Category: OCD
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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…
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Building Cognitive Resilience in Individuals with OCD: Addressing Maladaptive Beliefs
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition that is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). While various treatments exist, one effective approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive resilience is the ability to adapt positively and recover from…
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Preparing for Financially Tough Times: A Cognitive Guide for Individuals with OCD
Financial challenges can be daunting for anyone, but for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the cognitive distortions that often accompany the disorder can amplify the stress. It’s essential to recognize and address these cognitive distortions to navigate financial difficulties more effectively. This article will focus on understanding these distortions and offering strategies to balance supportive…
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OCD: Reassurance-seeking vs. seeking support
Bonjour, I’m Marie, a 30-year-old designer from Paris. For years, my life was overshadowed by a constant need for reassurance, which I later understood was tied to my OCD. In my profession, precision and attention to detail are paramount. Every time I completed a design, I’d be overwhelmed with doubt. ‘Is this good enough? What…
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Oversharing and OCD (tips inside)
Note: It’s important to note that not everyone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will “overshare,” and the reasons for sharing personal information can vary widely among individuals, both with and without OCD. Reasons for oversharing There are some reasons that might explain why some individuals with OCD might be more prone to oversharing: It’s essential to…