Category: OCD
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OCD During the Holiday Season: Understanding Patterns, Triggers, and Resilience
Living with OCD during the Holidays: Ruth’s Story I never realized how different my holiday anxiety was until that Christmas morning three years ago. Standing in my kitchen at 6 AM, I’d already checked the turkey temperature a few times. My sister Amy found me in tears. The turkey was overcooked because I couldn’t stop…
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Self-Diagnosis of OCD: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations
Introduction Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. With increased access to information online, many individuals have turned to self-diagnosis as a means of understanding their symptoms. This article explores the various aspects of self-diagnosis for OCD, including its validity, potential benefits, risks, and safe approaches to…
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The Connection Between OCD and a Healthy Lifestyle: How the BetterTogether App Can Help
This post is part of a cross-promotion with Better together app. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While the condition can be challenging, recent studies and personal anecdotes reveal that adopting a structured, healthy lifestyle can provide significant benefits. By leveraging the power of…
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Understanding and Overcoming “Not Just Right” Feelings in OCD
What Are “Not Just Right” Feelings in OCD? “Not just right” (NJR) feelings are a common experience for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These feelings are characterized by a pervasive sense that something is off, incomplete, or not quite right. Unlike typical obsessions and compulsions, NJR feelings are not always linked to a specific fear…
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Mind Traps: Unveiling the Harm Obsessions in OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often characterized by intense, persistent fears and compulsions that are rooted in maladaptive beliefs about harm. These beliefs, which can distort an individual’s perception of risk and safety, significantly contribute to the anxiety and repetitive behaviors typical of the disorder. This article delves into the specific aspects of maladaptive beliefs about…
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Beyond the Surface: Exploring the Depths of Contamination in OCD
What is OCD with a Fear of Contamination? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic mental health condition characterized by unwanted, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Among the various themes of OCD, the fear of contamination is one of the most prevalent. This subtype involves an excessive fear of becoming contaminated by germs,…
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The OCD Mindset: Unpacking Perfectionism, Memory Faults, and Abandonment Anxieties
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized not only by repetitive behaviors and intrusive thoughts but also by underlying maladaptive beliefs. These beliefs often exacerbate the condition, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without therapeutic intervention. This article delves into the themes of perfectionism, memory, vulnerability, and the complexities of fear of abandonment and trust in…
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Understanding OCD Through the Lens of Perfectionism and Memory Beliefs
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These actions are intended to manage anxiety or prevent feared situations, but they only provide temporary relief and can disrupt daily life. Prevalence and Common Consequences Approximately 2-3% of people globally suffer from OCD, typically emerging in adolescence…
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Breaking the Cycle: A Cognitive Approach to Overcoming OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. These compulsions are often undertaken in an attempt to reduce anxiety or distress or to prevent a feared event or situation; however, they are not realistically connected…
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Breaking Free from OCD: A Cognitive Approach to Understanding and Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. These compulsions are often performed in an attempt to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions. OCD can significantly interfere with a person’s daily…
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Exploring the Concept of Doubt in OCD: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Perspective
Key Points Introduction Doubt is a core symptom and cognitive theme in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), presenting unique challenges and impacting individuals’ lives profoundly. This article delves into the concept of doubt in OCD, its manifestations, cognitive underpinnings, and how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can offer effective strategies for managing and overcoming it. The Nature of…
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Exploring the Debate: Is “Pure O” OCD a Distinct Diagnosis?
Imagine we’re sitting down over a cup of coffee, and I start talking about a topic close to my heart—Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, as it’s more commonly known. You’ve likely heard of OCD before; it’s often portrayed in the media as a condition where people are driven to compulsively clean their hands or check that…