Hit and Run OCD
Hit and Run OCD involves persistent fears of hitting, injuring, or killing a pedestrian while driving a car. A bump in the road, an unexpected noise, or simply a 'bad feeling' may trigger uncertainty about whether an accident occurred and prompt one to seek reassurance that they were not responsible for an accident. This may involve going back to check the scene, scanning the news for accident reports, or checking one's vehicle for signs of damage. Individuals with Hit and Run OCD often go to great lengths to avoid driving or driving in certain places or conditions, which can greatly impair day-to-day mobility and functioning.
Obsessions
Compulsions
Treatment of Hit and Run OCD
Individuals suffering from Hit and Run 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 Hit and Run OCD. Like all types of OCD, Hit and Run OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.
Obsessions
- Excessive fear about hitting someone while driving
- Obsessions about 'not knowing' whether harm has been caused
- Fear of being arrested or jailed for causing an accident
- Excessive worry about the presence, absence, or behavior of other drivers
- Preoccupation with perceived 'high-risk' locations such as parking lots or highways
Compulsions
- Turning around to check for signs of an accident
- Excessive checking around, behind, or under cars
- Careful planning or retracing of driving routes
- Looking in the rear-view mirror for signs of an accident or to check the reactions of other drivers
- Avoiding driving in certain conditions such as inclement weather or after dark
- Avoiding listening to the radio while driving in order to hear screeching tires or the sounds of someone who has been hurt.
- Seeking reassurance from passengers in your car that no one has been hit
- Reassurance with mental rituals such as “It's going to be fine,” or “No one was hit”
- Avoiding driving near 'high-risk' areas such as parking lots, school zones, highways, or on bumpy roads
Treatment of Hit and Run OCD
Individuals suffering from Hit and Run 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 Hit and Run OCD. Like all types of OCD, Hit and Run OCD can be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Indy OCD to start treatment.