What are the most prevalent misconceptions about OCD. How does OCD differ from personality traits. Is OCD treatable. Can you always identify someone with OCD. Does OCD only involve cleanliness. Is it accurate to say everyone has a little OCD.

The Truth About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Separating Fact from Fiction

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 adults in the United States. Despite its prevalence, OCD remains widely misunderstood, often due to stereotypical portrayals in media and casual misuse of the term in everyday conversations. This article aims to dispel common myths surrounding OCD and provide accurate information about this complex disorder.

Myth 1: OCD is Just a Personality Trait

One of the most pervasive misconceptions about OCD is that it’s simply a personality quirk or preference for cleanliness and order. This myth trivializes the struggles of those living with the disorder.

The Reality of OCD Behaviors

Hailie Kallembach, an Outpatient Therapist at Nystrom & Associates, explains: “A common myth about OCD is symptoms of OCD are a personality trait instead of a mental health condition. Typically, individuals with OCD understand their actions do not have a ‘logical’ basis.”

People with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors not out of choice or preference, but due to intense anxiety stemming from obsessive thoughts. For instance, someone may excessively wash their hands not because they enjoy cleanliness, but because they’re gripped by an overwhelming fear of contamination.

The Difference Between Personality Traits and OCD

• Personality traits are relatively stable characteristics that influence behavior across various situations.
• OCD involves specific, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.
• While someone might have a personality trait of being neat and organized, this is fundamentally different from the distress and impairment caused by OCD.

Myth 2: OCD is Not Treatable

Another common misconception is that OCD is an untreatable condition. This myth can discourage people from seeking help and lead to unnecessary suffering.

Effective Treatments for OCD

While there is no cure for OCD, several effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Kallembach notes, “OCD is treatable through seeking out professional help along with implementing skills into daily life such as mindfulness and self-care.”

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with OCD.
2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A specific type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to their fears while preventing the usual compulsive response.
3. Medication: Certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in managing OCD symptoms.
4. Mindfulness practices: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can help individuals manage anxiety and reduce the impact of obsessive thoughts.

The Importance of Professional Help

Seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is crucial for effective OCD treatment. A therapist can provide a safe, non-threatening environment to address concerns and help individuals face their fears gradually and systematically.

Myth 3: You Can Easily Identify Someone with OCD

Media portrayals often depict individuals with OCD as visibly anxious, constantly cleaning, or engaging in obvious repetitive behaviors. This has led to the misconception that OCD is always easily observable.

The Hidden Nature of OCD

In reality, many people with OCD are adept at hiding their symptoms, especially in public settings. This is particularly true for those receiving appropriate treatment. OCD manifests differently in each individual, and symptoms can be internal or less noticeable to others.

Examples of Less Visible OCD Symptoms

• Mental rituals: Silently counting, praying, or repeating phrases in one’s mind.
• Avoidance behaviors: Steering clear of certain situations or objects that trigger obsessions.
• Reassurance seeking: Repeatedly asking for confirmation or validation, which may seem like normal conversation to others.
• Rumination: Spending excessive time thinking about certain topics or analyzing past events.

Myth 4: OCD is Only About Cleanliness and Order

While fears of contamination and compulsions related to cleaning are common in OCD, they are far from the only manifestations of the disorder. This myth oversimplifies a complex condition and can lead to misunderstandings about the diverse ways OCD can affect individuals.

The Diverse Spectrum of OCD Symptoms

OCD can manifest in numerous ways, and symptoms can change over time. Some less commonly recognized forms of OCD include:

• Harm OCD: Intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others, often accompanied by avoidance or checking behaviors.
• Relationship OCD: Persistent doubts about one’s relationship or partner’s feelings, leading to excessive reassurance-seeking or analysis.
• Scrupulosity: Obsessions related to religious or moral issues, often resulting in excessive prayer or confession.
• Symmetry OCD: A need for things to be “just right” or perfectly balanced, which can extend beyond physical objects to mental concepts.
• Pure O: A form of OCD where compulsions are primarily mental rather than physical.

The Importance of Recognizing Diverse OCD Presentations

Understanding the varied manifestations of OCD is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. It helps individuals recognize their symptoms and seek appropriate help, and it enables healthcare providers to offer more targeted and effective interventions.

Myth 5: Everyone Has a Little OCD

The casual use of the term “OCD” to describe organized or particular behaviors has led to the misconception that everyone experiences OCD to some degree. This myth trivializes the experiences of those with clinically significant OCD.

Distinguishing Normal Preferences from OCD

While many people have preferences for order or cleanliness, these do not constitute OCD. The key differences include:

• Distress level: OCD causes significant distress and interferes with daily functioning.
• Time consumption: OCD symptoms often consume hours each day.
• Control: People with OCD feel unable to control their thoughts and behaviors, even when they recognize them as excessive.
• Motivation: OCD behaviors are driven by anxiety and fear, not preference or enjoyment.

The Impact of Trivializing OCD

Using “OCD” casually or as a joke can have several negative consequences:

1. It minimizes the suffering of those with diagnosed OCD.
2. It can prevent people from recognizing genuine symptoms and seeking help.
3. It perpetuates misunderstandings about the nature and severity of the disorder.
4. It can contribute to stigma and make it harder for people with OCD to discuss their experiences openly.

Understanding and Supporting Individuals with OCD

Recognizing and dispelling these myths about OCD is crucial for fostering a more understanding and supportive society. By accurately understanding OCD, we can:

• Encourage early detection and treatment of OCD symptoms.
• Provide better support to individuals struggling with the disorder.
• Reduce stigma and promote open conversations about mental health.
• Improve public awareness and education about OCD and its impact.

Seeking Help for OCD

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of OCD, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Remember, OCD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

The Role of Education in Combating OCD Stigma

Education plays a crucial role in dispelling myths and reducing stigma surrounding OCD. By promoting accurate information about the disorder, we can create a more supportive environment for those affected by OCD.

Ways to Promote OCD Awareness

• Share accurate information about OCD on social media and in conversations.
• Support organizations dedicated to OCD research and advocacy.
• Encourage media to portray OCD accurately in films, TV shows, and news articles.
• Participate in OCD awareness events and campaigns.
• Be mindful of language and avoid using “OCD” as a casual descriptor.

By working together to dispel myths and promote understanding, we can create a world where individuals with OCD feel understood, supported, and empowered to seek the help they need. Remember, OCD is a complex disorder that affects individuals differently, and compassion and accurate information are key to supporting those who live with this challenging condition.

5 Common Myths About OCD

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09SepSeptember 9, 2021

Hannah Hippe2023-03-20T08:32:39-06:00

By
Hannah Hippe


OCD

The Nystrom & Associates provider consulted for this article is Hailie Kallembach, MSW, LICSW, Outpatient Therapist.  

While about 1 in 100 adults has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the United States, it is a condition that is often misunderstood. Most people have heard about OCD. However, stereotypical portrayals in the media and misused catchphrases from those around us minimize it as a mental health condition and do not create an accurate depiction of the disorder. To clear up misconceptions, reduce stigmatization, and set the facts straight, we’re going to debunk some common myths about obsessive-compulsive disorder.  

Learn more about OCD on our conditions page.   

1. Myth: OCD is just a personality trait 

Because being clean and neat is associated with the disorder, it can become misinterpreted as a personality trait and something they can choose to control. Having a cleaning complex is a common personality trait, but OCD is not. Those who struggle with the disorder participate in these behaviors due to anxiety surrounding an obsession.  

Hailie Kallembach, Outpatient Therapist at Nystrom & Associates, explains further. “A common myth about OCD is symptoms of OCD are a personality trait instead of a mental health condition. Typically, individuals with OCD understand their actions do not have a ‘logical’ basis.” So even if someone with OCD knows that what they’re doing isn’t necessary, obsessions – or intrusive thoughts persist, which leads to compulsive behaviors. For example, one obsessive thought could be the fear of germs. The anxiety surrounding this obsession leads to compulsive behavior, like washing their hands. Completing this behavior reduces anxiety around their fear.  

Related: Relieving Back to School Stress and Anxiety

2. Myth: OCD isn’t treatable 

While there isn’t a cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are treatments that can help people manage their symptoms. Kallembach notes, “OCD is treatable through seeking out professional help along with implementing skills into daily life such as mindfulness and self-care.” 

A qualified therapist can help those struggling to practice skills to improve their daily life. Mindfulness includes practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. Therapy can provide a non-threatening environment to address any concerns and individuals can start facing their fears with a professional.  

Related: 3 Ways Meditation Helps Your Mental Health 

3. Myth: You can easily tell a person has OCD 

Because of the way the media portrays those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it has become normal to assume that you can tell right away if someone has the disorder. You might see them tapping continuously, always cleaning their desk, or rearranging furniture to ease an obsession. Television characters like Monk display OCD as having superhuman powers that help solve crimes.  

Despite the media’s portrayal, you’ve likely come across many people with OCD and didn’t realize it. Individuals with OCD are often able to hide their symptoms while they’re in public settings. This is especially true if they are receiving proper treatment from a mental health professional.  

4. Myth: OCD is only about cleanliness 

While cleanliness is a common compulsion of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is not the only related compulsion. Compulsions can also include things like: 

• Hoarding 
• Praying 
• Counting 
• Repeating certain movements 
• Touching/tapping objects 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is different for everyone, and symptoms can change throughout their lifetime.  

5. Myth: Everyone has a little OCD 

Since having a cleaning complex is a common personality trait, many believe that everyone has a little OCD. This is simply not true. Liking things to be orderly is not synonymous with having OCD.  

In general, the term OCD is thrown around very lightly which can cause confusion as well. This includes statements such as, “I’m so OCD about organizing my art supplies.” “Scheduling my day brings out my inner OCD.” Joking about having a mental health condition minimizes the suffering of those actually struggling with it.  

Related: 3 Ways to Check In On Your Mental Health Before School 

A Word From Nystrom & Associates 

In summary, there are many misconceptions about obsessive-compulsive disorder. It isn’t a personality trait, only about cleaning, or always easy to spot. More importantly, OCD is treatable. It affects everyone differently, and the right treatment will differ depending on the individual and their unique needs. If you or someone you love needs treatment, we’re here to help. Easily request an appointment online today.

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OCD: Myths vs Reality | Benenden Health

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a clinically recognised disorder. Unfortunately, it has been often misunderstood.

Here, Benenden Health dispels some common myths about this mental health issue. 

MYTH: We’re all ‘a little OCD’

REALITY: You cannot be ‘a little’ OCD. This is a complex and debilitating disorder, affecting around 1-2% of people. It most often develops in early adulthood and can make daily life very difficult to navigate.

MYTH: It’s about being obsessively tidy or clean

REALITY: Not really; it’s more complicated than that. According to OCD Action, people with OCD experience intensely negative, repetitive and intrusive thoughts, combined with a chronic feeling of doubt or danger. These feelings form a sufferer’s obsessions. Common obsessions are: fear of dirt or germs; a need for order, symmetry or arrangement; fears for their safety and the safety of those around them; fears of acting out violent or aggressive thoughts or impulses, and blasphemous or sexual thoughts. These obsessions are difficult to control or rationalise – and people with OCD struggle to get rid of them. 

MYTH: People with OCD wash their hands non-stop

REALITY: Not necessarily. To quell an obsessive thought or anxiety, people with OCD will often repeat an action – their compulsions. Washing hands can be a compulsion but not everyone living with OCD will have this urge. Other compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking or ordering. It can also be things like counting, hoarding and ritualistic behaviours. Most compulsions are repetitive behaviours intended to neutralise obsessions or unpleasant thoughts, or make them go away. Compulsions are often time consuming, preventing someone from enjoying the activities they value.  

MYTH: They just need to be more relaxed

REALITY: Not possible. People with OCD find it difficult to dismiss their anxiety and unpleasant thoughts. In fact, over time and without treatment, the thoughts can become more distressing and take over someone’s life. This could affect their relationships and ability to function. However, some can hide their OCD and appear to be functioning well.

MYTH: People with OCD just have to learn to live with it

REALITY: As with any other serious illness, there is no reason for anyone to ‘put up’ with OCD if it is having a detriment on their daily life. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people with OCD to face their fears, helping to control the compulsions. Medication such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may also be prescribed.

Mental Health Support

From day one as a Benenden Health member, you can access the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline. After 6 months of membership, you can access the full Mental Health Support service. This provides short-term support to help you manage and overcome a mental health issue, or to help support you while you await NHS help.

Find out more about OCD:

NHS

OCD Action

Mind

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment

Many people believe that obsessive-compulsive disorder manifests itself only in frequent washing of hands or double-checking the closed front door. Moreover, in the minds of many, this disorder is idealized and romanticized, has a certain mystery that confirms the pedantry, responsibility and accuracy of a person with OCD. However, this is misleading.

Obsessive-compulsive syndrome is much broader than just the thought of an unturned iron, it is a condition that worsens the quality of life, brings discomfort to oneself and others, and also has the most unfortunate consequences.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder, how to live with it and is it possible to get rid of it?

OCD is a disorder in which a person is constantly visited by intrusive negative thoughts. For example, that he can kill someone, or that he did not turn off the iron and his apartment will burn down, or that he can become infected and die from germs. Such thoughts are called obsessions.

Thoughts fall into two categories: aggressive and anxious. Aggressive thoughts are those in which a person is afraid of hurting or hurting another person. For example, he is worried that he will hit a child, hit his boss, push someone onto the rails.

Anxious – thoughts of danger. For example, the fear of getting infected, the fear that the house will burn down, there will be a war or the end of the world will come.

The thought is necessarily unpleasant, negative, terrifying. She comes to consciousness out of nowhere, suddenly and illogically. In fact, such thoughts are visited by most people. And this is absolutely normal. The difference between an ordinary person and an OCD person is that the former does not separate these thoughts from the general flow. The thought came, the man thought it over and said goodbye to her. A person with OCD, in turn, focuses on thoughts. She does not give him rest. There is an emotion, an anxiety that needs to be appeased. And then the person tries in various ways to cope with these obsessive unpleasant thoughts. Certain actions, compulsions begin to help him in this.

For example, washing your hands often and thoroughly to avoid getting sick, double-checking that the door is closed to avoid being robbed, avoiding sharp objects to avoid hurting yourself.

It is the misperception of obsessive thoughts that contributes to the development of obsessive-compulsive syndrome.

ROC Dictionary

An obsession is an obsessive, negative thought or idea that occurs involuntarily and undesirably in a person.

Compulsion – a compulsion to perform some action in order to get rid of an obsession.

Mechanism of OCD – obsessive state/idea/thought – compulsive actions – temporary relief – another occurrence of the obsessive state/idea/thought.

OCD symptoms

You can suspect obsessive-compulsive syndrome in yourself or in loved ones by the following signs.

1. Scrolling through the head of negative thoughts and images.

For example, the idea that you can hit a child or spit in the boss’s face. Or an image where you arrange something out of the ordinary in a public place.

2. The emergence of irrational anxiety.

You are suddenly enveloped in a feeling of fear and anxiety, for no real reason. You feel in danger.

3. Fear of germs.

4. The tendency to constantly double-check everything.

You remember that you have already closed the door, but you will feel better if you check again.

5. Hoarding.

It is difficult for you to part with objects and things that, in a good way, should have been sent to a landfill long ago. You see the necessity and meaning of their presence next to you.

6. Obsessive account.

Before important business, you need to make an invoice. For example, count to 10 before speaking to a person in a public place.

7. Unhealthy pedantry.

Love for cleanliness and order is commendable. But when cleaning you run away from problems or feel discomfort if you haven’t washed the already clean floors, these are the first signs of OCD.

Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Many people are concerned about the risk of OCD “contamination” and the reasons for its occurrence. Scientists have conducted studies in which they studied the factors that influence the development of OCD.

• Genetic predisposition. Mutation of a group of genes responsible for the distribution of the hormone serotonin increases the likelihood of developing OCD. /li>
• Heredity. Children of parents with OCD are at risk of developing the disorder as well. /li>
• Autoimmune. Streptoderma, acute tonsillitis, scarlet fever and other infectious diseases suffered at an early age affect the development of OCD. /li>
• Purchased. This includes any trauma at birth.
• Strictness and perfectionism of parents. Excessive demands on yourself and children can provoke OCD.

Some statistics on OKR

Obsessive-compulsive personality syndrome, according to statistics from various authors, occurs in 2-3% of people.

The first signs in 30-50% of cases appear in childhood and adolescence. Gender differences have not been established, as well as the influence of social and material status on the onset and development of the disorder. However, some authors have found a pattern between the level of education and OCD.

The syndrome is more common in people with higher education and those whose work involves intellectual activity. The listed statistics, although they give an idea of ​​the OCD situation in the world, are not accurate due to the fact that most of the “sick” do not turn to specialists. But people with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be found in literature and cinema.

Cultural obsessive-compulsive disorder

To get a better idea of ​​OCD, let’s look at movie examples.

The film “Psycho’s Day” is dedicated to the exact daily routine, strict rituals, attitude towards others and social behavior of the main character Adam (played by Marek Kondrat).

As Good As It Gets, the lead character Melvin Adell (played by Jack Nicholson) also suffers from OCD. He often washes his hands, and only in boiling water and each time with a new agent, always wears gloves, eats exclusively with his own appliances, is afraid to step on a crack in the road, avoids touching strangers, has his own ritual of turning on the light and closing the lock.

Clinic character Dr. Kevin Casey (played by Michael J. Fox) has many OCD rituals. He enters the hospital building three times, touches everything in the first patient’s room, repeats the “bing” formula, and wipes off any stains that catch his eye.

The movie “Dirty Love” depicts protagonist Mark’s (Michael Sheen’s) OCD symptoms that cause him to lose his wife, home, and job.

In Girls, main character Hannah Horvath’s OCD (played by Lena Dunham) manifests itself in a constant count of eight.

The protagonist of Detective Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub) brushes his teeth 12 times a day and flosses every 90 minutes.

In The Big Bang Theory, the main character Sheldon Lee Cooper (played by Jim Parsons) dictates his own rules and conditions to everyone around him because of OCD. He is terribly afraid of germs, does only familiar things with familiar people, sits only in a certain place on a common sofa.

Glee heroine Emma Pillsbury is obsessed with order and cleanliness because of her OCD. Like Monica Geller from Friends.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnostics

To date, the diagnosis of OCD is based on the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10).

ICD-10 has the following diagnoses for the disorder we are considering:

• OKR. Predominantly intrusive thoughts or ruminations;
• OKR. Predominantly compulsive actions;
• OKR. Mixed intrusive thoughts and actions;
• Other obsessive-compulsive disorders;
• Unspecified obsessive-compulsive disorder.

General criteria for the definition of a disorder

:

• obsessive thoughts and/or actions;
• they should appear in most cases within a period of at least two weeks;
• obsessions/compulsions – a source of stress for a person;
• the thought of implementing an action is unpleasant for a person;
• thoughts, ideas and impulses must be unpleasantly repetitive;
• compulsive actions do not have to correspond to specific thoughts or fears, but should be aimed at relieving a person of spontaneously arising feelings of tension, anxiety and / or internal discomfort.

Complications of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive syndrome, in addition to worsening the patient’s quality of life, is also dangerous because it affects the development of other mental disorders. For example, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts may occur.

This is because the person cannot get rid of OCD. Also, cases of abuse of tranquilizers, alcohol, and other psychoactive substances are not uncommon, which, of course, only aggravates the course of the disease.

Depending on the degree of neglect of the disorder, the optimal method and type of treatment is selected. The following techniques can be used:

• psychotherapeutic effect;
• drug therapy;
• family and social rehabilitation.

Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating OCD. This approach was designed specifically to address the symptoms of OCD.

It is based on awareness of the disease, recognition of its manifestations and training to resist them until full control over the situation is gained. Individual sessions of psychotherapy are recommended until the patient begins to distinguish intrusive obsessive thoughts from justified anxiety fears. Further emphasis is placed on changing compulsive behavior. After the activities carried out, it is much easier to deal with them. Psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants and tranquilizers, are widely used to treat severe forms of OCD.

Dr. Shmilovich’s Re-Alt clinic employs professionals who have all the necessary knowledge and competencies to help you or your loved ones cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Sign up through the website or by phone: +7 (495) 114-53-14

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Causes. Manifestations. Correction

Causes.

OCD is a disorder associated with serotonin deficiency or a disorder of serotonin metabolism. The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist and prescribes medication plus mandatory psychotherapy. Behavioral psychotherapy has proven itself well in the treatment of OCD.

Manifestations.

These are obsessive doubts that turn into mental chewing gum and a person, although he understands the absurdity, cannot get rid of it on his own by an effort of will. Or obsessive thoughts with obsessive actions (rituals) that reduce anxiety and fear. A person becomes obsessed and cannot stop himself, the thought goes in a circle: anxiety, avoidance and thought again.

Brain mechanisms of development of obsessions.

Serotonin is a conductor of a nerve impulse between nerve cells and, if it is not enough, a very simplified “short circuit” occurs, which manifests itself in various kinds of looping. How it happens in a simplistic way. Thought triggers adrenaline, which in turn gives a signal to the autonomic nervous system, which controls the work of our internal organs, and ensures the interaction of the psyche and body. It consists of a sympathetic division and a parasympathetic division, which are antagonists (opposite effects) if one turns on, the other turns off. The sympathetic division of the ANS is responsible for the activation of all organs and systems, for example, if stress, anxiety, then the vessels narrow to pump up the muscles with nutrients, the heart rate will increase, blood pressure will rise, breathing will become shallow, frequent. And vice versa, when there are no dangers, the parasympathetic department (responsible for peace and relaxation) is calmly activated around, which is the complete opposite of the sympathetic, on the contrary, dilates blood vessels, slows down the heart rate. And here we have a bunch of THOUGHT-launches the sympathetic department of the GNA along the adrenal chain – then the FEELING OF VOLTAGE, which is realized in the form of obsessions. The emergence of a habit. Positive and negative reinforcement of obsessions. The second problem is that due to these biological reasons, a person has a habit of always extinguishing anxiety through rituals or mental chewing gum. The brain works according to the principle (dynamic stereotype) – habits. For example, since this action of mine helped and reduced anxiety, then this is a positive reinforcement.

The trigger thought “What if” appears, often it is automatic and we may not even track what it is about, more often we already track feelings of anxiety and fear.

Automatic thought triggers the background – anxiety and fear. Background of fear like a fire. And against this background, positive and negative reinforcements appear in the form of obsessive doubts like chewing gum in the head or rituals, which are like firewood.

Let’s deal with these reinforcements.

Positive reinforcement in the face of fear.

Let’s deal with these reinforcements.

Positive reinforcement + “plus” does not mean good, it is what occurs in a couple at the same time against the background of fear and anxiety. This is a combination of incentives coupled.

Positive reinforcements. What are they? What appears? What is this combination of incentives in a pair? Let’s take as an example a conditioned reflex according to Pavlov, which developed a bell in a dog to a neutral stimulus, combining it immediately with meat. In a dog, two stimuli are combined in pairs, one has a meaningful function – food, and the other is a neutral bell. The bell was a neutral stimulus reinforced with a meaningful one – meat.

Note the meat was given immediately after the bell, not after 5 minutes. The reaction is salivation to a neutral stimulus bell, which has become a conditioned stimulus, saliva is released without food. It becomes as pleasant as food, carries the same meaning.

A person has the same conditioned reflex. Let’s translate this mechanism of formation of a conditioned reflex to a person.

– First emotionally charged stimulus. This is fear. Fear is an emotionally meaningful signal and what appears against it will be a positive reinforcement (second stimulus) and will subsequently cause the same reaction.
And what exactly appears on its background? (Second stimulus).

1. Mental chewing gum. Did I do the right thing? Said? Entered? Asked? Maybe it needs to be different? Thoughts appear – doubts, provocateurs. And if I did it differently, or do I need to redo it so that everything is fine? And I definitely need to redo it. Intrusive dialogues inside the head

2. Rituals that “reduce” anxiety

Negative reinforcement against the background of fear.

Negative – “minus” does not mean bad. This is what goes away. As a rule, anxiety and fear go away, which extinguishes the trigger thought. It seems to be easier for a person, but the pitfall is that this is essentially avoidance, withdrawal. The method itself, irrational, does not carry meaning (knock, outweigh the coat several times, etc.). This method does not solve the problem. As a rule, what caused tension disappears.

Anxiety and fear disappear. With the help of mental gum or rituals. The long-awaited peace is coming. Fear and anxiety go away, and as a result, the thought “what if” trigger goes away. But only for a while!

The reaction of avoiding one’s thoughts “What if” against the background of fear and anxiety with the help of positive and negative reinforcements has become fixed.

Correction.

Behavioral techniques for OCD.

To break the pathological circle, the pathological conditioned reflex, the trigger developed for the thought, will help the techniques of behavioral therapy, which must be consistently done. I will briefly describe one of the correction techniques. How it works.

Not a single emotion can do without

1. Cognitive component (thought).

2. Vegetative component (reaction of organs and systems).

3. Voltages. In our case, it is realized in the form of disinhibition: something must be done. (Think gum). (Rituals).

Voltage. This is a pathological vicious circle in which compulsion revolves.

First we work with tension further with the body, and finally with thoughts.

And the technicians themselves:

1. When anxiety and fear appear, you need to sit on the floor and strain all the muscles of the body: arms, legs, torso, neck, facial muscles: “Guimplen’s smile” and keep this tension to the limit.

2. Relaxation. After intense tension, when the forces run out, you need to lie on the floor. After relaxing all the muscles, pay attention to how they are in a state of relaxation. Then focus on an object outside, such as a wall clock, paying attention to the second hand. By this we activate the visual channel (switch). Breathe deeply with your belly. Breathing should be counted. For example, “One” – inhale 2 seconds through the nose, “Two” – exhale through the mouth for 4 seconds. Count to 10.

By this we delay the tension in time and break the pathological circle. We repeat the technique in several approaches.

3. Then thoughts. We work through conscious analysis instead of empty washing of obsessive doubts inside the head. We are doing a step-by-step analysis aimed at the logical conclusion of the thoughts that disturbed. This analysis differs from empty mental chewing gum in that we turn on the left hemisphere conscious analysis. Consistently and step by step, completing the problem thought.