The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) strongly criticizes the careless and misleading use of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in the recent movie Trap (2024), directed by M. Night Shyamalan. In the film, a throwaway line references OCD in a way that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and that suggests a connection between OCD and violent, criminal behavior. This casual mention is not only factually incorrect but also reinforces damaging myths that contribute to the ongoing stigma surrounding OCD and other mental health conditions.
OCD is a serious mental health disorder that affects up to two percent of the global population. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate the distress caused by these thoughts. Common compulsions include checking, counting, ruminating, or washing, all aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event—not engaging in violent or harmful acts. Using OCD as a punchline or a character quirk trivializes the disorder and misleads audiences about its true nature.
While the mention of OCD in Trap is brief, its impact is significant. Such careless references in popular media reinforce dangerous stereotypes, leading to the false perception that individuals with OCD are inherently dangerous or violent. This can increase stigma, social isolation, and discourage people from seeking help. Media portrayals that spread misinformation about OCD do a disservice to the millions who live with this condition and deserve understanding and support, not fear and marginalization.
The IOCDF urges filmmakers and content creators to take greater responsibility for their portrayals of mental health conditions. The media holds tremendous power in shaping public perception and therefore must commit to accurate and compassionate representations. Unlike the problematic depiction in Trap, responsible storytelling, such as that found in Turtles All the Way Down, offers an honest and empathetic portrayal of a young person living with OCD, fostering understanding, empathy, and support—qualities essential for public awareness and acceptance.
We call on filmmakers, writers, and producers to commit to responsible storytelling that reflects the realities of those living with mental health conditions. In particular, we invite Director Shyamalan to a discussion around the accurate portrayal of OCD and other mental health disorders. We urge Shyamalan and his peers to recognize the power of their platforms and to use them responsibly.
The time to end these harmful stereotypes is now, and the responsibility lies with those who shape our narratives.
About the International OCD Foundation
The International OCD Foundation is the largest 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving a broad community of individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their family members and loved ones, and mental health professionals and researchers around the world. What started as a small group seeking mutual support in 1986 has grown into an international organization with Affiliates in 31 states in the US, in addition to global partnerships with other OCD organizations and mental health non-profits around the world. Learn more: https://iocdf.org
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