Behind the Scenes: Unmasking the Misrepresentation of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in Film and Television

Mental illness can often be seen being portrayed inaccurately in the media. These representations have the power to influence impressionable minds and shape how the general masses consume content about psychological disorders. Media provides both a positive and a negative outlet for these portrayals. Inarguably, the misrepresentation often weighs out the good that can come from such representations. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a disorder identified by recurring and distressing thoughts or obsessions and consequent compulsive rituals, is one of the most commonly misrepresented disorders in film and television. This research paper investigates the accuracy of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) portrayals in film and television, exploring how these depictions align with or distort the clinical reality of the disorder. This psychiatric condition has been reduced to being only related to cleanliness and organization and a set of quirky habits that can be ‘cured’ easily. Moreover, the disorder is often portrayed as either untreatable or treated through inaccurate methods. These depictions create a harmful effect on the consumers and their understanding of the disorder. This paper also explores both the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of such portrayals on viewers and patients of OCD and recommendations of future directions for media representation with a hope for better depictions in the time ahead.