Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionTypesCausesManaging ObsessionGetting Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Types
Causes
Managing Obsession
Getting Help
Obsessions are persistent and often intrusive thoughts, ideas, or impulses. People with and withoutobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) can experienceobsessions, but those with OCD experience more distress, guilt, negative emotion, and interference in daily life compared to the general population.
Most people know theirobsessionsare excessive but feel unable to control them. Because they are unwanted and disturbing, obsessions usually cause anxiety.
This article will discuss obsessions, including types, causes, coping methods, and treatment options.
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What Is an Obsession?
Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive and unwanted.For people withobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), obsessions make them very anxious. To relieve that anxiety, they are driven to performcompulsions.
Compulsionsare rituals or behaviors that temporarily “neutralize” someone’s distress about an unwanted obsession.People with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both.
Most people experience some degree of obsessive symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, at some point in their life. Recurring, unwanted thoughts are especially common during times of stress. However, most people who have occasional intrusive thoughts don’t develop obsessions or OCD.
Types of Obsession
Obsessions typically fall along certain anxiety-inducing themes, such as fears of harm, sickness, and bad luck, as well as things that are inappropriate or wrong.
The five most common types of obsessions can be categorized as perfectionism, relational, contamination, causing harm, and intrusive thoughts. All obsessions can cause significant emotional distress, lowerself-esteem, and interfere with the ability to function normally in relationships, work, or school.
How Common Is OCD?Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a relatively common mental health condition. Over the course of their lives, about 2.3% of U.S. adults will meet the criteria for OCD.
How Common Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a relatively common mental health condition. Over the course of their lives, about 2.3% of U.S. adults will meet the criteria for OCD.
Perfectionism
Contrary to popular belief, perfectionistic obsessions aren’t always about organization, neatness, or arranging household items. Some people with OCD also exhibit scrupulosity, a type of moralperfectionism. Scrupulosity often involves rigidly adhering to strict religious, ethical, and/or moral beliefs.
Relational
Relationship-focused obsessions involve overwhelming doubts and worries about the “rightness” of aromantic relationshipor partner. Some researchers refer to this kind of obsession as relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD).
People who have obsessive thoughts or worries about a particular romantic partner often have an intense fear of abandonment. Many people with relationship-focused obsessions experienced childhood trauma or rejection, leading them to develop aninsecure attachment style. Others may have experienced betrayal, such as cheating, in a past relationship.
People with ROCD may experience symptoms such as:
Contamination
Contamination obsessions may involve fears of physical contamination (such as with dirt, bacteria,germs, chemicals, or illness) or moral contamination (such as with a person, place, or idea that is perceived as “bad” or distasteful).
When confronted with the possibility (or even sometimes the thought) of contamination, people with contamination obsessions often feel overwhelmed.
To feel “pure” or “clean” again, people with contamination-related obsessions may:
Causing Harm
Some people with OCD experience obsessions related to causing harm to themselves or others.Common examples of obsessive fears related to causing harm include:
Many people with OCD feel an “over-responsibility for harm,” meaning that they feel their everyday actions can cause bad things to happen even when it’s unlikely or impossible.
Common compulsions for harm obsessions include:
Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughtsare typically related to something frightening, dangerous, inappropriate, or repulsive, such as:
About 80%–90% of the general population experiences intrusive thoughts.However, for some people—such as those with OCD—those obsessive thoughts are persistent and anxiety-inducing enough to interfere with daily functioning. It’s important to remember that having intrusive thoughts doesn’t mean you’ll act on them.
Common Types of OCD
Causes of Obsessions
Obsessions typically don’t have any single root cause. Instead, they are most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers have identified many possible causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder, including:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is the most common mental health condition that involves obsessions.However, some obsessive symptoms may also be present in other mental health conditions, such as:
OCPD vs. OCD: What Are the Differences?
How to Manage Obsession
Obsessions may feel like they’re out of your control, but there are many ways to feel more empowered. Here are some ways to cope with obsessive thoughts:
A Practical Guide to Meditation for OCD
Some people with OCD feel too guilty or embarrassed about their obsessions to seek help. But your obsessions aren’t really “you.” They are part of a health condition that can and should be treated.
Treatment can help to reduce your anxiety and improve your quality of life. Talk to a healthcare provider about your options.
Treatment for OCD typically involves:
Seek HelpIf you or a loved one is struggling with an obsession, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Seek Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with an obsession, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
Obsessions are persistent thoughts, ideas, images, or impulses that a person feels unable to control. Typically, obsessions are time-consuming, disturbing, and unwanted. They often causeanxietyand distress and impair functioning.
There are five main types of obsessions: perfectionism (often related to symmetry, organization, or rules), relational (doubts or worries about a relationship, typically a significant other), contamination, causing harm, and unwanted intrusive thoughts (often with sexual or violent themes).
Some people with obsessions have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many factors increase the likelihood of developing OCD, including genetics, trauma, stress, parenting style, brain abnormalities, and comorbid medical conditions. OCD is typically treated withpsychotherapy—especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy—and/or medication.
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