OCD Checking, Reassurance Anxiety
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder presents itself in many guises, and certainly goes far beyond the common misconception that OCD is merely a little hand washing or checking light switches. Although those are valid OCD compulsions, such perceptions fail to acknowledge the distressing thoughts that occur prior to such behaviours and also fails to highlight the utter devastation that constant compulsions (no matter what they are) can cause.
Although there are infinite forms of OCD, it has been traditionally considered that a person’s OCD will fall into one of these five main categories, with themes often overlapping between categories too.
Checking
Contamination / Mental Contamination
Symmetry and ordering
Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts
Hoarding
The sufferer will often seek reassurance about their OCD fears, usually from a loved one or via sources such as Google or local news outlets. Frequently the obsessional worry is that something bad may have happened to a loved one, so they will repeatedly check they’re OK. Another obsessional fear leading to reassurance seeking compulsions is worries that their partner may no longer have feelings for them or love them or they may have upset their loved one.
Although there are infinite forms of OCD, it has been traditionally considered that a person’s OCD will fall into one of these five main categories, with themes often overlapping between categories too.
Checking
Contamination / Mental Contamination
Symmetry and ordering
Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts
Hoarding
The sufferer will often seek reassurance about their OCD fears, usually from a loved one or via sources such as Google or local news outlets. Frequently the obsessional worry is that something bad may have happened to a loved one, so they will repeatedly check they’re OK. Another obsessional fear leading to reassurance seeking compulsions is worries that their partner may no longer have feelings for them or love them or they may have upset their loved one.