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Lindsey Kirker

Prof. Lisa Tyler

English 1201

25 March 2021

What are the Effects of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder on Day-To-Day Life?

Sometimes people joke about having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is often perceived as

a quirky behavior such as having to check one’s phone and email constantly or the need for one's

desk at work to be in perfect order. Even worse, the symptom’s effects can be played for laughs

in sitcoms. Sheldon Cooper is knocking on his neighbor's door precisely three times, "Penny…

Penny…Penny…" before he can enter, for example. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also

used as a short cut to actual character development. In the horror/comedy Western/Feminist

culture classic TV show “Wynona”, Waverly Earp, one of the main protagonists will often stop,

even in dangerous situations, to adjust an askew or out of place item. All the while saying, “me

and my damn OCD” or “OCD strikes again!”. It is portrayed as a cute but annoying habit that

inconveniences the plucky heroine. But contrary to many myths and popular beliefs that will be

discussed further throughout this essay, a clinical definition of OCD is a mental illness in which

manifestations extend well beyond normal worry, cleanliness, or neatness. OCD can have a

radical and drastic negative

impact upon one's daily life by

imposing routines that disrupt

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

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plans, derail relationships, and leave the affected individual feeling isolated, alone, and

exhausted.

One of Hollywood’s most famous comedians and TV hosts, Howie Mandel, has recently

opened up about his own struggle with Obsessive Compulsive disorder. In his 2009 memoir

titled “Here’s the Deal, Don’t Touch Me”, Howie describes what he went through when he was

outed to the world as a germaphobe with OCD in the late 1990s. At this time, having mental

issues and needing psychiatric therapy was not the norm. Society had always placed a stigma on

mental health issues. Howie recalled that “Outwardly, I seemed to be striving and functioning,

but my mental health was not something I talked about publicly,” (Mandel). One day, however,

on The Howard Stern Show, Mandel describes a traumatizing event that led to his Mental illness

being broadcast on air for the world to hear. “I was devastated. I was humiliated. And I was

probably finished, both professionally and personally.” (Mandel). Howie’s memoir recollects the

feeling of a dark elevator on a continual downward decent when his diagnosis was first

publicized. It wasn’t until a complete stranger on the streets of Manhattan confronted him and

confessed that he too suffered from this mental illness, that Howie realized he wasn’t alone. In

the months that followed, Howie says countless people would contact him to share that they too

have OCD and seek therapy, some people would even ask him for personal message of

encouragement for a loved one, and many thanked him for talking publicly about his OCD.

Mandel admits that without knowing it, he had done himself a favor by making his diagnosis
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known. (Mandel) However, many people still struggle to understand Obsessive Compulsive

Disorder, what it’s triggers are, and how it effects individuals so differently.

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is the first step toward creating change in

one’s life. While it may not be possible to get rid of OCD, recognizing its effects, along with

realizing what an individual may be missing out on as a result of OCD, encourages one to look at

the bigger picture. Common obsessions include exaggerated fear of environmental substances

and contaminations such as germs, dirt, or toxins, a fear of a sickness, tragic accident, or even

death that elicits a sense of responsibility to prevent such harm. It’s also common to obsess over

perfection of symmetry and order. These obsessions are constantly on someone’s mind and may

be triggered by a specific object, environmental situation, a smell or sound, or something heard

on tv, the radio, or in a personal conversation. These obsessions compel a need for certainty and

control which create a compulsion. Some of the most common compulsions are washing one’s

hands excessively and showering or cleaning and organizing the house or personal spaces. The

need for safety leads to repetitive checking of locks, electrical and gas appliances. Mentally or

verbally repeating certain phrases words or numbers and tapping or moving in a certain way to

seek comfort. Also constantly confessing or seeking affirmation and reassurance. Obsessions

and compulsions can take up many hours of an individual’s day and interfere with their relations,

education, and employment. As these tendencies become more severe, avoidance can become an

increasing problem.

Psychiatric literature first identified obsessions and compulsions in the 1800s, and by the end

of the 19th century, they were generally thought to be manifestations of melancholy or

depression. However, the traits of OCD have been recognized across many societies as an

affliction long before western medicine began to recognize it as such. Chinese culture attributed
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the obsessive need to count or organize things as a symptom of spiritual affliction. Even more

significantly, for hundreds of years Eastern Europeans believed it was a sign of Vampirism.

Priests and “vampire hunters” would even carry rice with them to throw handfuls out at night and

see who felt compelled to pick it up. So great was the belief that it continued into the 70’s

American culture, as the Count, on Sesame Street, must stop and count everything he encounters.

Some even believe that superstitions are linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Superstitions are often perceived as pagan beliefs or cultural traditions. Because many older

cultures often lacked control over their own destinies, superstitions offered them a way to reason

and feel control over the outcomes of their lives. While many superstitions may be nothing more

than some harmless fun, some may play into mental health issues. Often superstition is a

compulsion for a repetitive act, as a way to calm an anxiety. Such as wearing lucky socks or

knocking on wood 3 times. These superstitions can manifest as fixations. They can trigger

anxiety and obsessive thoughts.

The precise and exact etiology of OCD is unknown, but brain structure, environment, trauma,

and the relationship between comorbidities (more than one medical condition being present)

have been widely studied. The effect of OCD can affect each individual in various and different

ways. Some may become so overwhelmed and filled with anxiety by their compulsions that they

struggle even to leave their home. Others, however, may appear to be high functioning and cope

with day-to-day life well, while still suffering distress and anxiety from obsessive thoughts and

compulsions.

The desire and need for some semblance of routine to function is universal. What

distinguishes OCD from a regular routine is WHY one does that routine, and how it affects them.

An OCD compulsion is inexorable and irresistible the feeling that one may HAVE to do
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something a precise way. Frequently this is accompanied with a fear that something bad will

happen as a motivating consequence. Often, however, there is no corollary WHY. In these

cases, it’s not an if/then (if I don’t tie my shoes in a double knot then I’ll fall and break my neck)

scenario. The individual simply MUST perform a certain action a certain way. One might like

to organize their purse in the morning before they leave so that they don't pull out a lipstick when

fumbling for keys, but if it takes more than an hour to do so, or it causes great anxiety and

emotional distress to the point of severely impacting one’s life, this would be a symptom of an

unhealthy compulsion.

People with OCD might also be late for work regularly because they have to go through a

specific routine of turning off all lights, checking the lock on the door, unplugging all electrical

appliances, and then repeating the cycle from the beginning again before they can leave the

house.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can also be a very demanding and exhausting thing for both

and family and friends of someone with this diagnosis. They may become very involved in the

person's daily rituals and assume some responsibility and care for daily activities that one with

OCD cannot undertake. An example would be a child obsessed over spelling and handwriting

perfection. The child may spend an exorbitant amount of time erasing and re-writing perceived

mistakes until they've achieved that perfection. That in turn may cause a parent to spend even

more time helping them than would normally be required. The child might need additional

support and comfort to ease their anxiety and emotional outbursts due to the lack of perfection.

This can lead to distress for all family members.

It is highly beneficial for friends and family to know what indicators to look for in someone

who may have OCD. Large increments of time that a person is spending in the bathroom getting
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ready, doing homework, etc. is a significant indicator because the individual can obsess over

repetition in many different areas. Constant questioning of one's own judgment and an excessive

need for reassurance, staying up late to get things done or waking up early due to the anxiety of it

being done right, or the increased irritability and indecisiveness that comes from second-

guessing themselves.

While it is important not to overindulge and enable unhealthy behavior, it is also crucial to be

able to modify some expectations. One of the most commonly reported complaints of someone

with OCD is that change of any kind, even positive change, can be extremely unsettling. During

a time of change, an individual's compulsions tend to flare up; however, family and friends can

help curb the stress level by modifying expectations during periods of transition.

An article published by Hyman and DuFrene describes OCD as a “common, painful, and

often disabling disorder. People with OCD are tortured by intrusive thoughts and struggle with

compulsive efforts to find peace of mind.” Because OCD is often such an intense disorder, it

usually has other comorbidities. Individuals with OCD often develop Major Depressive

Disorder. It is not uncommon for individuals with this diagnosis to struggle with feelings of

guilt, futility, suicidal thoughts, and problems with concentration and sleep. This, of course, can

lead to a litany of other health problems, both physical and mental.

OCD is a condition that ultimately changes the way one sees the world around them. Even in

the comfort of one's own home, an individual may be confronted with fears of germs, pests,

break-ins, or freak acts of nature like electrocution or fires. These intrusive thoughts can lead to

such a deep depression that one has difficulty even getting out of bed or leaving the house.

A study done by The Department of Psychiatry of the University of Los Angeles suggests that

“OCD symptoms can both directly impact depression as well as indirectly do so by impairing
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functioning” (Motivala). While Both OCD and depression can be treated with SRIs, and there is

without dispute a vital relationship between symptom management and medication, this study

notes that only about 32% of their sample was taking SRIs. Instead, they conclude that

“exposure and response prevention therapy lead to significant reductions of repetitive,

problematic thinking styles- worry and rumination” (Motivala).

Another study, done by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences claims that

among all anxiety disorders, “the risk of having at least one comorbid personality disorder is the

highest for OCD at 52% “(Thamby). And of all the personality disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive

Personality Disorder is most commonly linked with OCD.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (a subtype of the original OCD diagnosis) is also

widely understudied. OCPD differs from OCD, which is an anxiety-based disorder. Though they

may share several co-morbidities and even some similarities such as ritualistic behaviors, OCPD

has many defining differences. While OCD is viewed as unwanted and all together unhealthy,

individuals with OCPD see these behaviors as completely rational and even beneficial. An

adherence toward cautiousness, routines, and the need for perfection is a trait that can advance

one’s career and overall zeal for an accomplished life. “OCPD is a form of OCD where

perfectionism is the defining criterion. Obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is

defined as a pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and

interpersonal control. Lifetime prevalence rates range from 2.1% to 7.9% (American Psychiatric

Association), and OCPD may be the most prevalent PD in the general population” (qtd. in Cheli

et al.)

OCPD also differs from OCD in diagnostic criteria. Symptoms of OCPD must exhibit by

early adulthood and in multiple areas. One must be overwhelmingly compelled by schedules,
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routines, lists, rules, and structure. Setting unrealistic goals of perfection that ultimately

interferes with completing tasks at hand

A journal authored by Simone Cheli studies how psychotherapy is aimed toward “increasing

self-awareness of maladaptive compulsions”, along with techniques used to “refocus self-

criticism”. For instance, clinicians may try to help individuals better pinpoint their emotions,

and then patients can describe their thought traps and perhaps realize how they react accordingly.

Though treatment may not be an easy fix for all with this diagnosis, there are many

techniques and treatment options to help one live day-to-day life despite compulsive behaviors.

Many respond positively to therapy and/or medication. Exposure and Response Prevention, in

addition to medications such as SSRIs may be recommended for treatment. Family therapy has

proven to have positive outcomes by including close family members, friends, and spouses who

play a major role in recovery. Group support therapy also provide a safe place for like-minded

peers to manage their OCD.

The most common form of treatment available is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which

teaches one to evaluate cycles of obsessions and compulsions and behave differently to

overcome them. It can be described as learning a new language; someone can study all the

grammar rules and vocabulary, but one is not going to become fluent unless they start using the

language to communicate. (d’Ath and Wilson). Findings suggest that MBCT (Mindfulness

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), compared to a psychoeducational program, leads to accelerated

improvement of self-reported OC symptoms and secondary outcomes. (Kulz).

The psychodynamics of OCD has not only been ignored mainly over recent decades, but the

treatment of such has actually been discouraged within clinical mainstreams. A collective study

comparing 5 adults found a correlation between handling parental turmoil, enduring criticism,
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and struggling with emotional expression. This study pinpointed experiences within participants'

stories that appeared to connect with the beginnings and development of their obsessions and

compulsions. (O’Connor and Timulakova)

Because Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is often made light of, there are many myths

surrounding the diagnosis. One myth is that OCD is not a severe mental disorder. It's no big

deal. If one can simply ignore the thoughts and relax, they can live a completely normal life.

Having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not simply an emotion overreaction to the stressors of

life. These extreme worries and fears can be so overwhelming that it interferes with the ability to

simply function.

Another myth is that OCD only affects individuals with childhood trauma or conflict. Or the

opposite, that OCD can only affect adults, that children can never be diagnosed. To the contrary,

1 in 100 adults are estimated to suffer from OCD, and OCD can reveal itself at any time during

adolescence, but most commonly in early teens to early adulthood. In an attempt to debunk this

misconception, ABC News conducted an interview of two families whose children had a

diagnosis of OCD. One child could not handle the feeling of tight or scratchy clothing touching

her skin and repeatedly screamed for her mother to remove her clothes. Another child had

repetitive compulsions such as tying and untying their shoes or repeating the same word over and

over. It was reported that over 100,000 children in the united states should be treated for OCD.

(Stossel). The director at UCLA's clinic is Dr. John Piacentini explains during this segment that

the cause is chemical. Brain scans of patients with OCD show increased activity

in certain regionsof the brain. It's as though this keeps the child from receiving the message that

the light is off. This shows that it is not the child’s fault that they are having this behavior.
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Another erroneous presumption is that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is about cleanliness,

and therefore only affects women. Men or children cannot be affected because they do not care

about cleanliness as much. These all, however, are just misconceptions.

The fact is that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not a personality trait. It is a serious mental

illness. It is not a choice of whether an individual wants to do specific actions or not. OCD

affects around 3 million people in the United States alone. It is an unrelenting thought which

causes anxiety. So much anxiety that an individual attempts to relieve the impact of it by

engaging in compulsive actions. OCD is not centered around a logical outcome – it’s about

trying to get relief from the anxiety one is feeling.

As someone who suffers from OCD, I have come to terms with how this diagnosis will

impact my life and that of my family’s. It has helped immensely to understand why I am the

way I am and what causes me to think and feel this way. Self-awareness has helped me to cope

with the shame and embarrassment brought on by the social stigma of mental health issues.

Though I have found ways to function and maintain some semblance of normality, it is a struggle

every single day. It takes continual therapy, time and effort, and an emotional and mental

fortitude and commitment to not let this overcome me.

OCD is not the toothless, fluffy personality trait given to characters in comedies or action

films in place of character development or to show their humanity. It certainly is done a

disservice by being played for laughs and pop culture or as a quirky, annoying habit. OCD can

be a debilitating mental illness. Only through professional medical supervision, coupled with

medication and therapy, can an individual find some normalcy and peace in life's day-to-day

functions.
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Works Cited

Cheli, Simone, et al. “The Intertwined Path of Perfectionism and Self‐criticism in a Client with

Obsessive‐compulsive Personality Disorder.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 76, no.

11, Nov. 2020, pp. 2055–2066. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1002/jclp.23051.

d’Ath, Katie, and Rob Wilson. Managing OCD with CBT for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons,

Ltd., 2016. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=cat01128a&AN=scc.b1761448&site=eds-live.

Hyman, Bruce M., and Troy DuFrene. Coping with OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well

with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. New Harbinger Publications, 2008. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=298828&site=eds-live.

Külz, Anne Katrin, et al. “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in Patients with

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Residual Symptoms after Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A Randomized Controlled Trial.” European Archives of

Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 269, no. 2, Mar. 2019, pp. 223–

233. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s00406-018-0957-4.

Mandel, Howie, and Josh Young. Here's the Deal, Don't Touch Me. New York: Bantam Books,

2009. Internet resource.

Motivala, Sarosh J., et al. “Relationships between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression

and Functioning before and after Exposure and Response Prevention

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Therapy.” International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, vol. 22, no. 1, Mar.

2018, pp. 40–46. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13651501.2017.1351991.

Thamby, Abel, and Sumant Khanna. “The Role of Personality Disorders in Obsessive-

Compulsive Disorder.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 61, Jan. 2019, pp. S114–

S118. EBSCOhost, doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_526_18.

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