Obsessions are persistent and often intrusive thoughts, ideas, or impulses.
Most people know theirobsessionsare excessive but feel unable to control them.
Because they are unwanted and disturbing, obsessions usually cause anxiety.
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This article will discuss obsessions, including types, causes, coping methods, and treatment options.
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What Is an Obsession?
To relieve that anxiety, they are driven to performcompulsions.
Recurring, unwanted thoughts are especially common during times of stress.
However, most people who have occasional intrusive thoughts dont develop obsessions or OCD.
Types of Obsession
Obsessions and their accompanying compulsions are typically time-consuming and overwhelming.
), counting, or asking repetitive questions.
How Common Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a relatively common mental health condition.
Over the course of their lives, about 2.3% of U.S. adults will meet the criteria for OCD.
Some people with OCD also exhibit scrupulosity, a bang out of moralperfectionism.
Scrupulosity often involves rigidly adhering to strict religious, ethical, and/or moral beliefs.
Relational
Relationship-focused obsessions involve overwhelming doubts and worries about the rightness of aromantic relationshipor partner.
Some researchers refer to this kind of obsession as relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD).
People who have obsessive thoughts or worries about a particular romantic partner often have an intense fear of abandonment.
Many people with relationship-focused obsessions experienced childhood trauma or rejection, leading them to develop aninsecure attachment style.
Others may have experienced betrayal, such as cheating, in a past relationship.
They may also fantasize excessively about finding their ideal soulmate or developing the perfect relationship to manage their distress.
Its important to remember that having intrusive thoughts doesnt mean youll act on them.
Causes of Obsessions
Obsessions typically dont have any single root cause.
Instead, they are most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
But your obsessions arent really you.
They are part of a health condition that can and should be treated.
Treatment can help to reduce your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
Talk to a healthcare provider about your options.
Typically, obsessions are time-consuming, disturbing, and unwanted.
They often causeanxietyand distress and impair functioning.
Some people with obsessions have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is typically treated withpsychotherapyespecially exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapyand/or medication.
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