Stop Using OCD As An Adjective!

Authored by: Caitlin Wang

Art by: Carol Zhang

Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm so OCD!" when referring to the fact that they like to keep their bedroom organized, clothes color-coordinated, or schedule in order? While it may be easy to brush past these kinds of comments, it is crucial to understand that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not a synonym for being organized or a perfectionist. The way in which OCD – and even other mental health disorders such as PTSD and bipolar disorder – has been coined as a buzzword has problematic consequences.

OCD is a compulsion-based psychological disorder that affects 1%-3% of the world’s population [1]. Individuals who suffer from OCD experience intrusive thoughts–called obsessions–that cause them to perform repetitive compulsions in hopes of pacifying that obsession to achieve a ‘just right’ feeling [2]. These obsessions often resurface, causing compulsions to be performed repeatedly. This endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions can be stressful and can significantly impact day-to-day functioning.

While a desire to keep items in order is one facet of OCD, it is not the only one. OCD can manifest in a wide array of manners and should not be oversimplified. Other forms of OCD include excessive checking, having a strong fear of becoming contaminated, and even having intrusive sexual or violent thoughts. OCD can manifest during different stages of the lifespan, but it most commonly develops during the teenage and emerging adulthood years. The severity of symptoms as well as the categories of obsessions and compulsions that someone with OCD experiences can even evolve over time [3].

Given the complexity of OCD, reducing the term to a buzzword in situations in which it is not applicable not only invalidates the experiences of individuals who suffer from this condition, but also spreads misinformation about it. Beyond OCD, this casual misuse of mental health terms as adjectives extends to other psychological disorders as well. Saying things like ‘you’re so bipolar’ or ‘this is giving me PTSD’ sensationalizes clinical language and misrepresents the disorders.

It is critical we understand that the language we use impacts the stigma that already exists around mental health disorders. Language is a powerful communication device that allows us to express our beliefs, and when we use hurtful words when speaking about mental illness, we instill harmful rhetoric to others. Stigma caused by poor language choice can lead to an increase in shame and negative self-image in individuals suffering from these disorders, as well as delay treatment. [4].

But what can we do as individuals to combat this issue and foster change? Even a basic understanding of mental health conditions and their symptoms can help us choose the language we use around OCD and other mental health conditions more carefully. For instance, using person-first language like ‘a person with schizophrenia’ instead of ‘a schizophrenic’ may seem subtle but can make a large impact [5]. As a whole, being more intentional and thoughtful in our word choice will lay the groundwork for building a culture that respects and supports people living with mental health disorders.

References

1. Brock, H., Hany, M., & Rizvi, A. (2024). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/

2. McGrath, P. (2024, February 9). 7 Different Types of OCD & Intrusive Thoughts | OCD Subtypes. Www.treatmyocd.com. https://www.treatmyocd.com/education/different-types-of-ocd

3. Mayo Clinic. (2023, December 21). Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

4. Spearheadhealth. (2025, May 28). The Power of Language: How Everyday Words Can Reduce (or Reinforce) Stigma - Spearhead Health. Spearhead Health. https://spearheadhealth.com/blog/the-power-of-language-how-everyday-words-can-reduce-or-reinforce-stigma/

5. CDC. (2024). Tips For Stigma-Free Communication About Mental Health. Healthcare Workers. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/communication-resources/stigma-free.html