What is not commonly represented, but frequently experienced by those with OCD, is the taboo nature of the disorder: pedophile obsessions, postpartum obsessions, incest obsessions, bestiality obsessions, necrophilia obsessions, violent obsessions, and more.
What does “unacceptable thoughts” mean? This type of OCD involves sexual, aggressive, and religious/moral obsessions. These obsessions involve very taboo thoughts that are hard to talk about, even with people who we are closest to.
The stigma behind OCD stems from ignorance. Some people don't fully understand the depth of this disorder, and some may even assume the symptoms are made up. However, if they were to spend time with someone who has OCD, they may see things differently.
And you are not alone. Experiencing taboo thoughts like these is one of the most common, yet lesser known, manifestations of OCD. Fortunately, recent mainstream media attention, and a new website called www.intrusivethoughts.org, are helping raise awareness of the disorder and the different forms it comes in.
It can include, but is not limited to: swelling, tingling, warmth, moisture, lubrication, tumescence (swelling or feeling of fullness), sensitivity to small movements, partial erection or full erection. A groinal response in OCD can present as an intrusive feeling, or as a result of an intrusive thought, urge or image.
Examples include worries about having committed a sin or breaking a religious rule, blasphemous thoughts about religious figures, or fear that one is falling short morally.
Anxiety and arousal
This attention and the anxiety you are feeling may actually increase blood flow and physical arousal. This can make you feel as if you are aroused by the intrusive thoughts when in fact the opposite is true. Many people with this type of OCD call this 'groinal response'.
Attend to the intrusive thoughts; accept them and allow them in, then allow them to move on. Don't fear the thoughts; thoughts are just that—thoughts. Don't let them become more than that. Take intrusive thoughts less personally, and let go of your emotional reaction to them.
Exposure therapy has been shown to be effective for reducing symptoms in about 75% of patients with compulsive staring. This type of therapy should be done under supervision from a qualified mental health professional, who has specialty experience in treating OCD with exposure and response prevention.
Primarily obsessional OCD has been called "one of the most distressing and challenging forms of OCD." People with this form of OCD have "distressing and unwanted thoughts pop into [their] head frequently," and the thoughts "typically center on a fear that you may do something totally uncharacteristic of yourself, ...
Experts aren't sure of the exact cause of OCD. Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood. But, it can also start in childhood.
People with OCD often have recurring thoughts that they may be responsible for something bad happening to someone else. They may also fear that they will do something horrible in the future or commit a crime due to terrible intentions or impulses.
On the other hand, someone with OCD can have unrealistic thoughts, but they're aware that their thoughts aren't grounded in reality. While they may feel like something unrealistically bad could happen, they know it's actually irrational and impossible.
Fears about contamination, germs, and cleanliness are very common with OCD, which may lead to problems with physical closeness, being touched and overall affection. That said, those with OCD are prone to intimacy issues.
People with OCD may blink, close their eyes, or move their gaze in response to intrusive thoughts. A subtype of OCD known as sensorimotor/hyperawareness OCD involves being hyperaware of bodily sensations and engaging in related compulsions. Eye movements may also be a sign of tic disorders.
OCD sufferers have also known to display secondary harmful behaviors such as hoarding, hair pulling, skin picking, anorexia, or bulimia. These behaviors can cause irreparable damage to the body if left untreated.
However, one thing that is clear is that comorbidities, stress, anxiety, and major life changes or circumstances can all play a significant role in how much worse OCD might become. As symptoms increase or intensify, people with OCD may also experience the following: Failure at work and/or school.
Intrusive thoughts are often triggered by stress or anxiety. They may also be a short-term problem brought on by biological factors, such as hormone shifts. For example, a woman might experience an uptick in intrusive thoughts after the birth of a child.
Bible Verses for OCD Sufferers
2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-control. 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Psalm 4:8: I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
OCD can manifest in many ways, including in a sexual manner. Some people may be unable to control their sexual urges, behavior, or impulses to the point of causing distress in their life, known as hypersexuality.
Anxiety amplification: Intrusive thoughts often cause intense anxiety and distress. The more anxious a person becomes in response to these thoughts, the more attention and significance the brain assigns to them. This amplification of anxiety reinforces the thoughts and increases their frequency and intensity.
(Purdon and Clark 2005)” Urges that come with OCD are not pleasurable. Acting on urges may go against your values and go against what you enjoy doing. This makes it far less likely that you would act on an urge.