Harm OCD
Harm OCD is a type of OCD that causes a person to have doubts and fears about whether they are in control of themselves and if they could become violent towards themselves or others. A typical symptom of Harm OCD is the fear of hurting oneself or one’s loved ones. Those suffering from Harm OCD experience intrusive thoughts or mental imagery of violence towards themselves or others. These obsessional thoughts create incredible distress and leave someone suffering from Harm OCD doubting whether or not they want to act out these violent thoughts they are having. As a result, individuals suffering from Harm OCD will usually leave the situation or avoid the person or situation that triggers these thoughts. This avoidance becomes a coping mechanism that the person believes is necessary to keep themselves and others safe. Unfortunately, this avoidance is a type of compulsion that strengthens and reinforces the cycle of OCD. The obsessions and compulsions a person experiences with Harm OCD vary widely and may include:
Obsessions
Compulsions
Treatment for Harm OCD
Individuals suffering from Harm OCD are advised to seek treatment from a mental health provider that specializes in the treatment of OCD. OCD specialists are trained to treat a wide range of OCD subtypes, including Harm OCD. Like all types of OCD, Harm OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.
Obsessions
- Concern that one day they will lose control and hurt a loved one or themselves
- Fear of succumbing to a sudden impulse to molest, stab, or kill someone
- Worry about behaving inappropriately by shoplifting, insulting someone, or acting out sexually
- Fear of failing to "save" someone from imminent harm
- Fear of blacking out and causing harm without even knowing it
- Obsessions about harming one's own child
Compulsions
- Avoiding people or situations that may trigger obsessions
- Compulsively checking oneself, others, or specific areas to ensure no one is hurt
- Excessively checking appliances, doors, windows, or other perceived threats to prevent "catastrophe"
- Mentally reviewing memories to ensure no harm has been caused
- Avoiding knives or other "dangerous" objects that could be used to hurt someone
Treatment for Harm OCD
Individuals suffering from Harm OCD are advised to seek treatment from a mental health provider that specializes in the treatment of OCD. OCD specialists are trained to treat a wide range of OCD subtypes, including Harm OCD. Like all types of OCD, Harm OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.