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)

Fear of Saliva Swallowing & Choking: Treatment & Symptoms (OCD)

On January 10, 2012, in Body-Focused/Sensorimotor Symptoms, ERP, OCD, Social Anxiety, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Question: I have sensorimotor OCD, and I’m suffering from conscious swallowing. My main fear is that I’ll choke or swallow my own saliva whenever I’m speaking or singing. Any tips for how to tackle this fear via exposure and response prevention (ERP)?

Great question. Consistent with general exposure and response prevention (ERP) principles, your …  (read more)

OCD Triggers in Daily Life? Don’t Ritualize. Be Strategic! 3 Tips for Fighting OCD.

On November 20, 2011, in ERP, OCD, OCD - Treatment, “Pure-O” Symptoms, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Question: I know about ERP, and I understand that OCD symptoms can be reduced by resisting rituals and then habituating to the anxiety brought on by obsessive thoughts. However…what if an obsessional thought requires no ritual? Confused!

Great question. I think that in all cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is some type of ongoing …  (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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