Existential OCD Myth Buster: Clearing the Confusion

Existential OCD is a less famous but very painful type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It entails compulsive thinking of life and death, reality, universe and other profound, philosophical inquiries. Whereas most individuals occur to speculate about such things on some occasions, Existential OCD converts such thoughts into a never-ending trail of fear, self-doubt and self-ridicule. Regrettably, there are some myths associated with this condition which complicate the development of people who require help. So, let us debunk some of these myths.

Myth 1:  It is a state of intense speculation

Fact: Existential OCD cannot be described as idle curiosity. The thoughts are impulsive, unwelcome and disturbing. They continue to get back and disrupt the normalcy of life. This goes much beyond just mere reflection of the meaning of life.

Myth 2: Individuals with an Existential OCD are merely theatrical

Fact: This is not an attention seeking behavior. Individuals who have existential OCD experience a distress that is very real. The thoughts that result in such obsessions and the compulsive need to be certain are very anxiety producing.

Myth 3: No cure can be found

Fact: There might be no definite answers to these thoughts but there is good treatment. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment assists persons in dealing with their anxieties without attempting to answer the questions at a time. This lowers the anxiety with time.

Myth 4: Treatment is all about answers

Fact: Therapy is not aimed at solving the big questions, but makes people live with uncertainty. It is a matter of decreasing the hold of the obsessive thoughts it is not a matter of solving the mysteries of life.

Myth 5: It is equivalent of loving philosophy

Fact: There is a lot of difference between existential OCD and philosophical curiosity. Although the exercises of philosophy may be interesting and intellectually engaging and stimulating, the experience of Existential OCD is disruptive, disturbing and described by the sufferer as being looped or stuck in a certain way.

Final Thought

Existential OCD is not imaginary, there is nothing light-hearted about it, and it is manageable. The first process of recovering and getting peace of mind is to break these myths.