Unwanted or intrusive thoughts and images about being gay

Homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) involves unwanted sexual intrusive thoughts, images, or attractions to people of the same sex. 1, 2 Sometimes called “gay OCD,” this condition causes people to question their sexuality and become excessively concerned that they are, will become, or will be perceived as gay. What sets SO-OCD apart are the intrusive thoughts and anxiety, followed by compulsive behaviors that aim to get absolute certainty about your sexuality.

Hocd thoughts examples

If you’re ready to escape the cycle and regain control of your life, reach out to an OCD specialist to take the first step towards recovery. Unwanted “thoughts” include images, sensations, memories and stories. When trying to cope with unwanted intrusive thoughts, effort works backwards. In response to our book, Overcoming. Cognitive OCD theorists believe that obsessions have their origin in the normal unwanted, intrusive thoughts seen in the general population.

What separate these everyday intrusions from obsessions seen in OCD are the meanings, or appraisals, that the OCD sufferers attach to the thoughts. Experiencing unwanted intrusive thoughts or mental images about same-sex attraction, homosexual thoughts, or homosexuality, which provoke distress. Compulsions are a physical reaction to the sexual orientation obsessions.

Intrusive thoughts that cause a great deal of distress are often viewed as something that must be addressed right away. For other questions, contact us. As Dr. Reading articles on the internet about how an individual can tell if they are gay or straight to see which group they might be most similar to. Seeking certainty, like with all types of OCD, will lead you to avoid triggers or accommodate their lifestyle because they feel unable to tolerate not knowing the answers to the questions posed by their OCD.

A person who feels distressed regarding their sexual orientation should speak with a doctor or therapist. Related Coverage. Writing feared sentences repetitively. Using this technique you work with a therapist to expose yourself to gradually increasing levels of anxiety-provoking situations and thoughts. Medical News Today. For more general information, please visit our "About OCD" section.

If on the other hand they happen to be homosexual they may obsess about the possibility that they might really be straight. Writing 2-page compositions about a particular obsession and then taping them in your own voice. Others will see them as having a different sexual orientation. Obsessions are repeated, unwanted intrusive thoughts, sensations, images, or feelings, and compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to neutralize the obsession, or to prevent something bad from happening.

With ERP, you work with a therapist who will guide you through exposures designed to help you face intrusive thoughts in a controlled way. Any relationship problems are a sign that they have a different sexual orientation. They have, or will have, a different sexual orientation. SO-OCD is much different from genuinely exploring your sexuality and reflecting on who you are attracted to. I have observed this symptom in young children, adolescents, and adults as well.

They are in denial about their sexual orientation. What is it? However, it is important to note that this form of OCD is not limited to those who are heterosexual. Read about the symptoms, causes, and…. Here are some examples of compulsions in sexual orientation OCD, shared by Dr. There are many techniques for confronting sexual and other obsessions that we have developed over the years.

The compulsions can take up a lot of time, and the person may avoid certain situations to avoid triggering the SO-OCD. You are never forced to do anything you are not ready for.