Take the Pure O OCD Quiz
This quiz helps identify potential OCD symptoms, focusing on intrusive thoughts, fears, compulsions, and their impact on daily life and relationships. It’s a tool for self-awareness, not diagnosis.
Ready to begin your OCD test quiz?
OCD Types Comparison
Compare 3 types related to OCD
| Aspect | Pure O (Pure Obsessional OCD) | OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) | Not OCD (OCD-like behaviors) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Obsessions | Predominantly internal, with obsessions often involving unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses, usually of a violent, sexual, or blasphemous nature. | A mix of internal and external obsessions, including fears of contamination, harm, or making mistakes. | Worries or concerns that are rational and often based on real-life issues. |
| Compulsions | Few or no visible compulsions. Compulsions, if present, are often mental acts like counting or praying silently. | Visible compulsions like hand-washing, checking, or arranging things in a certain order. | Habits or routines that are not driven by obsessions or done to relieve anxiety caused by obsessions. |
| Awareness | High level of insight. Individuals are often aware that their thoughts are irrational. | Varies. Some individuals recognize the irrational nature of their thoughts and behaviors, while others may not. | Behaviors are usually rational and understood to be a choice, not a compulsion. |
| Distress | Significant distress caused by the intrusive thoughts. | Distress caused by both obsessions and compulsions. | Little to no distress; actions are often seen as normal or even beneficial. |
| Functional Impairment | Can be significant, often due to the intense internal distress and shame. | Can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity of the symptoms. | Typically minimal; the behaviors do not significantly interfere with daily life. |
| Duration | Persistent and long-lasting if untreated. | Chronic, with symptoms waxing and waning over time. | Typically transient or situational. |
| Response to Anxiety | Anxiety predominantly from internal thoughts. | Anxiety from both thoughts and external stimuli or situations. | Minimal anxiety; actions are not primarily driven by anxiety relief. |
| Control over Actions | Feels a lack of control over thoughts, but may maintain control over actions. | Struggles with control over both thoughts and compulsive actions. | Generally maintains control over actions; behaviors are more deliberate. |
| Need for Reassurance | Often seeks reassurance about not acting on intrusive thoughts. | May seek reassurance or perform compulsions to reduce anxiety. | Less likely to seek reassurance; actions are self-driven. |
| Triggers | Internal triggers such as thoughts or feelings. | Both internal and external triggers, like specific objects or situations. | Actions are usually triggered by personal preferences or routines, not by obsessions. |
OCD, Pure O and Types of OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). While many people are familiar with the stereotypical image of someone washing their hands repeatedly or checking the stove multiple times, there’s a lesser-known subtype of OCD called “Purely Obsessional” OCD, or “Pure O.”
“Pure O” is a bit of a misnomer. People with this subtype of OCD may not have visible compulsions, but they do engage in hidden mental rituals. These can include mentally reviewing events, seeking reassurance, or trying to suppress or neutralize intrusive thoughts.
If you’re wondering whether you might have “Pure O” OCD, this post will guide you through some common signs and symptoms. However, it’s essential to remember that only a qualified mental health professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Common Signs and Symptoms of “Pure O” OCD:
- Intrusive Thoughts: These are unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that repeatedly enter your mind. They can be violent, sexual, or blasphemous in nature, or they might involve fears about causing harm to oneself or others.
- Mental Rituals: Even if you don’t engage in physical compulsions, you might find yourself performing mental rituals to alleviate the distress caused by intrusive thoughts. This could involve mentally counting, praying, or repeating certain phrases in your head.
- Reassurance Seeking: You might frequently ask others for reassurance about your fears or thoughts, even if you’ve been reassured before.
- Avoidance: To prevent triggering intrusive thoughts, you might avoid certain places, people, or activities.
- Distress and Anxiety: The intrusive thoughts can cause significant distress, anxiety, and even feelings of guilt or shame.
- Recognition that Thoughts are a Product of One’s Mind: Despite the distress they cause, you recognize that these intrusive thoughts are a product of your mind and not based on reality.
Self-Test Questions:
While this is not a diagnostic tool, answering these questions can give you some insight:
- Do I often experience unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that seem to come out of nowhere?
- Do I find myself trying to suppress or neutralize these thoughts with other thoughts or actions?
- Do I avoid certain situations, places, or people because they trigger distressing thoughts?
- Do I frequently seek reassurance from others about my fears or thoughts?
- Do I engage in mental rituals (like counting, praying, or repeating phrases) to alleviate distress or anxiety?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, it might be worth seeking a consultation with a mental health professional to discuss your experiences.
Conclusion:
“Pure O” OCD can be distressing and debilitating, but it’s essential to remember that help is available. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a subtype called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has been shown to be effective in treating OCD, including “Pure O.”
If you believe you might have “Pure O” OCD, or any form of OCD, it’s crucial to reach out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance, support, and potential treatment options. Remember, you’re not alone, and there’s help available.
The old way | ocd.app | |
Cost | $$$ – Therapist costs | $ – Save money |
Evidence | No published evidence | 13 published studies |
Time burden | Long term | 3-4 minutes of your day |
Results | Takes months | 91% see first results within a week |
Privacy | Privacy concerns | Anonymous and private |
User feedback | Mixed | 4.8 / 5.0 (2,635 reviews) |