perfectionism and - Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

6/14/13!
Common obsessions, continued$
• Disorder, asymmetry, perfectionism, “just right”#
• Fear of losing or not having something: Throwing
away something valuable by mistake#
• Scrupulosity: Religious (blasphemy) and secular
(that they have done or might do something
wrong, like stealing or telling a falsehood)#
• Superstitions: Unlucky numbers, colors, etc.#
• Pathological doubting: That the alarm clock is
set correctly, that they have OCD#
Compulsions$
• Compulsions are voluntary behaviors performed to
reduce or control the anxiety brought on by
obsessions.#
• Mental compulsions and avoidance (“preëmptive
compulsions”) are common. #
• The relief brought on by performing compulsions,
including mental compulsions, is transient at best.!
• Avoidance is terrific at reducing anxiety but is a
terrible long-term strategy.#
Common compulsions $
• Washing, cleaning; avoiding dirt, germs, etc.#
• Checking: Locks, stoves, irons, babies, health
(e.g., AIDS test), under the car, ad infinitum!
• Other protective actions: Putting knives away!
• Seeking reassurance, “researching”: Asking
people (doesn’t have to be in the form of a
question), getting on internet to research
symptoms, dangers !
(continued)#
Common compulsions, continued $
• Ordering, arranging, correcting#
• Hoarding, compulsive acquiring: Things, trash,
animals!
• Counting, making decisions by counting#
• Confessing, te'ing#
• Mental reassurance/researching: Mentally
reviewing events (“Did I hurt her feelings”)#
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