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Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCDBreaking the Rules is a show for mental health professionals designed to help you build confidence in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Author: Dr Celin Gelgec and Dr Victoria Miller
Breaking the Rules is a show for mental health professionals designed to help you build confidence in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Effective treatment of OCD requires commitment, creativity and the recognition that things can sometimes get a little messy. And on the show, youll hear from a range of leading professionals and learn everything there is to know about OCD and other related mental health concerns. This podcast is brought to you by Melbourne Wellbeing Group, a psychology practice based in Melbourne with a special focus on treating OCD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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OCD and Productivity: The Struggle Behind the Scenes
Episode 74
Monday, 6 April, 2026
In this episode of Breaking the Rules, we explore one of the most frustrating and often misunderstood impacts of OCD - how it interferes with studying, productivity, and performance at work.For many people, OCD hides behind traits that are often praised: diligence, responsibility, perfectionism, and attention to detail. But beneath the surface, what may look like hard work or conscientiousness can actually be hours of painful compulsions, paralysis, and mental exhaustion.We unpack how OCD shows up in school, university, and the workplace — from endlessly rewriting emails and rereading textbooks, to missed deadlines, avoidance, and overwhelming fatigue. We also discuss how these patterns can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD, learning difficulties, or lack of motivation, making accurate assessment and treatment even more important.Most importantly, we share practical strategies clinicians and individuals can use to support functioning while treating the underlying OCD.In this episode we discuss:Why OCD often becomes most visible in study and work environmentsHow compulsions like checking, rereading, researching, and reassurance seeking sabotage productivityThe difference between perfectionism and OCD paralysisWhy OCD is often misinterpreted as ADHD or executive dysfunctionThe emotional toll of feeling “ineffective” despite working incredibly hardStrategies for managing compulsions while studying or workingSetting limits around checking, researching, and rewritingLearning the practice of “good enough”Rebuilding trust in your own judgement after OCDUsing values to guide action when motivation disappears🔖 Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back – Recording Post Baby 03:08 How OCD Shows Up in Study and Work 05:30 The Hidden Nature of OCD Productivity Struggles 08:20 Email Checking, Reassurance & Workplace Compulsions 10:00 OCD Paralysis vs Normal Perfectionism 12:00 How OCD Impacts Teens and Students 13:45 When OCD Is Mistaken for ADHD 17:00 Assessing Functional Impact in OCD 18:30 Strategies for Studying With OCD 21:00 Attention Redirecting & Mindfulness 22:30 Practicing “Good Enough” 24:00 Limiting Checks, Research & Reassurance 25:30 Rebuilding Trust in Yourself 27:00 Using Values to Guide Action 29:20 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
