Vomit Phobia – Fear of Vomiting (Emetophobia)

Flu season will be quickly upon us and with it comes an unfortunate increase in the likelihood of experiencing fevers, coughs, runny noses, vomiting, and the like.

Although no one enjoys being sick, this time of year poses particular challenges for individuals suffering from “vomit phobia”, or emetophobia, the fear of throwing up.

The …  (read more)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Symptoms

On March 19, 2012, in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a somatoform disorder that closely resembles obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include excessive concern about perceived physical flaws, defects, or imperfections.

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become obsessed with these unwanted aspects of their appearance and perform a variety of …  (read more)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

On March 17, 2012, in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is not formally classified as an anxiety disorder; however, it shares many overlapping features with anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

In contrast to OCD which typically focuses on specific external feared outcomes, body dysmorphic disorder involves hyper-attention to one or more perceived bodily …  (read more)

Treatment of Unwanted Thoughts & Sensations in OCD

On January 18, 2012, in OCD, OCD - General, “Pure-O” Symptoms, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

In my post about the treatment of sensorimotor OCD, a reader asked about the ultimate goal of treatment. Should the goal of treatment be to never notice an unwanted thought or symptom?

Suppressing Unwanted Thoughts & Sensations in Pure-O & Sensorimotor OCD

Let’s explore this idea in detail. Suppose I adopt the goal of …  (read more)

Thought Control & OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

On January 14, 2012, in OCD, OCD - General, “Pure-O” Symptoms, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.
OCD & Thought Control

Can I learn to eliminate my OCD thoughts?

I hear this question all the time from new patients who are searching for ways to suppress their unwanted thoughts. When I answer this question with a resounding “no”, there is often much surprise and grief. After all, this is why they’re …  (read more)

Sensorimotor OCD & Social Anxiety Differential Diagnosis: “Obsessive Swallowing”

On November 1, 2011, in Body-Focused/Sensorimotor Symptoms, ERP, OCD, Social Anxiety, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Reader Question: For the past year, I have been dealing with OCD-related sensorimotor obsessions focused on swallowing. My symptoms started during a class discussion in which I noticed myself swallow. Since then, whenever I am in a lecture or quiet place surrounded by people, I become deeply focused on my own swallowing and worry that  (read more)

Treatment for Body-Focused Obsessions & Compulsions in OCD (e.g., Swallowing, Breathing, Blinking)

On October 14, 2011, in Body-Focused/Sensorimotor Symptoms, ERP, OCD, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

This post is the last in a series of posts discussing body-focused obsessions and compulsions (aka, sensorimotor, somatosensory, or somatic obsessions and compulsions) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This series was inspired by an original article written by Dr. David Keuler for OCDchicago.org. You can access Dr. Keuler’s excellent article here.

Ruling  (read more)

OCD Core Fears Related to Body-Focused Obsessions & Compulsions (e.g., Swallowing, Breathing, Blinking)

On September 22, 2011, in Body-Focused/Sensorimotor Symptoms, OCD, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

This post is the second in a series of posts discussing body-focused obsessions and compulsions (aka, sensorimotor, somatosensory, or somatic obsessions and compulsions) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This series was inspired by an original article written by Dr. David Keuler for OCDchicago.org. You can access Dr. Keuler’s excellent article here.

OCD  (read more)

Sensorimotor OCD Body-Focused Obsessions & Compulsions (Swallowing, Breathing)

On September 19, 2011, in Body-Focused/Sensorimotor Symptoms, OCD, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

This post is the first in a series of posts discussing body-focused obsessions and compulsions (i.e., sensorimotor obsessions and compulsions) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This series was inspired by an original article written by Dr. David Keuler for OCDchicago.org. You can access Dr. Keuler’s excellent article here.

Body-Focused Obsessions and Compulsions in OCD  (read more)
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