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A Cognitive Behavioural model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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The cycle of OCD begins with intrusive thoughts (obsessions). These trigger distress and attempts are made to manage distress and perceived threat by performing certain rituals known as compulsions. This provides only short-term relief.
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Compulsions: fast-acting anxiety relief! (With a price…)
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In the beginning stages of the development of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder compulsions provide fast relief from the anxiety or distress created by intrusive thoughts – uninvited, upsetting thoughts that can pop into our minds unexpectedly. But over the long term, compulsions make the problem worse.
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Intrusive thoughts: the uninvited visitors
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Thoughts of swerving into traffic, pushing someone off a cliff: Intrusive thoughts happen to us all. Research has showed the content of an intrusive thought for an average person is identical to an obsession in someone with OCD. How do they differ?
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“Are you sure?”
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Did you ever, as a child, hesitate to step on a crack or a line? You knew it wouldn’t hurt anyone but there was that tiny doubt that said, “But what if it was true? It would be terrible if your mother’s back got broken! And it would be your fault!”
