Jargon Translation Project -Group 6
Science in the Movies Group Project
Over the course of the semester, I did several brief in-class exercises in writing. These were designed to assist me in strengthening fundamental academic and critical thinking abilities. These exercises were usually brainstorming, reflective, or examination of the use of rhetorical strategies in scientific readings. These enabled me to consider purpose, audience, and genre in more depth prior to approaching larger tasks.
Some of the in-class writings entailed creating research questions, summarizing difficult concepts in other words, or analyzing peer responses. Others allowed me to delve into the social and emotional aspects of scientific issues like mental health and public understanding. These non-formal writings allowed me to clear my own position, develop my ideas, and become more confident in scholarly writing.
Although short in duration, these sessions were essential in establishing the groundwork for my major projects and assisting in my overall development as a writer.
Throughout the semester, I participated in multiple Blackboard discussion threads that invited us to consider scientific writing, rhetorical strategies, and the research process. These discussions lent themselves to approaching course concepts in an informal, discursive style while at the same time participating critically with the subject matter.
During the first few weeks, the posts centered on what scientific writing is for, why clarity and knowing your audience matter, and the power of language and tone in enhancing the impact of a scientific message. Afterward, I utilized the space to consider the evolution of my research project in terms of annotated bibliography and literature review. Here, I posted about issues I encountered in choosing sources, summarizing complex concepts in my own words, and constraining myself in what I discussed.
These discussions assisted me in putting thoughts into order before starting formal drafts and enabled me to respond to the thoughts of others. In general, the Blackboard discussions were an excellent tool for enhancing the quality of my academic voice and thinking more critically about science, writing, and audience.
It was both difficult and empowering to write this research paper. I had hoped to move beyond the stereotypes individuals traditionally have for OCD—particularly for clean obsessions- type OCD—and to present it as the multifaceted neurological and psychological disorder it really is. This assignment enabled me to synthesize all of the knowledge I had gathered during the semester: how to construct an academically sound argument, how to incorporate sources in meaningful ways, and how to mix scientific facts with human experience.
The most significant thing I was able to learn was how to synthesize several sources into one single clear argument. Not just in terms of quoting studies, but in having them talk to one another. I also felt more confident in paraphrasing, organizing ideas logically, and citing in APA style. Peer review assisted me in realizing what needed to be corrected in terms of clarity and improved transitions in certain areas of my draft, and I addressed all of these in the final draft.
Above all, this assignment provided me with an arena in which to merge the voice of academe with compassion and activism. It made me remember that it’s possible for scholarship to be informative and influential. I feel better equipped to approach future writing assignments with more organization, self-assurance, and better knowledge of how to involve readers.
Jana Mettwali
ENG 210
Professor Zayas
Final Draft-Research Paper
May 4,2025
The Hidden Burden of Cleaning OCD as a Neurological and Psychological Affliction
OCD in pop culture is usually simplified to being just about loving cleanliness or perfection, but in truth, it’s an excruciating and misinterpreted illness. It’s marked by ongoing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions) that repeatedly happen. One of the most prevalent—and mischaracterized—is cleanliness OCD in which the fear of germs, dirt, or contamination is overwhelming. The reactions extend way beyond just being neat, though. They involve excessive washing of the hands, public avoidance, as well as lengthy, exhausting cleaning rituals. These actions aren’t choices—they’re measures of control over searing anxiety and an overwhelming need for safety.
This work looks at cleanliness-oriented OCD from the perspective of neuroscience, psychology, and developing treatments. It cuts through the stereotypes on the surface to reveal the biological and emotional underpinnings of the disorder. Based on scientific research and human experience, the aim is to aid in reframing our perceptions of the condition—not as a punchline or character foible, but as an authentic, isolating affliction worthy of compassion, knowledge, and improved solutions.
Neural Basis of Obsessive-
Cleanliness OCD is not only about patterns of behaviour – it’s also a feature of the brain. Several decades of neuroscience have mapped areas of the brain in relation to OCD, primarily the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum, which mediate the activities of decision-making, controlling impulses, as well as emotion regulation. With overactive functions in these regions, the brain can’t suppress obsessive thoughts, resulting in compulsive behaviours such as excessive cleaning (Fineberg et al., 2013).
One of the main chemicals in the brain used in OCD is serotonin, which controls mood. Abnormalities in serotonin signaling are thought to cause obsessive thought patterns and compulsive actions (Pauls et al., 2014). Individuals with cleanliness OCD are aware their fears are unreasonable, but the brain’s miswiring makes the urge impossible to overcome. More current work from De Joode et al. (2023) employed imaging of the brain to demonstrate how the symptoms of OCD physically impact both structure as well as chemistry in the brain, affirming once again that the disorder is not “in someone’s head” in an oversimplification sense—it’s neurologically present and quantifiable.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects
Although biology describes the mechanisms, psychology makes known the emotional weight of cleanliness OCD. It is not being afraid of dirt as much as having a profound sense of being morally or emotionally “unclean.” According to one study, in which Reuven, Liberman, and Dar (2014) participated, individuals with OCD tend to have guilt or shame associated with their obsessions, and cleaning serves as an attempt to alleviate that pain. These actions provide temporary catharsis, but in the long run, they reinforce the cycle of OCD and make it increasingly difficult to overcome.
Living in such a society where cleanliness or moral purity is stressed may exacerbate these patterns further. Cleaning starts being an emotional consolation, albeit temporarily. With time, avoidance of discomfort turns out to be a lifestyle. Fortunatelaly, therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with the same. CBT helps train the individual in recognizing thought patterns that are not rational and cope with anxiety without succumbing to compulsions. Stephenson et al. (2021) have found that even online CBT (e-CBT) alleviated symptoms as well as improved cognitive function, indicating the might of psychological treatments in mending mind-body.
Current and Emerging Treatments
While no permanent remedy treatment for OCD exists, several treatments have proven effective in reducing symptoms. The combination of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is the most prevalent treatment. ERP encourages patients not to do their routine rituals when in feared situations, allowing their brains to learn that the feared consequence will not materialize. Stein et al. (2019) assert that ERP is the gold standard in the treatment of OCD.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Zoloft boost serotonin in the brain and can alleviate obsessive thoughts as well as compulsive actions. Unfortunately, roughly one-third of individuals with OCD resist standard treatments, prompting the search for novel options. These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which sends magnetic pulses through regions in the brain, and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), in which electrodes are permanently implanted to modify activity in the brain. Although DBS is usually reserved for serious cases that are resistant to treatment, both techniques hold hope for those not finding relief in therapy or medication.
Shattering Myths and Eliminating Stigma
Even with advancements in medicine, OCD, notably cleanliness OCD, remains misunderstood and stigmatized. The media depicts it as an amusing preoccupation with orderliness, not acknowledging the pain it inflicts. Such misrepresentation helps to confuse the public as well as deter individuals from receiving help. Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Misportrayal of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film and Television (2024) describes how film and television tend to oversimplify OCD as something comedic, omitting the pain and anxiety inherent in the disorder.
Education and awareness are key in combating this. Schools, healthcare providers, and the media must disseminate accurate knowledge about OCD. De-stigmatization of discussions about mental health can enable earlier diagnoses, increased support, and kinder treatment. Altering how society discusses OCD can minimize shame and make individuals feel secure enough to speak about the condition and obtain care.
Conclusion: A call for Understanding
OCD in relation to cleanliness is much more than mere tidiness preference—it’s an intricate illness forged from biology, emotion, and experience. The combination of broken brain pathways and intense emotional pain makes it exceedingly difficult to live with, yet in desperate need of attention and comprehension. With adequate treatments, increasing public awareness, and an abolishment of hurtful stereotypes, individuals with OCD can receive hope and healing.
Let’s finally stop mocking OCD and instead hear from the individuals who live with the disorder. They don’t need us judging them or laughing at them—they need our empathetic support, access to treatment, and faith that an end is within their reach. The weight they bear is invisible, but with our collaboration, the burden can be alleviated as we work together to view the disorder as what it is—and guide them through.
References
Abramowitz, J. S., Taylor, S., & McKay, D. (2009). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 374(9688), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60240-3
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Misportrayal of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film and Television. (2024). International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.29274
de Joode, N., van den Heuvel, O., Koster, M., Clarke, W., van Balkom, A., Schrantee, A., & Vriend, C. (2023). The Effect of OCD-Symptom Provocation on Neurometabolites in the Lateral Occipital Cortex and Their Relation to the BOLD Response. Biological Psychiatry, 93(9), S242–S243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.02.608
Fineberg, N. A., Reghunandanan, S., Brown, A., & Pampaloni, I. (2013). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: The role of neuroimaging in diagnosis and treatment. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2256–2272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.02.014
Pauls, D. L., Abramovitch, A., Rauch, S. L., & Geller, D. A. (2014). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: An integrative genetic and neurobiological perspective. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(6), 410–424. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3746
Reuven, O., Liberman, N., & Dar, R. (2014). The Effect of Physical Cleaning on Threatened Morality in Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Clinical Psychological Science, 2(2), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702613485565
Stephenson, C., Malakouti, N., Nashed, J., & Francis, J. (2021). Efficacy of e-CBT on OCD symptoms and neural functioning. Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 34(3), 291–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jct.2021.02.012Stein, D. J., Costa, D. L. C., Lochner, C., Miguel, E. C., Reddy, Y. C. J., Shavitt, R. G., van den Heuvel, O. A., & Simpson, H. B. (2019). Obsessive–compulsive disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 5(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0102-3
For Research Proposal – Sadia Aslam
Reviewer: Jana Mettwali
Author: Sadia Aslam
Glow (What worked well):
Sadia selected an extremely interesting and compelling topic of interest right from the start. The proposal is concise, pertinent, and unifies neuroscience, psychology, and criminal justice in an obvious and interesting manner. Sadia’s description of structures in the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala demonstrates a clear understanding of scientific terms. The relationship between behavior and biology is discussed in accessible and intelligent terms. Sadia’s interest in why certain individuals do not become violent even with comparable qualities makes her proposal richer.
Grow (What could be improved): The suggestion can be improved by extending slightly on how specifically she will be utilizing the sources in the Literature Review—are each of them discussing a separate function of the brain, or specific case studies? A more direct thesis statement at the conclusion would also assist in guiding the organization of the ensuing paper. One or two transition words between paragraphs would also make the transition itself smoother.
I will have it focus on serial killers who are primarily of African descent. Will it be discussing real-world cases or merely the science behind it? How do you reconcile the science with the social and environmental aspects?
Jana Mettwali
ENG 210
Professor Zayas
Research Paper – Rough Draft
April 28, 2025
The Invisible Weight of Cleaning OCD as a Neurological and Psychological Struggle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is frequently simplified in popular culture to a personality trait or fondness for neatness, but in fact it is a debilitating and complex mental illness. Described by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitions (compulsions) of behaviors, OCD manifests in many forms and one of the most misinterpreted is contamination or “cleanliness OCD.” People with this type experience overwhelming fears of germs, dirtiness, or infection and react with compulsive washing of the hands, avoidance of public places, or expansive and time-consuming cleaning rituals. These actions are not preferences—they’re driven by intense fear and anxiety and performed in the effort to avoid perceived harm.
This article examines the multi-faceted aspects of OCD related to cleanliness from a synthesis of neuroscience, psychology, and promising treatments. Going beyond surface stereotypes to investigate the biological and affective origins of the disorder and also the misrepresentation and stigma caused to society by it, the article combines scientific evidence with empathy and advocacy to promote a truer and more supportive perspective of the otherwise isolating disorder.
Neurological Basis of OCD
Cleanliness OCD is not only a behavior pattern—it is biological in nature. Three decades of research in neuroscience revealed primary regions of the brain that play a role in the disorder. Fineberg et al. (2013) reported that individuals with OCD demonstrate abnormal processing in regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and the striatum. These regions govern decision-making, impulse regulation, and emotional responses. Whenever these networks become overactive, the brain is unable to dismiss unwanted ideas, causing repetitive and ritualistic behaviors such as cleansing.
The chemical serotonin, which is linked to mood regulation, also has a significant role to play. Pauls et al. (2014) note that disturbed serotonin transmission is also the cause of obsessive thinking and compulsions. Most people with OCD of a cleanliness focus recognize that their fears do not make sense, yet a malfunctioning feedback loop renders it almost impossible to refrain from the rituals. Their minds literally get stuck in a cycle of constant expectation of harm.
The opinion is supported by more recent work. De Joode et al. (2023) employed advanced brain imaging to demonstrate that OCD symptoms impact both brain structure and biochemistry. Their evidence, which centers on lateral occipital cortex shifting in response to symptom provocation, underscores that OCD is not so much “in somebody’s head” in the colloquial use of the phrase—even if it sometimes feels that way—it’s a quantifiable neurological disorder.
Emotional and Psychological aspects
Whereas the brain accounts for the mechanics of OCD, psychology accounts for its emotional significance. Individuals with the cleanliness type of OCD do not simply fear contamination with dirt—they feel emotionally or morally “dirty.” Reuven, Liberman, and Dar (2014) discovered that a great many suffer from OCD because of feelings of guilt or uncleanliness. Rituals in those instances operate to serve as coping devices temporarily to lessen distress that later is compounded by the compulsion.
Such an emotional cycle is particularly intense in settings with rigid standards of morality or hygiene. Cleaning is no longer a routine but becomes comforting, almost a means of emotional soothing itself. But such temporary comfort is misleading. Eventually, evading discomfort becomes a mode of being and results in dependency on rituals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is most commonly employed to overcome these patterns. It identifies irrational thoughts and instructs people to confront distress without yielding to compulsions. Stephenson et al. (2021) showed that electronic CBT (e-CBT) not only alleviated symptoms but also elicited visible changes in brain activity. This is evidence of the mind-body relationship and the strength of psychology interventions in conjunction with medical knowledge.
Current and Future Treatments
Even though there is no long-term cure available for OCD, a variety of treatments can lower symptoms dramatically. Today’s most effective treatment is the synergy of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and a medicine called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). ERP includes gradually exposing people to things that trigger anxiety and having them resist the urge to do their typical ritual. In doing so over time, they learn that the dreaded outcomes do not happen. In the opinion of Stein et al. (2019), ERP is effective and is currently the first-line treatment of OCD.
SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to modulate serotonin to minimize the occurrence and severity of obsessions and compulsions. These traditional treatments do not work with everyone, though. Approximately a third of OCD sufferers experience limited improvement, which has fueled investigation into other therapies.
Two of the most promising treatments among them include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). For DBS, electrodes are implanted through surgery to modulate abnormal brain function. Although it has yielded remarkable results, it is mostly reserved for serious and treatment-resistant cases because of its invasive nature. For its part, the nonsurgical method of TMS employs magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain and has yielded benefits too—but remains costly and less widely available.
Overcoming Stigma and Misconception
Even with advanced medicine, OCD is largely misunderstood. Cleanliness OCD is particularly apt to be dismissed and perceived as being somehow quaintly obsessed with being neat. This is a misleading portrayal that downplays the painful fact of the disorder. Portrayals in the media usually depict OCD in exaggerated and comedic contexts that reinforce stigma and misconceptions
The paper Backstage of Misreprepresentation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Television and Cinema(2024) explains the way films and TV shows simplify OCD into a comedy and remove the emotional distress associated with it. Such misrepresentation adds to the stigma surrounding the disorder, making individuals less likely to come forward and at times even fail to understand that it is even a real disorder.
Public education is critical. Mental health campaigns, school education, and training of healthcare professionals can simplify and correct misinformation and encourage earlier diagnosis. Having open discussion surrounding mental illness can discourage stigma and encourage individuals to access help without the risk of judgment.
Conclusion: Calling For Understanding and Action
Cleanliness-related OCD is much more than a dirt-avoidance syndrome—it is a serious mental health disorder influenced by biology, emotion and experience. This intersection of neurological abnormality and emotional distress makes it particularly challenging to cope with and even more challenging to cure. But with ongoing research, greater access to treatment and education to the public, genuine improvement is achievable.
We need to shift away from shallow labels and towards a more profound understanding of OCD. That requires investing in treatments that heal the brain and the mind, debunking the myths of pop culture, and providing empathy to those afflicted. For individuals with cleanliness OCD, what they lack most is not judgment—it’s empathy, help, and the confidence that they can heal.
References
Abramowitz, J. S., Taylor, S., & McKay, D. (2009). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 374(9688), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60240-3
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Misportrayal of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film and Television. (2024). International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.29274
de Joode, N., van den Heuvel, O., Koster, M., Clarke, W., van Balkom, A., Schrantee, A., & Vriend, C. (2023). The Effect of OCD-Symptom Provocation on Neurometabolites in the Lateral Occipital Cortex and Their Relation to the BOLD Response, a Combined fMRS and fMRI Paradigm. Biological Psychiatry, 93(9), S242–S243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.02.608
Fineberg, N. A., Reghunandanan, S., Brown, A., & Pampaloni, I. (2013). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: The role of neuroimaging in diagnosis and treatment. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2256–2272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.02.014
Pauls, D. L., Abramovitch, A., Rauch, S. L., & Geller, D. A. (2014). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: An integrative genetic and neurobiological perspective. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(6), 410–424. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3746
Reuven, O., Liberman, N., & Dar, R. (2014). The Effect of Physical Cleaning on Threatened Morality in Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Clinical Psychological Science, 2(2), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702613485565
Stephenson, C., Malakouti, N., Nashed, J., & Francis, J. (2021). Efficacy of e-CBT on OCD symptoms and neural functioning. Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 34(3), 291–305.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jct.2021.02.012Stein, D. J., Costa, D. L. C., Lochner, C., Miguel, E. C., Reddy, Y. C. J., Shavitt, R. G., van den Heuvel, O. A., & Simpson, H. B. (2019). Obsessive–compulsive disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 5(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0102-3
Writing the literature review was an exciting yet demanding task that aided significantly in the development of myself as a scientific author. I found it difficult to manage the amount of research used in academia and identify which was most appropriate for use in relation to my subject. But in time through diligent reading and structuring, I became more at ease with bringing it all together and determining the main themes for Cleanliness-orientated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
The experience improved my skill in paraphrasing, critically analyzing scholarly research, and organizing multiple studies within an integrated framework. I gained specific value from learning to differentiate between psychological and neurological elements of the condition and how treatment options are established through both. This also heightened my appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of research on mental health.
Although the assignment was challenging—particularly in establishing clear relationships between studies—it ultimately allowed me to create a more organized, analytical style of writing. I feel more confident now in being able to read difficult texts and be of added value in scholarly discourse. This assignment was one major way in which both my critical thinking skills and communication skills were improved.
Jana Mettwali
ENG 210
Professor Zayas
Research Paper – Final Draft
April 9, 2025
The Invisible Weight: Cleaning OCD as a Neurological and Psychological Battle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is misrepresented in popular culture as a personality quirk or neatness obsession but is in reality a serious mental condition that is known for its repetitive behaviors (compulsions) and intrusive thoughts (obsessions). One of the better known of the OCD subgroups is fear of contamination, loosely known as “cleanliness OCD.” Those afflicted with this type of OCD are usually plagued by an excessive fear of germs or filth, leading to excessive washing of the hands, staying away from crowds, or elaborate cleansing routines that take over their lives. These compulsions are based not on preference but on fear of what will happen if the routines are not completed.
This research paper discusses the multi-dimensional aspect of contamination-type OCD, integrating neuroscience, psychology, and advances in treatments in crafting an enhanced knowledge base of the condition. In reviewing previous literature, it discusses the neurological underpinnings of driving compulsions, the psychological and emotional systems reinforcing them, as well as the advances in treatments that hold out hope. In addition, the paper critiques social misrepresentation of the condition as well as its effects. By crafting an informed, science-oriented, as well as empathetic, picture of OCD, especially the contamination subtype, in this way, we can create greater support, earlier detection, as well as better care.
Understanding the neurological aspects of OCD
Cleanliness OCD is not the result of choice or learned behavior but is strongly linked with the structure and chemistry of the brain. In the last few decades, research in the field of neurosciences has shed considerable light on how OCD functions within the brain. Fineberg et al. (2013) uncovered that people with OCD have abnormal activity in certain regions of the brain, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and the striatum. These regions are important for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional adaptation. In their state of hyperactivity, the brain is unable to suppress unnecessary thoughts, leading to rumination and increasing the tendency to do repetitive activities like cleaning.
Another central element is serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked with mood as well as anxiety. Pauls et al. (2014) describe how imbalances in serotonin circuits may increase obsessive thinking and compulsion. Though those who have cleanliness OCD might recognize that their anxieties are irrational, they are often helpless to prevent the rituals due to an improperly functioning feedback loop in the brain. The brain is trapped in what amounts to a repetitious loop in which the mind is convinced that harm is perpetually imminent.
In a newer study, de Joode et al. (2023) utilized sophisticated neuroimaging technology in order to observe shifts in brain metabolism when OCD symptoms were induced. Abnormal activity in the lateral occipital cortex revealed that OCD is not just based in the structure of the brain but in its chemistry as well. These findings highlight the medical reality of OCD and push it away from outdated beliefs that mental illness is simply psychological or “in someone’s head.”
Emotional Processing and Psychological Roots
Whereas the neurological aspect describes the failure of the brain, the psychological aspect reveals how OCD is expressed emotionally. OCD symptoms tend to result from an emotional need for safety, order, or moral certainty within. Reuven, Liberman, and Dar (2014) found that for most people with cleanliness OCD, the cleaning compulsion is emotionally motivated—people feel “morally impure” or contaminated, and they employ rituals as an attempt at soothing such feelings.
Such an overview explains the relationship between OCD and feelings of guilt, particularly in those milieus or lineages that place high emphasis on standards of behavioral norms as well as hygiene standards. According to Reuven et al. (2014), cleaning rituals serve as emotional coping devices, allowing the individual to momentarily escape discomfort but making the compulsion worse in the long run. This creates an addictive effect where relief at having washed feels so good that it creates an unhealthy cycle in which avoidance as a means of controlling inner emotions becomes the norm.
Psychological principles also account for why cleanliness OCD may be so entrenched and resistant to treatment. Individuals become “stuck” in incorrect thinking that contamination is perilous, based on beliefs that are emotive, not logical. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is important in the treatment of this because it allows such irrational thinking patterns to be uncovered and challenged.
Stephenson et al. (2021) carried out research integrating electronic CBT with imaging of the brain. Participants did not just get better psychologically but showed quantifiable changes in the function of their brains. This intersection of brain and behavior confirms the efficacy of psychological intervention in demonstrating its effects on physical mechanisms in the brain. It is also an indication of the increasing potential of technology-driven mental health intervention, which might make it easier for people who are unwilling or incapable of pursuing conventional therapy.
Standard and Novel Therapies
There is no cure for OCD, but it can be effectively managed or decreased. Most often, this is done through the use of a combination of CBT in the form of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication in the form of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). ERP is done by placing the patient in situations that trigger anxiety but stopping them from engaging in their typical ritual, slowly teaching them that nothing disastrous is going to happen. Stein et al. (2019) states that this approach is highly effective and is regarded as the gold standard of treating OCD.
SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) manage serotonin levels in the brain and minimize the occurrence and severity of intrusive thoughts. In some cases, medication is not enough, even for severe or resistant OCD patients. Approximately 30–40% of patients are not responsive enough to conventional therapies, inspiring researchers to look for alternative means.
One of those is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), surgery in which electrodes are implanted in parts of the brain to modulate abnormal activity. Another non-surgical alternative is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), utilizing magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. Both are experimental, but initial studies—including those discussed in Stein et al. (2019)—have indicated substantial reduction in symptoms in patients who had little response with standard treatments.
These new methods have great potential but are not without their challenges. DBS, for one, is associated with the risks of surgical procedures in the head and is typically reserved for the most serious cases. While TMS is less invasive and widely accessible, it is still costly and may be not be reimbursable on all plans. In any case, both indicate greater movement toward personalized and brain-focused therapeutic options.
Stigma and Social Misrepresentation
Even with increasing scientific awareness, OCD continues to be grossly misunderstood in the popular imagination. It is commonly misrepresented in popular culture as applying any sort of order or neatness to one’s affairs. Cleanliness OCD is especially dismissed or made light of in popular culture as well as in common conversation. Such downplaying can be dangerous for those who experience the condition, leading them away from intervention or toward feelings of shame and isolation.
The paper Behind the Scenes: Revealing the Misrepresentation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film and Television (2024) talks about how movies and television shows tend to oversimplify OCD as hyper-cleanliness behaviors, bypassing the emotional pain along with the mental fatigue underlying the compulsions. Such misrepresentation not just propagates misinformation but even aids in creating the perception that OCD is no “real” disease.
It is vital that raising awareness as well as encouraging accurate representation of OCD is key towards early intervention and enhanced support. Raising awareness through public campaigns, mental health school curriculums, as well as professional training can help reframe OCD as an important, treatable condition. Making people speak freely about mental health allows one to get assistance at an earlier stage without feeling embarrassed about their condition.
The Road Ahead: Synthesizing Science, Compassion, and Advocacy
cleanliness-OCD is at the crossroads of chemistry in the brain, emotional processing, and reinforcement behaviors. It is not just a dirt aversion but a crippling condition fueled by neurological impairment and intense psychological suffering. Though the most effective treatments still center on CBT and SSRIs, newer treatments such as DBS and TMS are increasingly offering hope for non-responders.
In addition to the science, the social and emotional nature of OCD cannot be dismissed. Stigma as well as the disease can be as destructive as the disease, stressing the need for humanizing the experience as well as for treating the afflicted with compassion. As research is illuminating the biology of OCD, we also need to keep the personal experience of those who experience it in the forefront of our minds.
In the end, an effective response to OCD will require ongoing investment in research, better access to mental health services, and increased public awareness. By this multi-faceted effort, we will get within reach of the point at which those with cleaning OCD are not merely controlled but cared for—and comprehended.
References
Abramowitz, J. S., Taylor, S., & McKay, D. (2009). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 374(9688), 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60240-3
Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Misportrayal of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film and Television. (2024). International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.29274
de Joode, N., van den Heuvel, O., Koster, M., Clarke, W., van Balkom, A., Schrantee, A., & Vriend, C. (2023). The Effect of OCD-Symptom Provocation on Neurometabolites in the Lateral Occipital Cortex and Their Relation to the BOLD Response, a Combined fMRS and fMRI Paradigm. Biological Psychiatry, 93(9), S242–S243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.02.608
Fineberg, N. A., Reghunandanan, S., Brown, A., & Pampaloni, I. (2013). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: The role of neuroimaging in diagnosis and treatment. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2256–2272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.02.014
Pauls, D. L., Abramovitch, A., Rauch, S. L., & Geller, D. A. (2014). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: An integrative genetic and neurobiological perspective. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(6), 410–424. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3746
Reuven, O., Liberman, N., & Dar, R. (2014). The Effect of Physical Cleaning on Threatened Morality in Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Clinical Psychological Science, 2(2), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702613485565
Stephenson, C., Malakouti, N., Nashed, J. Y., Salomons, T., Cook, D. J., Milev, R., & Alavi, N. (2021). Using Electronically Delivered Therapy and Brain Imaging to Understand Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Pathophysiology: Protocol for a Pilot Study. JMIR Research Protocols, 10(9), e30726. https://doi.org/10.2196/30726
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