Intrusive Thoughts: What Makes OCD Ones Different?

Most of us get intrusive thoughts from time to time, but what makes those associated with OCD different?

As a mum who's experienced the impact of OCD intrusive thoughts first-hand, here's my take on it.

Firstly, let's break Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) into its three components.

'O' is for obsessions. These are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images or urges that repeatedly enter the mind.

'C' are compulsions. These are repeated behaviours or mental acts performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or to avoid feared events from happening.

While many people experience intrusive thoughts and may engage in certain behaviours to calm anxiety, what sets OCD apart is the next part, namely the disorder.

'D' for the disorder. In OCD, the intrusive thoughts get stuck and fail to release, leading to a cycle of compulsive behaviour.

This is what makes OCD intrusive thoughts different from those in other anxiety disorders.

To illustrate, here is an example:

Imagine two children miss a penalty shot during a football match.

While both feel embarrassed and have intrusive thoughts about missing future penalty shots.

And both may do something to calm themselves before the next match, such as tapping their feet for luck.

Here's where the difference lies.

The child without OCD will eventually move past the fear of missing another penalty shot.

They will continue playing and to lead a normal life.

The child with OCD, on the other hand, cannot let the thought go.

OCD convinces them that they need to perform a compulsion, over and over again, in order to prevent missing another penalty shot and feeling embarrassed.

These compulsions could include:

• Counting a certain number of times.
• Silently praying.
• Tapping.
• Entering the field in a specific way.
• Avoiding playing altogether.

This cycle can consume hours of the child's day and leave them feeling:

Like a 'freak'.

Exhausted.

Isolated.

This is the distinctive nature of OCD: the thoughts don't pass. They become trapped, leading to compulsive actions that take over.

This is what makes OCD intrusive thoughts different to those of other anxiety disorders.

What to do if you suspect a child is developing childhood OCD:

• Seek professional help: Consult with a medical professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and advice on the treatment available.
• Educate yourself: Learn how OCD operates to avoid inadvertently feeding compulsions.
• Grab a copy of my book, Trixie the Treat Monster' to discover the strategies Leo used to outsmart OCD and enjoy playing football again.

Click one of the links below to purchase your copy:

(My website U.K only) Signed copy of Trixie The Treat Monster & Trixie bookmark

Amazon UK

Amazon.com