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Please note: The information on this page should not be construed as medical advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any condition. The content on this page is written by recovered OCD sufferers, not by clinicians. Read More
The Surprising Benefits of OCD
Do you think of OCD as a disorder that is nothing but a curse? If so, you are not alone. Many people view OCD negatively, without realizing the benefits that this condition can offer. Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not just about being neat and tidy. It is a complex condition that can also benefit those who suffer from it.
Does OCD have any Benefits?
If you ask someone with OCD if they would like to have their condition, the answer is usually a resounding NO. And understandably so – living with OCD can be extremely tough. The constant intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors can make daily life very difficult.
However, there are some surprising benefits of OCD that people may not realize. For instance, people with OCD are generally more detail-oriented than those without the condition. In addition, those individuals often have higher standards for themselves and others. This benefit can lead to tremendous success in life, both professionally and personally.
Of course, these benefits come with a cost. People with OCD often have difficulty enjoying life because they are constantly worried about their obsessions and compulsions. Despite the challenges, there are some benefits to having OCD. People with this condition are usually very creative.
If you have OCD, it is essential to find a balance that works for you. Some individuals benefit from medication and therapy, while others find that they can manage their condition with self-help techniques. Whatever approach you take, many resources are available to help you live a whole and satisfying life despite your OCD.
Main Benefits to OCD
Even though it might sound counter-intuitive, there can be some benefits to having OCD. Here are three surprising benefits of OCD:
1. OCD can lead to high levels of achievement in life
2. OCD can make people more detail-oriented and organized.
3. OCD often leads to high standards and a strong work ethic.
So while OCD can undoubtedly be a burden at times, it can also be a blessing in disguise. If you or someone you know has OCD, try to focus on the positives and use them to your advantage.
The connection between OCD and creativity
Many people often see OCD as a hindrance, which gets in the way of productivity and success. However, another side to OCD isn’t often talked about; the potential for creativity and innovation.
Having OCD can make you more creative. One reason for this is that people with OCD are often very good at spotting patterns. This skill can come in handy when developing new ideas or solutions to problems.
Another reason why people with OCD may be more creative because they’re often good at thinking outside the box. Because they’re used to seeing things from different angles, they’re often able to develop unique perspectives on things.
If you have OCD, don’t be discouraged. You may have an advantage when it comes to creativity. Thus, embrace your quirks and use them to your advantage. You may have a hidden talent for creativity that you never knew before.
OCD evolutionary advantage
Research suggests that OCD symptoms lead to behaviors that help individuals survive and reproduce. This finding bases itself on the theory of individual selection. In addition, the research finds that OCD is beneficial for the survival in the group according to group selection theory. Thus, there is an advantage of OCD symptoms for both individual and group selection.
Furthermore, OCD might have other evolutionary advantages. One such benefit is that OCD may help people avoid dangerous situations. For example, someone with OCD who is afraid of contamination may avoid touching contaminated surfaces or coming into contact with contaminated objects. This avoidance behavior could protect the individual from diseases or other hazards.
Another advantage could be that OCD may help individuals be more vigilant and detail-oriented. This attention to detail could be beneficial in tasks such as hunting or gathering food, where it is essential to pay attention to small details in the environment.
A final word on how OCD can be a good thing
It’s easy to see why OCD can be viewed as a hindrance in life. The constant hand-washing, the need for symmetry and order, the intrusive thoughts – it can all be pretty overwhelming. But what if we looked at OCD in a different light? What if we saw it not as a disorder but as a superpower?
So next time you think about OCD, try not to see it as a disorder. Instead, see it as the superpower that it is. After all, who wouldn’t want a little extra attention to detail, organization, and self-awareness in their life?
Moreover, you are always welcome to join our OCD community where we try to support each other through the recovery journey. If you want to learn more about OCD and other mental health conditions, check out the rest of our blog.
Thank you for reading!
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Hello, I am Jonas Eriksson. I suffered from severe OCD for many years and have now recovered. My OCD is related to an autoimmune disorder called Autoimmune basal ganglia disorder. Sadly I was undiagnosed for 27 years. The inflammation put my brain to be in a state of constant terror. By sharing helpful information, I hope someone will get motivated to seek treatment and learn more about OCD and related disorders.
As the article suggests, most people with OCD that I’ve met know how to think outside of the box. I have noticed that they tend to be the best in what they choose to do. I’m good at spotting patterns, so this is not a coincidence.
I can agree with you to some extent. People with OCD are strangely cute and have their own ways of dealing with things. However, from my observations, they need someone “normal” to believe in them and cherish them for they are.
Unfortunately, concerning most cases, you are right. At the end of the day, we all need some sort of approval for the things we do, which serves us as further motivation.
I find a great benefit of OCD within myself is being super attentive to details. Sometimes it is at the cost of my good relationships with people because they dislike my criticism. But it is because they don’t appreciate my help and the great results they can get from it.
Sorry, but I utterly dislike when perfectionists criticize others. I think you should work on your social skills and start with the good things others do and then mention what could be improved.