OCD: A serious mental disorder beyond the 'organized' label

Close your eyes and imagine you and your friends are gearing up for a road trip. Despite your friends' growing frustration, you feel compelled to obsessively check the windows, locks, and doors at least three times. As you step toward the car, you find yourself counting the steps, ensuring they add up to an odd number, or the unease will persist. Unless these compulsions are satisfied, a nagging sense of dread lingers—a looming fear that something catastrophic will happen if you don’t act.

This is just a glimpse into the world of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where compulsions govern every aspect of daily life, turning even the simplest tasks into monumental struggles.

Misrepresentation in Media

Media portrayals often reduce OCD to stereotypes like obsessive handwashing or tidying up. While these may be symptoms for some, OCD is a multifaceted mental health condition. It is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at relieving the anxiety.

The disorder manifests in various forms, each with its unique challenges. Some common types include Harm OCD, Contamination OCD, and lesser-known yet equally debilitating manifestations like Pedophile OCD (POCD) and Homosexual OCD (HOCD). POCD is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized forms of OCD. It involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images of a sexual nature involving children. These thoughts cause immense shame and guilt, leaving individuals in a constant state of self-doubt.

Imagine avoiding children altogether, not because of intent, but because even a casual glance might trigger a flood of disturbing questions:

“Was I attracted to that child in a way I shouldn’t be?”
“Am I going to become a pedophile?”
OCD preys on one’s deepest fears and insecurities, magnifying them until they feel inescapable. For those with POCD, the torment is compounded by societal stigma and a lack of understanding, making it harder to seek help.

A Call for Awareness and Sensitivity

It’s disheartening that even as medical students, many of us remain unaware of the severity and complexity of OCD. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues exacerbates the problem, leaving many sufferers without the support they need.

With approximately 3% of Pakistan’s population affected by OCD, it’s crucial to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. Mental health deserves the same compassion as physical illnesses. We would never joke about cancer—so why should mental health disorders like OCD be treated any differently?

Breaking the Stigma

Addressing OCD starts with education and empathy. By creating awareness about the disorder's diverse forms and debilitating impact, we can foster a culture of understanding. Let’s extend compassion to those struggling with OCD, refrain from making dismissive comments, and encourage them to seek professional help.

OCD isn’t about quirks or preferences—it’s a serious mental health condition that demands our attention and care. Let’s be part of the change.

This blog is contributed by Anam Muzammil, Zoya Athar, and Misha Muddasar—three passionate voices sharing insights on mental health awareness. All three are distinguished 4th-year MBBS students at Al-Aleem Medical College, Lahore, dedicated to breaking stigmas and fostering understanding in the realm of mental health.