Not Every Habit Is OCD, Not Every Distraction Is ADHD | Psychologist Explains

In modern conversations, mental health terminology is used more frequently than ever before. While increased openness is a positive step, it has also led to a rise in casual labeling. In this segment from The Buzz Bite, clinical psychologist Ms. Pragya Pushkarna, founder of Psychologist Near You, addresses the common habit of using clinical terms like OCD, ADHD, and anxiety to describe everyday behaviors. Pragya explains the important differences between clinical conditions and typical personality traits.

Clinical conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are complex, neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions. A true clinical diagnosis requires meeting specific criteria detailed in diagnostic frameworks like the DSM-5 or ICD-11, where symptoms must be persistent, pervasive, and cause significant disruption to daily life. For example, enjoying a clean desk is not OCD, and experiencing occasional distraction is not ADHD. Casually using these labels can trivialize the genuine challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with these conditions.

The ease of finding health information online has also contributed to a rise in self-diagnosis. While reading about symptoms can build initial awareness, it cannot replace professional clinical evaluation. Self-diagnosing based on social media content or short checklists can cause unnecessary anxiety or lead to incorrect coping strategies. Pragya encourages anyone experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral challenges to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional rather than relying on casual online labels.

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