Pure OCD Treatment: Mental Compulsions

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:

1. Obsession: An intrusive thought, image, or impulse that causes significant anxiety.
2. Uncertainty: The doubt or fear that follows the obsession.
3. Compulsion: The behavior, often mental, aimed at reducing anxiety.
4. 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:

• Thought Suppression: Actively trying to push thoughts away.
• Thought Replacement: Replacing an unpleasant thought with a less distressing one.
• Counting: Repetitive counting in one’s head to ward off anxiety.
• Praying: Using prayer to neutralize distressing thoughts, particularly in religious obsessions.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of anything that might trigger the obsessive thoughts.
• 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.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

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.