those with OCD are portrayed as “neat freaks” or perfectionists who have to repeat certain tasks a number of times and these compulsions are often depicted in a humorous manner. However, this portrayal ignores the fact that individuals experiencing OCD go through numerous negative emotions such as anxiety, fear and stress, which drives their compulsions.

Seeing falsely portrayed groups of people isn’t uncommon as media creators often use stereotypes to promote a sense of familiarity in a character, thus drawing in engagement and viewers. However, the stereotype of OCD in the media leaves out vital information and constructs a false and potentially harmful narrative.

According to the Anxiety Living with OCD is more and Depression Association complex than cleanliness of America, OCD affects 2.2 million adults, or 1% of the U.S. population. The disorder doesn’t discriminate, and is equally common among all races, sexual orientations, gender identities and socioeconomic classes. The average age of onset reported by the ADAA is 19, with 25% of those cases occurring as early as 14 and one-third of affected adults having experienced the first symptoms in their childhood. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that an earlier age of onset is more common in males over females, but the onset after the

Beyond TV and movies, society’s perception on the disorder is not often the most accurate either. In an interview with Architectural Digest, Khloe Kardashian said “you say OCD is a disease, but I say it’s a blessing” when discussing her clean and orderly tendencies around her house. She also runs a YouTube channel titled “Khlo-C-D,” a combination of the abbreviation OCD and her own name, which portrays OCD as a quirky, funny personality trait. Kardashian’s comments not only ignore the gravity of OCD but are being spread to millions of people throughout her platforms.

By spreading misinformation or offensive stereotypes about the disorder, the media and influencers are creating a false idea of what OCD really is and ostracizing those who suffer from it. It is important for society to show what OCD is and create more representation for those living with it, but it should be done respectfully and using well-researched and trusted

sources. As to better OCD, there will be a shift in how it is the public and how it is the media. society continues understand continue to perceived by portrayed in

If you think you are struggling with OCD, it is

best to be diagnosed by a doctor, preferably a mental health expert such as a psychiatrist. Selfdiagnosing may contribute to harmful stigmas that lead to a lack of understanding. Many people often dismiss symptoms or take them lightly, which can lead to a delay in treatment. Understanding symptoms and addressing them is the first start to reaching out. Remember, be careful with your words, because living with OCD is more complex than enjoying cleanliness and organization.