Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many associate OCD with visible compulsions like excessive hand washing or checking, there’s another facet of the disorder that a lot of people are less familiar with. It is referred to as Pure O. In this blog post, I’ll explore what Pure O is, how it differs from traditional OCD, and ways to manage it.
What is Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O)?
The name Pure O refers to having only (purely) intrusions without compulsions but in reality, this simply does not exist. That is because anyone that has OCD feels the compulsion to engage in rituals to try to get rid of their distressing thoughts. The difference is however, that in ‘pure O’ the compulsions are covert (not visible) rather than overt (visible).
Unlike traditional OCD, where individuals might engage in repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety (such as cleaning or repeated checking e.g of doors or appliances), Pure O primarily involves internal mental rituals and excessive rumination. These obsessions can be deeply distressing, disturbing, and can significantly impact a person’s daily life.
Common Themes of Pure O
Pure O obsessions can revolve around various themes, including but not limited to:
1. Violent or Harm-Oriented Thoughts: Individuals with Pure O might experience intrusive thoughts of harming themselves or others, even when they have no intention of acting on these thoughts. These thoughts can be particularly distressing.
2. Sexual Intrusions: Intrusive sexual thoughts or images that go against a person’s values and desires are a common manifestation of Pure O. People may fear being labeled as something they are not or worry about acting on these thoughts.
3. Religious or Blasphemous Thoughts: Some individuals with Pure O may have intrusive religious thoughts, often involving blasphemy or fear of divine punishment.
4. Relationship Intrusions: Pure O can lead to obsessions about the quality of one’s relationships, and whether one’s partner is the right person for them, causing doubt, even when there is no real issue.
The Hidden Struggle
One of the challenges of Pure O is that it often goes unnoticed by those around the individual. Since there are no obvious visible compulsions, sufferers may struggle in silence, fearing that others won’t understand or will judge them for their intrusive thoughts. This can lead to isolation and increased anxiety.
In reality, however, people only have OCD about the things they care most about. For example, if a very religious person was to get OCD, they’d most likely get OCD about blasphemy. If a new mother was to get OCD, she might get OCD about harming her baby. This means that people that have a fear of harm for example would do everything they can to make sure they don’t harm anyone.
Because of the typical themes of pure O however, such as harm and sexual thoughts that are unacceptable to them, sufferers tend to experience a high level of shame and guilt about having those thoughts. This often interferes with them telling anyone about their OCD and seeking treatment so they can end up suffering in silence for a long time.
Seeking Help and Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with Pure O, help is available.
According to NICE guidelines, the evidence-based therapy for OCD including Pure O is CBT which includes ERP (exposure and response prevention).
ERP involves exposing oneself to the feared thoughts and learning to manage the associated anxiety without performing compulsions.
In some cases, medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of OCD, including intrusive thoughts. Medication will not ‘cure’ OCD but can act as ‘a crutch’ while the person is using therapy to learn the tools to manage their condition.
I am as a specialist in treating OCD including pure ‘O’. I have been helping people with OCD overcome this debilitating condition for about 20 years. This has included working in services specialising in treatment resistant OCD that received referrals from the whole of UK and abroad. Please get in touch for a no-obligation, free and confidential conversation to discuss how I can help you.
The Pillars of CBT in Treating Depression
1. Recognizing and Challenging Negative Thoughts
The journey with CBT begins by identifying the negative thoughts that often fuel depression. These thoughts are then scrutinized to assess their accuracy and helpfulness. Through this process, individuals learn to develop a more balanced and realistic perspective on their experiences.
2. Developing Coping Strategies
CBT encourages individuals to develop coping strategies to manage their depression effectively. This might include learning new skills to handle stress better, improving problem-solving abilities, or cultivating mindfulness practices.
3. Behavioral Activation
Depression often leads to withdrawal and avoidance behaviors. CBT employs behavioral activation, encouraging individuals to engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, gradually breaking the cycle of withdrawal and fostering a more engaged and satisfying life.
4. Goal Setting
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy. Individuals work with their therapists to set achievable goals that guide the therapy process. These goals act as a roadmap, helping individuals make steady progress towards recovery.
The Impact of CBT on Depression
1. Evidence-Based Effectiveness
CBT is grounded in scientific research and has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression. It offers a structured approach to therapy, focusing on present challenges and working towards tangible solutions.
2. Empowering the Individual
CBT empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery. Through the skills and strategies learned in therapy, individuals find themselves better equipped to manage their depression and lead a more fulfilling life.
3. Enhancing Quality of Life
By addressing the core issues that fuel depression, CBT helps to enhance the overall quality of life. Individuals find themselves able to engage more fully in life, with a renewed sense of hope and vitality.
Conclusion
In the battle against depression, CBT stands as a beacon of light, offering hope and a pathway to recovery. Its structured, evidence-based approach, coupled with its focus on empowerment and skill development, makes it a potent tool in the fight against depression. If you or a loved one is navigating the challenging terrain of depression, consider exploring the potential benefits of CBT. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support and tools, a brighter, more hopeful future is within reach.
