Most people recovering from OCD know how difficult it is to ban intrusive unwanted thoughts from the mind.
That is why many OCD therapists help their clients by having them reevaluate the way they process (think about) intrusive thoughts, and some new research supports this idea.
The study was conducted by Concordia University in Montreal in conjunction with 15 universities worldwide.
We Are More Similar Than Different
Researchers at Concordia determined that humans everywhere experience impulses, thoughts, and images that are considered symptomatic of OCD. Intrusive thoughts are a widespread phenomenon.
“This study shows that it’s not the unwanted, intrusive thoughts that are the problem—it’s what you make of those thoughts,” said researcher Adam Radomsky. “And that’s at the heart of our cognitive and behavioral interventions for helping people overcome OCD.”
Knowing that these types of thoughts are extremely common will, the investigators hope, reassure those with OCD that they are not so different from others.
Those with OCD are not alone in having thoughts about jumping off a cliff or in front of a train. However, most people shrug-off such thoughts as being silly or strange, but a person with OCD may consider themselves suicidal and become distressed.
Responding To Intrusive Thoughts
The research spanned six continents, 13 countries, and involved 777 college students. The investigators worked with the participants to make sure they could distinguish unwanted, intrusive thoughts from other types of worry, such as rumination about the past.
The researchers noted that the students’ intrusive thoughts included those related to aggression, doubt, and contamination—or, the same kinds of thought reported by people with OCD.
The study makes it clear that having intrusive thoughts does not indicate a person has OCD. Those who are diagnosed with OCD:
- have recurring thoughts about things such as dirt, germs, violence or intruders, hurting others, orderliness, or sexual intimacy.
- cannot control the unwanted thoughts, or the behaviors employed to manage anxiety caused by the thoughts.
- are compelled to engage in recurring behaviors or rituals that they do not enjoy, such as checking door locks or hand washing.
- spend at least 60 minutes each day on intrusive thoughts and rituals, which interfere with daily functioning.
If you suspect having OCD, see your doctor or a mental health professional. Help is available, and typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Source: Concordia News
Photo credit: Life Mental Health (@flickr)
