The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of The University of Scranton.
October is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) awareness month. OCD is a mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health). Here are some examples of characters in film and television that display similar behavior to OCD symptoms.
The Good Place
In the television show The Good Place, philosophy professor Chidi Anagonye struggles with extreme indecisiveness and anxiety over making correct moral choices. While the show never explicitly identifies him as having OCD, his constant rumination and compulsive reassurance seeking resemble the obsessive thought patterns often seen in OCD.
Turtles All The Way Down
The film adaptation of Turtles All The Way Down follows Aza Holmes, a teenager navigating life while managing OCD. Holmes’ intrusive thought spirals and intense fear of contamination are depicted. The film illustrates how these behaviors affect her relationships and daily life.
Girls
The HBO series Girls features Hannah Horvath; a character who was diagnosed with OCD as a child. After a stressful breakup, Horvath’s symptoms resurface, showing how persistent OCD can be. Horvath is fixated on number eight, often performing repetitive actions such as opening her door eight times.
While media portrayals of mental health disorders like OCD can be oversimplified, representation remains essential. Accurate depictions help avoid damaging stereotypes and provide realistic portrayals that foster empathy.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd