Pure OCD Treatment - Mental Compulsions
May 31, 2018
Understanding Mental Compulsions in Pure OCD – A Comprehensive Guide by Restored Minds
Introduction
Welcome to Restored Minds—a place where understanding and managing mental health becomes clear and accessible. Today, we're diving into part two of our three-part series on Pure OCD Treatment, focusing on mental compulsions. If you missed part one, you can check it out here. My name is Matt Cotti, a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of the OCD Academy. Let's explore the intricacies of mental compulsions in Pure OCD and find effective ways to manage them.
What is Pure OCD?
Pure OCD, or "purely obsessional" OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder where the compulsions are mainly mental rather than physical. While typical OCD behaviors might include visible actions like checking or washing, in Pure OCD, the compulsions occur internally. This aspect makes Pure OCD particularly challenging to identify and treat.
The OCD Cycle
In part one, we discussed the four parts of the OCD cycle:
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Obsession:
An intrusive thought, image, or impulse that causes significant anxiety.
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Uncertainty:
The doubt or fear that follows the obsession.
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Compulsion:
The behavior, often mental, aimed at reducing anxiety.
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Relief:
A temporary respite from the anxiety, which unfortunately reinforces the cycle.
Identifying Mental Compulsions
Mental compulsions in Pure OCD often go unnoticed because they occur internally. Here are some common mental compulsions:
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Thought Suppression:
Actively trying to push thoughts away.
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Thought Replacement:
Replacing an unpleasant thought with a less distressing one.
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Counting:
Repetitive counting in one's head to ward off anxiety.
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Praying:
Using prayer to neutralize distressing thoughts, particularly in religious obsessions.
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Avoidance:
Steering clear of anything that might trigger the obsessive thoughts.
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Reassurance:
Seeking mental reassurance to reduce doubt and uncertainty.
Why Mental Compulsions Matter
Mental compulsions may provide temporary relief, but they ultimately reinforce the OCD cycle. Understanding and identifying these behaviors are crucial first steps in effective treatment.
Compulsion Inventory
To help you identify and manage your mental compulsions, I've created a free Compulsion Inventory. This tool will guide you through various compulsions associated with Pure OCD and enable you to pinpoint your own patterns.
Click here to download your free Compulsion Inventory now!
What’s Next? Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Join us in part three of this series, where we will delve into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how it can be applied to Pure OCD. ERP is a crucial, evidence-based treatment that has shown significant success in managing OCD symptoms.
Conclusion
Understanding mental compulsions is a significant step in the journey of managing Pure OCD. By identifying these internal behaviors, you can begin to break the cycle and work towards a life free from the confines of obsessive-compulsive patterns.
