Are People With OCD Smart?

A common misconception is that OCD people are “deficient,” “quirky,” and “delayed” in some capacity. On the flip side, another common perception is that people with OCD are extraordinarily bright, primarily because of their perfectionistic tendencies, and insatiable need for things to be “just right.” And although it is true that people with OCD tend to pay close attention to details, and work on things until they are precise, organized, and accurate, the “smartness” of a person with OCD largely depends on the individual (i.e., comorbid conditions, your aptitudes, exposure, opportunities, and other extenuating circumstances). 

Part of these perceptions stems from how OCD is portrayed in sitcoms and movies. On sitcoms and movies, people with OCD are characterized as “Type A” personalities (i.e., driven, ambitious, competitive, time urgent, neurotic neat freaks, who are overly clean and orderly), who have a penchant for being “peculiar,” “annoying,” “unusual,” and “freakish.” Because of these inaccurate and unfair portrayals, most people know very little about the true nature of OCD. If you are wondering if OCD is linked to intelligence or “smartness,” look no more because this article will help you determine if your condition is affecting your “smartness,” and if so how.

The good news is if OCD is impacting (good or bad) your intelligence, there are numerous OCD treatments available that can help you reach your full potential in life.

What is the Truth When It Comes to OCD?

Well, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a fairly common chronic anxiety condition. The truth is no one wants to have OCD, primarily because it can cause havoc in your life. No, OCD is an unwanted, but uncontrollable mental health condition that involves intrusive thoughts, urges, worries, doubts, mental images, negative emotions, and/or fears (obsessions). These obsessions play over and over again in the mind like a broken record. Except people with OCD are unable to stop their minds from replaying emotionally-distressing thoughts, urges, fears, doubts, etc. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are many different “types” of OCD, from reading OCD and existential OCD to relationship OCD and meta-OCD. There are so many different “types” of OCD that it is easy to misdiagnose it as something else. And, to top it off, there are no official lab tests or x-rays to diagnose OCD. Rather, an OCD diagnosis involves self-reporting OCD symptoms, therapist observations, and psychological assessment – another possible reason why OCD can be misdiagnosed. But honestly, there is still much to learn about OCD, like how it affects intelligence or “smartness.” 

More specifically, how OCD affects the brain in areas of learning, processing information, analyzing data, computing numerical equations, and comprehending what is read. However, it may be possible to increase your “smartness,” if your OCD symptoms are holding you back from achieving greatness. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of OCD treatments on the market that can help you get your OCD back under control, and improve your capacity to learn and retain information, so you can be your best self. OCD is typically treated with several therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and exposure-response and prevention (ERP) therapy. Sometimes, other therapies are added to an OCD sufferer’s treatment plan. 

These therapies may include addiction or substance abuse counseling, trauma therapies, like TMS and EDMR, individual counseling, couples/marriage counseling, group therapy, etc. Natural remedies and self-help tools are often used to supplement a prescribed OCD treatment plan; however, untreated OCD sufferers may also use them to take the edge off of their OCD symptoms. 

These natural remedies and self-help tools may include CBD, healthy coping skills and strategies, hypnotherapy/hypnosis, OCD books and workbooks, art therapy, music therapy, mindfulness meditation, a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, quality sleep, and plenty of exercise, OCD forums, support groups, and podcasts, and online OCD treatment programs, like Impulse Therapy. When therapy alone is ineffective, medications are usually prescribed. The most common therapy for OCD is ERP therapy and the most common medications for OCD are SSRIs (i.e., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, etc.).

Can OCD Impact How Smart I Am?

The general consensus among OCD experts, doctors, and scientists are that there is a link between OCD and intelligence. However, the jury is still out as to what that link is. 

There is no doubt that OCD can contribute to a “lack of smartness,” but it can also contribute to “high intelligence.” It really just depends on the individual at this point. Let’s say you are trying to cross the road to get to your family, but cars keep coming (blocking you from getting to the other side). Every time you try to step onto the road, another car comes barreling down it. 

You just cannot get past the cars. You are stuck. Well, the same thing can happen with OCD sufferers when it comes to their “smartness.” These individuals are stuck. They want to reach their maximum potential but OCD-induced intrusive thoughts, fears, worries, doubts, mental images, etc., keep getting in the way (roadblocks). OCD keeps throwing things into your pathway, blocking you from showcasing just how smart you really are.

Note: Keep in mind that people with OCD have neurodivergent brains. What does that mean? It means that they think differently than most people. In other words, their brains process information in a different way than neurotypical people (people, who think like most people). 

However, having a neurodivergent brain does not mean you are not smart – it just means you see the world in a different, some may argue more beautiful, way. You look at things from a different angle, which can be helpful in many ways. Unfortunately, however, it can also be a hindrance if your OCD symptoms get in the way, preventing you from learning what you need to learn.

Am I Smart Because I Have OCD?

Well, I am not sure if you are smart because of OCD, but it could be a contributing factor. 

The truth is you could be smart because…you just have a “higher than average” intelligence (unconnected to your condition. Or, perhaps, your ability to pay close attention to details, make sure school work and work assignments are “perfect” or accurate, your excellent research skills, your ability to grasp complex information, etc., have paid off for you in life. These skills are important for academic and career success. 

Because you have OCD, you probably rarely turn in a paper or do a work presentation that is not top-notch. You likely know your “stuff,” which is why you come across as “smart.” Because you are a perfectionist you probably excel at anything you try to do. But is that a true sign of intelligence or simply a manifestation of your OCD? Perhaps, it is both. Still, it makes sense why some OCD sufferers are viewed as being “smart.”

“Smartness” or intelligence is largely genetic, although people, who have lower IQs can gain some points when exposed to nurturing and enriching environments. In other words, with love, support, and the right atmosphere, most people with or without OCD can become “smarter.” Smart and successful OCD sufferers include Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Donald Trump, Howard Hughes, Michelangelo, Beethoven, Dr. Samuel Johnson, etc.

Note: Researchers suggest that people, who are adept at planning things, and who typically engage in extensive research, along with perfectionist tendencies, are linked to giftedness or high intelligence. In fact, several studies found that people with OCD are “smart” – or at least perceived to be “smart” in some cases.

Is OCD Hurting My Intelligence and Making Me Less Smart?

Possibly. 

While some studies and OCD experts tout a high intelligence among OCD sufferers, that may not be the case for everyone. In fact, OCD could actually hurt your intelligence and make you less smart. For instance, people with reading OCD may continuously read the same word, sentence, paragraph, and/or page multiple times (out of fear of misinterpreting something or missing something altogether). 

Reading something 5x, 10x, or 20x could hinder you and prevent you from completing assignments or tasks by the deadline or within a specified time. If you are in school and are unable complete things on time, you run the risk of failing the class, and if you are an adult, who works, not completing tasks on time could cause you to lose your job. 

In these situations, OCD could be affecting your “smartness” or how others perceive your “smartness.” Understand, that you still may be extremely intelligent, and only appear to be unintelligent or “air-headed” because your OCD is clouding your greatness. 

In other words, OCD can cause you to become wrapped up in a cycle or loop that prevents you from moving forward. Because the majority of your time is spent ruminating or dealing with intrusive thoughts, urges, fears, worries, and repetitive behaviors, concentrating on the task at hand can be challenging, which could cause you to question just how smart you are. 

Excessively cleaning, checking, and organizing can also affect how your “smartness” is perceived by you and others. Does that mean you are not smart? Absolutely not. Most likely this perception stems from a variety of factors, such as your inability to complete assignments, tasks, and tests on time, your processing speed to how quickly you “process” or interpret data, and/or your ability to arrive on time to school or work – not your actual intelligence, although there is a chance that OCD is affecting your intelligence. 

If you are losing valuable learning time at school, or you miss valuable information at work, then your OCD could be affecting how smart you are. In this case, you could be brilliant, but be unable to show it because your OCD has prevented you from being “present” or there to learn the information. 

For instance, if you are absent from school 2 or 3 times a week because of your insatiable fears, intrusive thoughts, and repetitive behaviors, you are missing important information that you need to be successful in school and later, at your job. You only appear to be “not as smart” as others because you have missed classroom instructions.

Also, keep in mind that if you are always in your head, there is no way you can be “present,” fully aware of, and focused in the classroom (when you do return). And, if you are always in your head at work, there is no way you can complete your tasks by the deadline. Remember, OCD is powerful enough to take over your mind, and prevent you from living your best life.

If OCD is negatively affecting your “smartness,” fret no more, because there are OCD treatments available that stop or reduce your obsessions and compulsions, and boost your intelligence.

How Can I Become Smarter?

Well, there are several ways you can become smarter – with or without OCD, such as:

• Thoroughly Research OCD – The more you know about OCD, the more you can find ways to increase your learning. So, try to learn everything you can about this condition – definition, symptoms, causes, and treatments. Being an expert in this field will help you feel empowered, which will cause your OCD to lose its power.
• Seek OCD Help – If OCD is affecting your intelligence, you must seek OCD help for it – if you want to become smarter. If you are not already seeking OCD treatment for your symptoms, contact an OCD therapist asap! You may also want to sign up for an OCD treatment program, like Impulse Therapy, and/or utilize OCD tools, such as stress-management techniques, mindfulness meditation, OCD support groups, forums, and podcasts, etc.
• Read – More specifically, read as much as possible. Reading will not only expose you to new concepts, theories, and facts but also help you become more self-aware. It does not matter if it takes you a while to read the book, article, etc., the goal is to learn something new. So, even if you have to re-read a sentence or passage several times, it is okay. Right now, your goal is to learn, learn, and learn some more.
• Meet New People – More specifically, try to meet and get to know people, who are different than you. The best way to learn is to surround yourself with people, who have had experiences that are unlike your own. This activity can also foster empathy for people, who have a different life than your own. So, make an effort to meet new people, ask questions, and learn as much as you can from them.
• Volunteer – You have probably heard this before, but no word ever rang truer. Volunteering at a homeless shelter, the Red Cross, an animal shelter, etc., can help you learn how other people live. Volunteer to learn something about people (and animals) in distress.

  For instance, ask questions about what happens when animals come into the shelter – i.e., where they typically come from, what happens to them once they have been at the shelter for a while, etc. Ask homeless people how they got to where they are now – i.e., how did they become homeless, what is it like to live on the streets, etc. Talk to people donating blood at the Red Cross – i.e., what is the motivation for donating blood, what made them start donating blood, etc.

• Write – Writing, like reading, can help you learn and boost your intelligence. Writing is a great way to learn how to spell and develop sentences. And, if the writing involves research even better! So, find a topic that you know little about, research it, and get to writing. The more you research, read, and write, the smarter you will be. Writing can also help distract your mind, so you are not constantly grappling with your intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
• Get Enough ZZZ – Sleep is one of the most important bodily functions. While asleep your mind and body repair themselves, so you can awaken feeling refreshed, and re-energized. If you do not get enough ZZZ, you run the risk of triggering or worsening your OCD symptoms. You are also likely to awaken feeling cranky, tired, confused, and drowsy – elements that will not help you become smarter.
• Go On a Vacation – Most people do not realize just how much you can learn on a vacation, especially if the vacation occurs outside of your native country. But even if you are unable to take an out-of-the-country vacation, just going to another state can be enough to learn something new. Remember, the goal is to learn something new. So, just going from the South to the North can help you accomplish this task. 

  Every city and state has its own “culture” (i.e., traditions, accents, lifestyles, beliefs, etc.) So, even people, who live a few hours away from you may be totally different from you, which means you can learn something valuable from them – i.e., how they live, what they do for fun, what they believe, etc. This is the way to become smarter.

References

• Eren, F., Çete, A. Ö., Avcil, S., & Baykara, B. (2018). Emotional and behavioral characteristics of gifted children and their families. Noro psikiyatri arsivi, 55(2), 105–112. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5152/npa.2017.12731
• Hu, L., Hao, Y., Liu, S., Kang, H., Qin, L., Zeng, Z., Abdelrahim, M., & Tan, Y. (2020). Intelligence quotient level and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders: Meta-analyses. Medical Hypotheses, 144, 109995. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109995