TherapyClips, MD / Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Film

ICD-10: F42.x

DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria (Abbreviated)

Obsessions (recurrent intrusive thoughts causing anxiety) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety). Time-consuming (1+ hour/day) or cause significant distress/impairment.

Film Analyses (4 films)

As Good as It Gets (1997) — Mixed accuracy

dir. James L. Brooks

The film portrays Melvin Udall with classic contamination fears and ritualistic checking behaviors that align with DSM-5-TR symptoms. While it uses the disorder for comedic effect and suggests a romantic 'cure,' it accurately shows how the symptoms cause significant social impairment and distress.

  • Ritualistic locking and unlocking of the door five times before entering the apartment.
  • Compulsive hand washing with multiple new bars of soap and extremely hot water to avoid contamination.
  • Avoiding stepping on cracks in the sidewalk due to intrusive fears of negative consequences.

The Aviator (2004) — High accuracy

dir. Martin Scorsese

Full analysis available to members.

Turtles All the Way Down (2024) — High accuracy

dir. Hannah Marks

Full analysis available to members.

Toc Toc (2017) — Mixed accuracy

dir. Vicente Villanueva

Full analysis available to members.

Educational reference only. Criteria abbreviated from APA DSM-5-TR (2022). AI-generated analyses are teaching aids, not a diagnostic authority.