Category: OCD
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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…
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OCD vs. Pure O OCD – What is the difference?
Introduction: Delineating the Cognitive Landscapes of OCD and Pure O OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. Traditionally, OCD is recognized by its visible compulsions, such as excessive hand-washing, checking, or…
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OCD Diagnosis: Understanding and Managing the Cognitive Cycle
Introduction: Navigating the Maze of OCD Thoughts For many grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the journey isn’t just about managing visible behaviors; it’s also an internal battle with relentless thoughts and doubts. If you’re reading this, you might be all too familiar with the constant cycle of intrusive thoughts, the urge to perform rituals to…
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The Power of Not Testing Your OCD: Understanding the Cognitive Trap
Part 1: Why People Feel the Need to Test Their OCD As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen many individuals grappling with the compulsions and intrusive thoughts characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A common aspect of this struggle involves the incessant need to test or check their thoughts and behaviors. Understanding the cognitive underpinnings of this…
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The Big Guide to OCD Cognitive Biases
Cognitive biases are like lenses through which we view the world, and they can distort our thinking. In the context of OCD, these biases can intensify obsessions and drive compulsions, creating a challenging cycle. Understanding these biases is key to understanding how OCD affects thought processes and behaviors. Why This Matters By exploring the intersection…
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Overcoming Scrupulosity OCD: A Cognitive Approach to Fear of Sin
Today, we want to discuss a challenging yet treatable form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) known as scrupulosity. Scrupulosity is characterized by an excessive worry about committing a sin or being morally imperfect. Individuals often struggle with persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and engage in mental or physical actions (compulsions) to alleviate their distress. Let’s explore some…
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OCD Quiz: Now You Need to Answer Just 4 Questions!
Every week, people ask me – “Do I have OCD? How can I test it?”. The short answer is that there are a few available measures for OCD. The long answer, that most people are reluctant to hear, is that it can get more complicated. So, are there any OCD symptoms tests that are helpful?…
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Rumination OCD – 8 tips
Ever since I can remember, my mind has been a relentless machine, churning out an endless stream of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘whys’ that no amount of logic could dismantle. Take last Tuesday, for example: I found myself fixated on whether I’d made the right career choice. This wasn’t a matter of weighing pros and cons; it…
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Pure O OCD Test: Understanding and Self-Assessing Intrusive Thoughts
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the urge to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate the distress caused by these thoughts. Pure O OCD “Pure O” OCD, or primarily obsessive OCD, is a term often used in the OCD community to describe a subtype…