“What OCD Is — and What It Isn’t”
By: Christina Zambrano, LPN
You have probably heard someone say it before:
“I’m so OCD about my desk.”
“She’s totally OCD about cleaning.”
“I have OCD — I like things a certain way.”
In fact before becoming a nurse and working as a support personnel for a mental health practice I was guilty of slinging those phrases around.
These kinds of comments might sound harmless, but they reflect a widespread misunderstanding about what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder actually is.
And if you’re here because you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, or mental rituals you can’t seem to stop, you might be wondering: “Do I actually have OCD?”
Let’s Clear Things Up!
OCD: What It Isn’t
OCD is not:
A personality quirk
A love for organization or neatness
Just washing your hands a lot
Wanting things to be “just right”
Those traits can be preferences or habits — but OCD is something deeper, more intense, and more distressing.
OCD: What It Is
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a real mental health condition that involves a cycle of:
Obsessions – unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress
Compulsions – behaviors (mental or physical) done to reduce that anxiety or “neutralize” the thought
Here’s the key: people with OCD don’t want these thoughts. In fact, they’re usually the opposite of what you value or believe.
Some common examples of OCD themes include:
Contamination: Fear of germs, illness, or spreading harm
Harm OCD: Fear you might accidentally or intentionally hurt someone
Sexual or Violent Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted thoughts that are disturbing or taboo
Relationship OCD: Constant doubt about your feelings or your partner
Religious/Moral OCD: Obsessions about being sinful, immoral, or offensive
“Just Right” OCD: Needing things to feel or look “right” to reduce anxiety
Often, compulsions aren’t even visible…. they happen in your mind. Repeating phrases, reviewing memories, seeking reassurance, or avoiding certain situations can all be compulsions, too.
Why It Feels So Confusing
OCD can be sneaky. It can make you question who you are. It can mimic anxiety, depression, or even ADHD.
And because it’s so misunderstood, many people go years without proper diagnosis or support.
That’s where expert help makes a real difference.
Not Sure If It’s OCD? Take the First Step.
Here is an OCD Self-Screening Quiz using the ultra-brief 4-question Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-4). This measure has been shown to be psychometrically valid in research studies (in other words, it can accurately assess the likelihood of whether an individual has OCD or not) while still being ultra-brief, thus making it an ideal assessment measure for screening. It’s not a diagnosis — but it’s a starting point.
If your results suggest OCD, or if you’re still unsure, we’re here to talk.
With over 30 years of experience helping people with OCD, anxiety, and PTSD, we provide compassionate, specialized care tailored to your needs.
Don’t go through this alone — reach out today.
