Myth Buster: The Truth About Harm OCD

OCD is a relatively less discussed form but a seriously misjudged subcategory of the obsessive-compulsive disorder; this is called the Harm OCD. People tend to be stigmatized and scared to death since it is sometimes attributed to some form of use of violence or the intentions of harming others which are incorrect. Then, we have to clear some of these popular myths and reach the reality.

Myth 1: Harm obsessive compulsive disorder persons are harmful.

Truth: This is not true. People affected by Harm OCD have thoughts of harm that persistently intrude and they are not wanted by the individual. These mentalities are ego-dystonic, i. e. they are both contrary to the morals and values of the person. The dread that these thoughts will actually be realized is in fact, such a terrible thing that the individual experiencing this is not because he/she hopes that it will happen, but he/she is absolutely afraid of it.

Example: A caring parent may be afraid of dropping their child, not due to desire but because it makes him/her horrified.

Myth 2: Harm OCD only harms other people.

Fact: Harm OCD may entail fears of harmful actions to oneself and others. The fixation may be on anything like causing a fire or hurting someone in the roadside accidents.

Example: A person can look at the stove again and again say it is due to forgetfulness, but it is as a result of fear of starting a fire.

Myth 3: People with Harm OCD like these thoughts.

Fact: It is never pleasant to think this. They bring about fear, guilt and shame. These are desires that the person does not wish to enact and in most of the times feels troubled with his/her own thoughts.

Example: There may be sudden, invasive urge to jump in front of a train, panic and not desire.