You think OCD is just about cleanliness? You got it wrong all this long

We’ve all heard people say, “I’m so OCD about keeping my room clean,” or “He’s totally OCD about organising his desk.” Of course, who can even forget about Monica Geller, who, for long, has been the “perfect OCD representation”. In individuals with OCD, these brain areas may become overactive or fail to communicate properly, leading to the repetitive, intrusive thoughts and actions characteristic of the disorder. It is believed that people with OCD may have an imbalance of serotonin in their brains, which could contribute to the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that are central to the disorder. Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can alleviate some OCD symptoms. Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques: “Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can alleviate some OCD symptoms,” says Archana Singhal.