Are you “overthinking” or is it “Pure O” OCD?

Most of us experience periods of overthinking or thought spirals during stressful life events. We may replay memories in our minds or dissect confusing conversation. However, people experiencing “Pure O” OCD (“O” for obsession) experience significantly distressing intrusive mental obsessions such as violent images or taboo thoughts coupled with internal compulsions. Internal compulsions might include excessive or prolonged mental reviewing, seeking reassurance from others, and high levels of avoidance. 

Because these compulsions are not visible like hand-washing or lock-checking behaviors in other OCD subtypes, people suffering from “Pure O” OCD may label themselves as chronic overthinkers or ruminators and fail to seek appropriate professional help. They may spend hours or days trying to “make sense” of an intrusive thought, decipher why they are having the intrusive thought, or determine what the intrusive thought might mean about them. Pure O may also come with higher levels of shame, guilt, and isolation due to the often upsetting nature of the intrusive thoughts. 

Think you or a loved one may be suffering from “Pure O” OCD? 

Treatment is available. Interventions such as Exposure-Response Prevention have been proven to be highly effective in treating “Pure O” Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and assisting the client with managing feelings of OCD anxiety and uncertainty. 

If you or a loved one may be suffering from Pure “O” OCD or another form of OCD, reach out to us for a free consultation call here, or learn more about our offerings here.