Although the names, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality Disorder (OCPD), sound very similar and there can be some similarities, they are actually quite different. Understanding these differences can be helpful if you’re seeking to better understand yourself (or a loved one).

If you’re familiar with the term “Pure O,” then it might surprise you to read that it’s a bit of a misnomer. It’s true: there are some helpful aspects to this term, which became more popular in the nineties. For example, some people who experience OCD symptoms that tend to manifest mentally, have felt misunderstood by the larger OCD community. The term “Pure O” has helped people more quickly identify others with similar symptom manifestations, and more readily connect with others who “get it.” However, mental rituals and cognitive avoidance are more common in OCD than this term might imply.

Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts (UITs) and Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs) tend to be initially unpleasant. How we respond to them can have a significant impact on our lives. However, UITs are sometimes disguised as NATs and helpful approaches in responding to UITs and NATs often differ. Learning to distinguish UITs from NATs is an important first step in better addressing them.