The Everyday Consequences of Misunderstanding OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has become increasingly more prominent throughout the years, through both professional diagnosis and individuals “self-diagnosing” themselves through assumptions and the media. The disorder affects millions of people worldwide, yet is often heavily misunderstood. OCD involves persistent obsessions and compulsions that disrupt daily life and cause significant distress. Misunderstanding the disorder can lead to stigma, delays in diagnosis, and challenges in accessing effective treatment. 

Defining Obsessions and Compulsions 

OCD is a mix of obsessions and compulsions that are so extreme that they overtake a majority of one’s time. Per the DSM-5, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is defined by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.  

Typically, OCD is perceived as being “obsessed” with these compulsions, but that’s the most common misconception there is. To be obsessed with something means that there is one thing that is preoccupying one’s mind but doesn’t necessarily present a problem in their everyday life and may even produce a pleasurable effect. According to the Carbon Health Editorial Team (2021), the average human being has over 6,000 thoughts throughout the day. However, those with OCD cling to certain ideas that may cause extreme distress. Obsessions, when defining OCD, are intrusive thoughts that frequently appear and can produce extreme feelings of fear or anxiety. These obsessions vary from person to person, but can include contamination, harm-related, responsibility, perfectionism, sexual, and religious obsessions, among many more. (IOCDF). 

Compulsions are repeated actions or thoughts that a person performs to relieve or reduce the anxiety that is caused by an obsession. Similar to obsessions, it depends on the context of the behavior rather than the repetitive behavior itself to be classified as a part of OCD. Typically, compulsions are actions or personality traits that people enjoy doing. However, for a person with OCD, they would prefer not to have to partake in these compulsions, but feel obligated to engage in them in order to prevent negative consequences or reduce anxiety (Kühne et al., 2020).  

“Everyone Is a Little OCD”  

The most commonly used phrase in association with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is, “Everyone’s a little OCD!” (Spencer, L., & Carel, H. (2021). If someone were to rearrange pens in a colorful order or align a stack of papers perfectly because they enjoy the feeling of looking at an organized desk, it would not align them with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  

According to Spencer, L., & Carel, H. (2021), OCD is often misunderstood through wrongful de-pathologization which is when OCD is both stigmatized as a mental illness and trivialized as just a personality trait. Because of this, people who truly have OCD are not taken seriously when it comes to their experiences and knowledge about their own condition. The authors explain that even positive stereotypes—like the need to be organized or detail-oriented—are harmful and can downplay how severe and debilitating OCD actually is. This can result in testimonial injustice, which is where people with OCD are not always believed and often invalidated, even by professionals (Spencer, L., & Carel, H., 2021). 

The authors also describe a form of hermeneutical ignorance, which is where someone lacks the concepts or language to fully understand or explain an experience. This is where the term “OCD” begins to be misused in everyday language (i.e. “I’m so OCD”). Phrases like this weakens the disorder’s real, clinical meaning and makes it harder for people who truly suffer from OCD to be understood. Treating OCD as “not that serious” and something that everybody has is harmful and can both invalidate real experiences and undermines the legitimacy of the overall disorder (Spencer L., Carel H, 2021). Understanding that OCD is a serious, chronic condition and not just a “quirky” personality trait is essential when it comes to reducing stigma. 

The Root of Stereotypes 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has many stereotypes associated with it. One of the biggest ones is whether or not OCD is something that can be cured. OCD: Busting the Stereotypes by Carbon Health Editorial Team (2021) goes into this idea deeper and explains how technically, there is no cure for OCD but rather a way to manage it. Similar to any chronic condition, it takes time to manage one’s symptoms.  

The disorder itself isn’t rooted in logic. Most people get trapped in a cycle where they’re convincing themselves if they don’t do one thing, another will happen, and their thoughts defy all other logic. This can make treating the disorder increasingly difficult. The most effective treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention therapy, or ERP, where a person diagnosed with OCD is directly exposed with their fear (C.H.E.T, 2021). A commonly used example of this is when someone is in a cycle of having to persistently wash their hands until they “feel clean”. An individual who experiences this compulsion may be placed in a setting where they must wash their hands once and sit in that environment. Overtime, the repeated use of this exposure treatment can help a person no longer be a part of that cycle or be bothered by the exposure.  

OCD, unfortunately, can be a lifelong condition for most people. Even those who partake in ERP or other effective treatments can experience what’s called the “backdoor spike” (C.H.E.T, 2021) and feel distress from no longer enacting their already distressing compulsion. When the brain is wired for so long to act in a particular way, it can be hard to revert back. 

The Effect of the Media on OCD 

Social media has significantly shaped both how OCD is understood and how it is experienced by those who live with it. Platforms like TikTok have become major sources for information, but they often prioritize engagement over accuracy. Fitzpatrick et al. (2025) state in their research that only around 18% of OCD-related content on TikTok is considered accurate, while a significant portion was deemed to be misleading or based solely on personal, non-professional experience. Even more concerning, there’s a significant increase in attention that stereotype-driven content receives. Videos focused on cleaning, organizing, or symmetry receive significantly more views, likes, and shares than evidence-based educational content. This creates a cycle where users are repeatedly exposed to oversimplified and inaccurate portrayals of OCD, which only reinforces misconceptions over time. 

This cycle is affected by social media algorithms, which create what researchers describe as a “filter bubble” (Fitzpatrick et al., 2025). Users who engage with certain types of content are more likely to be shown similar content in the future, meaning that interacting with misleading OCD videos can lead to continuous exposure to the same misinformation. As a result, the public view of OCD becomes increasingly narrow, which excludes other less visible symptoms such as intrusive thoughts. Along with that, the majority of content is created by non-professionals who have little to no input from healthcare providers.  

Beyond simply shaping the perception from the public, social media has a direct psychological impact on individuals with OCD. Guazzini et al. (2022) found that people with higher levels of OCD symptoms are more affected by social media in terms of mood and emotional well-being. When observing different subtypes of OCD, individuals reported stronger emotional responses to their social media use, suggesting that these platforms can intensify one’s already existing symptoms (Guazzini et al. 2022). For example, individuals with checking-related OCD may feel compelled to repeatedly monitor their social media activity, while those with hoarding tendencies may begin to excessively save posts or images. These behaviors can mirror real-life compulsions and shows us that social media can act as an extension of OCD in a digital environment. 

Individuals with OCD also tend to place a greater level of importance on social media compared to those without the disorder. This increase in importance can lead to more frequent and potentially compulsive use, especially when other factors are present such as the fear of missing out (FOMO). As individuals spend more time on these platforms, they may experience increased anxiety and distress which can create a cycle where emotional discomfort reinforces their engagement. The structure of social media can make it especially difficult for those with OCD to disengage with constant updates, notifications, and easy accessibility, further contributing to this cycle. Not only does social media contribute to widespread misinformation and stereotypes, but it also directly impacts the mental health and behaviors of individuals with the disorder.  

Why Misconceptions Are So “Sticky” 

Misconceptions about OCD are difficult to correct because of the way people naturally judge what is true. According to Brashier and Marsh (2020), individuals rely on three key cues when it comes to evaluating information: base rates, feelings, and consistency with memory. These processes can make misinformation especially persistent. 

Humans have a natural bias to believe information (truth bias), especially when it aligns with what they commonly see or hear (Brashier and Marsh 2020). Since representations are often focused on stereotypical symptoms, these portrayals become the “default” understanding of the disorder. As a result, simplified and inaccurate depictions are more easily accepted to be true. Along with that, repetition increases one’s perceived truth, which is a phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect (Brashier & Marsh, 2020). As stated in a previous section, most social media platforms repeatedly expose users to the same content. Over time, this repeated exposure makes these misconceptions feel accurate, even when they are not. Finally, people tend to accept information that is consistent with their existing knowledge or beliefs, even if that knowledge is incorrect. Once someone has learned a simplified version of OCD, they may ignore more complex and accurate information that contradicts it. This makes misconceptions particularly resistant to change, even when individuals are presented with evidence-based information. 

Social and Ethical Consequences 

The social and ethical consequences of misunderstanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are significant. The way OCD is portrayed matters, especially for individuals whose symptoms do not align with common stereotypes. When society focuses on only the most visible behaviors, we reinforce misconceptions about what OCD truly is. According to McGrath (2025), this stigma is especially harmful for those experiencing taboo forms of the disorder such as harm OCD, religious OCD, or pedophilic OCD. Since these thoughts involve sensitive or even disturbing topics, these individuals often face intense shame and fear of judgment, which may prevent them from seeking help altogether. In some cases, even healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with these subtypes and may misinterpret symptoms.  

Misinformation in the media further strengthens these consequences. As discussed by Colbert (2023), inaccurate portrayals of OCD can lead to the belief that individuals with the disorder are dangerous or capable of acting on their intrusive thoughts. This is not only false, but deeply harmful to those within the OCD community. When media sources link OCD to violence or extremism, individuals with the disorder may begin to internalize these messages and in turn, believe that they are a threat to others. These misconceptions also have an impact on recovery and daily functioning and can push individuals into isolation.  

Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment 

Despite the increased awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, many individuals still face significant barriers when it comes to receiving an accurate diagnosis and engaging in effective treatment. One of the most prominent barriers to diagnosis is the misinterpretation of symptoms, both by individuals with the disorder and professionals. As previously discussed, OCD is frequently reduced to visible behaviors which can overshadow the less obvious (but equally distressing) symptoms. This narrow understanding can lead individuals to dismiss their own experiences or fail to recognize them as symptoms of the disorder. 

Additionally, stigma that is surrounding certain types of obsessions can prevent individuals from disclosing their thoughts, even to healthcare professionals. Because these intrusive thoughts often conflict with personal values, individuals may fear being judged or misunderstood, which further delays seeking help. This can lead to potential misdiagnosis, as well. The fact that these taboo thoughts cause so much stress to an individual with OCD already speaks to their character, and how these thoughts go against their personal values or beliefs; their compulsive thoughts do not define them. 

Even when individuals do receive a diagnosis, actually engaging in the treatment presents another set of challenges. A major barrier is the nature of exposure and response prevention, which is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. Research shows that many individuals experience a reluctance to participate in ERP because it involves intentionally facing distressing thoughts and situations (Miegel et al., 2025). This is closely related to the idea of experiential avoidance, which is the tendency to avoid uncomfortable internal experiences (Miegel et al., 2025). While avoiding facing one’s fears may provide a short-term sense of relief, it ultimately reinforces OCD symptoms and makes treatment more difficult to engage in. 

However, it is important to note that the common beliefs about treatment being “unbearable” are often an exaggerated idea. Spencer et al. (2023) emphasizes that misconceptions about ERP can discourage individuals from starting or continuing their treatment. In reality, more recent findings suggest that dropout rates for ERP are comparable to, or even lower than, other treatments (Spencer et al. 2023). They also show that concerns about its risks of being dangerous or intolerable are unsupported by real evidence. 

Barriers to treatment are not limited to patients; they also exist within the healthcare system. One significant issue is the lack of properly trained clinicians. Many mental health professionals do not specialize in OCD or are unfamiliar with ERP and other proven treatments. This leads professionals to underutilize evidence-based treatments (Spencer et al., 2023). In some cases, clinicians may hold negative beliefs about ERP, such as assuming that patients cannot tolerate it or that it may cause harm. These misconceptions can result in providers avoiding or incorrectly implementing effective treatment methods. 

Conclusion  

Misunderstanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has significant consequences, both for individuals living with the condition and for society as a whole. Misconceptions about OCD contribute to stigma, delayed diagnoses, and barriers to effective treatment. These misunderstandings not only affect how the public perceives OCD but also, its impact on the daily lives of those who experience it.  

Addressing these misconceptions requires more than simply sharing correct information. Research suggests that misinformation is resistant to change because people rely on familiarity when judging truth (Brashier & Marsh, 2020). One important approach to push against this is by replacing myths with clear, accurate explanations rather than simply going against false claims, because repetition of misinformation can also reinforce it. Along with that, by increasing exposure to different representations of OCD, we can challenge narrow stereotypes and broaden public understanding. 

Improving education for the general public and healthcare professionals is equally important. When individuals are better informed about the complexity of the disorder and the effectiveness of treatments, they will be more likely to seek and provide appropriate care. By bringing awareness to the disorder, we can improve the quality of life for those living with OCD, create a society that validates their experiences, and recognizes the seriousness of the disorder beyond oversimplified portrayals. 

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Pearson.

Are. (2025, April 16). Three Taboo OCD Themes that are Often Misunderstood. Adaa.org. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/professional/three-taboo-ocd-themes 

Bey, K., Willems, S., Dueren, A. L., Philipsen, A., & Wagner, M. (2025). Help-seeking behavior, treatment barriers and facilitators, attitudes and access to first-line treatment in German adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06655-0  

Brashier, N. M., & Marsh, E. J. (2019). Judging Truth. Annual Review of Psychology, 71(1). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010419-050807  

Carbon. (2021, November 4). Primary Care Costs Explained. Carbonhealth.com; Carbon Health. https://carbonhealth.com/blog-post/ocd-busting-the-stereotypes?srsltid=AfmBOoq88eqLra1K_QBFgkT9j4AsX0nmLboSQYSv-RZBR0dWbkTrflKg  

Colbert, J. (n.d.). The detrimental impacts of OCD misinformation. The Echo.  https://cluecho.com/23064/opinion/the-detrimental-impacts-of-ocd-misinformation/  

Duncan, P., & Strong, Z. (2024). Laughing with Me, Not at Me: The Importance of Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions in Mental Health and Neurodivergence. Journal of Disability & Religion, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521.2024.2441436  

Fitzpatrick, M., Moore, A. S., Kichuk, S. A., Pittenger, C., & Zaboski, B. A. (2025). #OCD: A Content Analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Stereotype Amplification and Misinformation on TikTok. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 10.1177/21522715251370135. https://doi.org/10.1177/21522715251370135  

Franziska Miegel, Lindner, P., Schultz, J., Lohse, L., Yassari, A. H., & Jelinek, L. (2025). Breaking barriers? Targeting willingness to improve engagement in exposure therapy through a disorder-nonspecific exposure session in virtual reality. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-07194-9  

Guazzini, A., Gursesli, M. C., Serritella, E., Tani, M., & Duradoni, M. (2022). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Types and Social Media: Are Social Media Important and Impactful for OCD People? European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 12(8), 1108–1120. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12080078  

International OCD Foundation. (2023). What is OCD? International OCD Foundation. https://iocdf.org/about-OCD/  

Kühne, F., Ay, D. S., Marschner, L., & Weck, F. (2020). The heterogeneous course of OCD – A scoping review on the variety of definitions. Psychiatry Research, 285, 112821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112821  

Spencer, L., & Carel, H. (2021). ‘Isn’t Everyone a Little OCD?’: The Epistemic Harms of Wrongful Depathologization. Philosophy of Medicine, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/pom.2021.19   

Spencer, S. D., Stiede, J. T., Wiese, A. D., Guzick, A. G., Cervin, M., McKay, D., & Storch, E. A. (2023). Things that make you go Hmm: Myths and misconceptions within cognitive-behavioral treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 37, 100805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2023.100805

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