Compulsions: A Short Term Solution
When our brain detects a threat, it motivates us to assess and respond. For example, if we get a splinter, we naturally want to examine the area and take steps to prevent harm — like removing the splinter or cleaning the wound. This is an adaptive response designed to protect us.
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Unwanted
Intrusion
Thought
Image
Urge
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Meaning
Emotions
Sensations
Urge to say something inappropriate
"OMG! Is this something I could do? What is wrong with me?!"
Embarrassed +++
Anxious +++
Shame ++
Disgust +
Sweat+
High heart rate
Urge to flee ++++
Urge to fix ++++
In OCD, the brain misinterprets unwanted intrusions as signs of real danger.
This triggers intense distress and urges to "do something" - such as performing a compulsion, or avoiding a situation - in an attempt to reduce the changes of something bad happening, to feel safer and more in control.
Compulsions
-
Avoid certain conversation topics
-
Mentally check that didn't say something offensive
-
Ask others if you offended someone
Emotions
Sensations
Sweet relief! Embarrassed +
Anxious +
Lower heart rate
Lower urge to flee
Lower urge to fix
At first, these compulsions can seem effective.
They may bring temporary relief or reassurance, which makes them feel like the right solution. In fact, our brain will likely argue that compulsions are the only solution to this problem, so it makes complete sense that that is what we want to do!
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However, just because our brain urges us to act this way, it doesn’t mean it’s always a helpful course of action, just as eating sugar at every craving would readily become unhealthy.
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Unwanted
Intrusion
Thought
Image
Urge
Meaning
Emotions
Sensations
Urge to say something inappropriate
"OMG! Is this something I could do? What is wrong with me?!"
Embarrassed +++
Anxious +++
Shame ++
Disgust +
Sweat+
High heart rate
Urge to flee ++++
Urge to fix ++++
Compulsions
-
Avoid certain conversation topics
-
Mentally check that didn't say something offensive
-
Ask others if you offended someone
Emotions
Sensations
Sweet relief! Embarrassed +
Anxious +
Lower heart rate
Lower urge to flee
Lower urge to fix
Any relief experienced from compulsions is short-lived.
Over time, compulsions feed the OCD cycle, increasing anxiety and reinforcing OCD's hold on our life.
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