Psychologist Dean McKay, PhD, and OCD advocate Uma Chatterjee debunk myths about OCD and discuss effective evidence-based treatments. They explore the onset and development of OCD in children, the impact of comorbidities on well-being, and ongoing research in the field.
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Quick takeaways
OCD is more than just a focus on neatness and orderliness, with severe symptoms such as washing, checking behaviors, and intrusive thoughts often being overlooked.
The delay in diagnosing and treating OCD due to misinterpretation of symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's life, highlighting the importance of early identification through self-report questionnaires and thorough evaluation.
Deep dives
Misconceptions about OCD
OCD is often misunderstood and trivialized, with misconceptions focusing on neatness and orderliness. The severity and debilitating nature of OCD symptoms, such as severe washing, checking behaviors, and intrusive thoughts, are often overlooked.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
The delay in diagnosing and treating OCD, especially due to the misinterpretation of symptoms, can have a significant impact on a person's life. Early identification of OCD through self-report questionnaires and thorough evaluation by skilled clinicians is crucial for effective treatment.
Effective Treatment: Exposure with Response Prevention
Exposure with response prevention (ERP) is the cornerstone of OCD treatment and provides lasting relief. It involves gradually facing fears and resisting compulsive behaviors, breaking the cycle of anxiety and compulsion. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can complement ERP but is generally not sufficient on its own.
The Need for Increased Awareness and Accessibility
There is a need for greater awareness about OCD to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Misconceptions about OCD often delay access to effective therapies like ERP. Advocacy and education are crucial in bridging the gap between misunderstanding and effective treatment.
Have you heard people say, “I’m so OCD”? There are a lot of myths around obsessive compulsive disorder. In reality, it’s a multi-faceted mental health disorder that seriously affects people’s lives – but is also treatable with evidence-based therapies. Psychologist Dean McKay, PhD, and OCD advocate Uma Chatterjee talk about what obsessive compulsive disorder is, how it differs from the stereotypes, why it is so often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and what effective treatments are available. For transcripts, links and more information, please visit the Speaking of Psychology Homepage.