DECODING THE THOUGHTS BEHIND THE CYCLE

Understanding OCD: Intrusive Thoughts & Common Themes

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that includes a cycle of avoidance, made up of obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. These obsessive thoughts are intrusive and highly distressing, which many people can have difficulty managing. These obsessive thoughts can include themes of violence, contamination, religiosity, harm to oneself or others, and needing things to be “just right.”

Some common examples are:

Intrusive images or thoughts of driving a car into other people.
Dropping one’s newborn baby on purpose or by accident.
Unpleasant sexual images.
Overwhelming stress when things are not ordered in a particular way.
Avoiding situations that may bring you into contact with infection.
Doubting that you turned off the stove or locked the door before leaving.

Obsessive thoughts are unwanted and “egodystonic,” meaning they do not align with a person’s values and ethics. Because of their intrusive nature, a person with OCD feels the need to complete a compulsory action – or ritual – to push through the distress. Compulsions are repetitive and time-consuming and can reduce the distress one feels, but only temporarily. Because OCD thrives on uncertainty – and we live in an uncertain world – compulsions “work” at the time, but only for the moment until the obsessive thoughts return. Some common compulsions are:

Organizing, washing, or cleaning
Repeating words or phrases out loud or in one’s head
Checking and re-checking doors, locks, the Internet, the stove, a hot tool, an animal, etc.
Stepping through a door frame a specific number of times
Counting
Replacing “bad” thoughts with “good” thoughts
Repeating a prayer or scripture over and over
Checking if something is true or in alignment with one’s values or beliefs

It’s unknown exactly why OCD can occur. Some studies suggest a strong genetic or hereditary link among family members, while other studies point to personality traits that are correlated with developing OCD later. Additionally, undergoing a traumatic or life-changing event can contribute to OCD symptoms presenting. Some common life events can include:

Witnessing or experiencing a serious car accident
A divorce or separation
The end of a romantic/sexual relationship
Childhood abuse and/or domestic violence
A loved one passing away suddenly
Contracting or witnessing another person struggle with an illness or injury

While the causes of OCD are up in the air, treatment is possible and successful through traditional therapy, medication management, and Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP).

ERP is considered the gold-standard method of treating OCD because of its high success rate in decreasing the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsions. The duration of ERP sessions can vary depending on the severity of one’s symptoms, and includes a gentle and safe method of exposure where the client works with their therapist to come up with a hierarchy of fears. Based on the client’s intensity report, the therapist will guide the client through imaginal and in-vivo exposure, following their level of comfort.

OCD can be debilitating and confusing, but is also very treatable. If you think you may have OCD, you can contact The Evolution Group to be connected with a therapist.

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The Evolution Group Incorporated is a private counseling firm that has built its practice around the core values of integrity, authenticity, safety and honoring individuality. We work with individuals, couples and families to empower the wholeness that already lies within them

The Evolution Group, Inc.
218 Broadway Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102

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Phone: 505-242-6988
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