Teen's OCD diagnosis ends four-year nightmare

A young woman has bravely shared her experience with a rare form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which led her to believe she was a danger to others for four years. The 22-year-old initially suffered from childhood anxiety and fears of death, but these escalated into relentless, unwanted intrusive thoughts.

At 15, a graphic thought convinced her she was a "monster." This triggered a constant state of fight-or-flight, leading to severe eating and sleeping disturbances. She lived in terror of being alone, genuinely believing she was a paedophile.

Her turning point came in July 2025 when she encountered a TikTok video about paedophile OCD (P-OCD). This diagnosis helped her understand that her intrusive thoughts were a manifestation of the condition, not her true self. P-OCD involves unwanted sexual thoughts or images about children and is distinct from paedophilia.

Despite loving children, she altered her life choices fearing she was unsafe. The condition's less common forms, like hers, are often not openly discussed, leading her to pursue psychology studies without realizing her own diagnosis. Receiving the diagnosis brought immense relief, allowing her to begin managing her intrusive thoughts.

While Molly Lambert still experiences intrusive thoughts daily, her reaction has shifted significantly through therapy. She now understands that OCD latches onto core values, making sufferers feel uniquely evil. She actively uses her social media to raise awareness, facing both support and criticism, emphasizing the importance of discussing these difficult conversations.