Unwanted and intrusive thoughts?
A form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that is not often spoken about involves having repetitive and intrusive noxious thoughts. These thoughts often have a violent or sexual theme (violent or sexual images or urges) and are abhorrent to the person experiencing them.
Efforts to push the thoughts away or ‘block’ them out often results in the thoughts becoming more intrusive, and cause more distress (I can’t stop the thoughts)!
Similarly, a fear that you might act on the thoughts can trigger attempts to prevent this such as avoiding driving, avoiding going near sharp objects, avoiding eye contact during conversations etc.
Intrusive obsessional thoughts are well treated using a combination of psychological therapy (e.g. exposure with response prevention therapy) and medication. If you have concerns about intrusive thoughts, see your GP and discuss getting a referral to a clinical psychologist.
Walters Green Clinical Psychology Practice provides 1:1 treatment programs to help you reduce and manage your anxiety and mood. All clinicians at Walters Green Clinical Psychology Practice are Doctors of Clinical Psychology, and are Members of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychology.
We treat all anxiety and mood problems including:
- Depression
- Social anxiety,
- Panic attacks
- Excessive worry
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
See your GP for a referral and call us today on 32625903.
