Oct. 8, 2024

OCD Is Not An Adjective

OCD Is Not An Adjective
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Anxiety Society
OCD Is Not An Adjective
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In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between OCD and perfectionism. They explore the nature of obsessions and compulsions, and discuss effective treatment strategies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Using real-life examples the hosts illustrate how OCD can manifest, and how treatment offers a path to freedom. Tune in to learn how you can better understand and manage OCD.

Key Points:

[0:00] Welcome to the Anxiety Society Podcast  

   Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner introduce the podcast and its mission to challenge common ideas about anxiety and mental health.

[1:20] What is OCD?  

   The hosts clarify common misunderstandings about OCD, explaining what obsessive-compulsive disorder really entails and the difference between OCD and perfectionism.

[9:00] OCD is Not an Adjective  

   A deep dive into why using "OCD" as an adjective is incorrect, highlighting the difference between personality characteristics and a debilitating disorder.


[17:16] Obsessions vs. Compulsions  

   An explanation of the intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that characterize OCD, along with examples of how they manifest.


[21:53] Subtypes of OCD  

   The hosts discuss various subtypes of OCD, including contamination fears, harm OCD, scrupulosity, and taboo subjects like sexual intrusive thoughts.


[31:42] Treatment for OCD: ERP  

   A breakdown of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective treatment for OCD, and how it helps patients regain control.


[43:04] Freedom from OCD  

   Personal experiences and encouragement on how ERP can lead to freedom, highlighting the importance of facing fears fully rather than "white-knuckling" through them.



Quotable Moments:

[1:20] "We will spend time today talking about what you might think OCD is—and why it may not actually be that." – Cali Werner


[0:59] "OCD is not functional. It makes you less productive, and it causes distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale


[46:46] "We can handle hard things. We can handle distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale


Links Mentioned



Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode on OCD! We hope you now have a clearer understanding of what OCD is, how it differs from perfectionism, and how ERP can help you find freedom. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.