Does Checking Really Make a Person With OCD Feel Better?: Unraveling the Complex Relationship
No, compulsively checking provides only temporary relief, but ultimately exacerbates the underlying anxiety and reinforces obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In fact, the act of checking perpetuates the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, making the OCD worse in the long run.
The Nature of Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety or distress. Individuals with OCD often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to neutralize the anxiety caused by these obsessions. Checking is a very common compulsion.
The fundamental misunderstanding surrounding checking behaviors lies in their perceived function. Individuals believe that checking provides a sense of safety and reassurance. However, this sense of relief is fleeting.
The Illusion of Reassurance: The Short-Term “Benefit”
- Temporary Anxiety Reduction: Checking can temporarily reduce anxiety by providing a momentary feeling of control or certainty.
- Reinforcement of the Obsessive-Compulsive Cycle: Each time a person checks and experiences temporary relief, the brain associates checking with anxiety reduction, strengthening the compulsion.
- False Sense of Security: Checking creates the illusion that danger is averted, even when no real threat exists.
The Long-Term Consequences: Why Checking is Harmful
While the immediate aftermath of checking might feel calming, the long-term effects are detrimental:
- Increased Anxiety: The reliance on checking actually increases overall anxiety levels by reinforcing the belief that danger is always present.
- Worsening Obsessions: Checking does nothing to address the underlying obsessions. In fact, it can intensify them by focusing attention on the feared outcome.
- Erosion of Confidence: Over time, checking erodes a person’s confidence in their own judgment and memory. They become increasingly reliant on external verification.
- Functional Impairment: Excessive checking can consume a significant amount of time and energy, interfering with work, school, relationships, and other important areas of life.
The Process of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective treatment for OCD that specifically targets compulsions like checking. ERP involves:
- Exposure: Facing the feared situations or thoughts (obsessions) that trigger anxiety.
- Response Prevention: Resisting the urge to engage in checking or other compulsions.
Gradually, through repeated exposure and prevention of compulsions, individuals learn that their anxiety will decrease naturally, without the need for checking. This process rewires the brain, breaking the connection between obsessions and compulsions.
Common Mistakes in Dealing with Checking
- Seeking Reassurance From Others: Asking family or friends to confirm that everything is okay. This reinforces the need for external validation.
- Only Checking “One More Time”: Even a seemingly small act of checking can undermine progress and perpetuate the cycle.
- Replacing One Compulsion with Another: Switching from physical checking to mental rituals (e.g., mentally reviewing events).
- Avoiding Triggering Situations: Completely avoiding situations that provoke obsessions, rather than confronting them through ERP.
How Checking Perpetuates OCD
| Feature | Effect of Checking on OCD |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Provides temporary relief, but increases overall anxiety levels in the long run. |
| Obsessions | Does not address the underlying obsessions and can intensify them. |
| Confidence | Erodes confidence in one’s own judgment and memory. |
| Functioning | Can lead to significant impairment in daily life. |
| Brain Pathways | Reinforces the neural pathways associated with obsessions and compulsions. |
Seeking Professional Help
If you are struggling with OCD and checking compulsions, it’s essential to seek professional help from a therapist who specializes in ERP. They can provide guidance and support to help you break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions and reclaim your life. Remember, Does Checking Make a Person With OCD Feel Better? Only in the short term; effective treatments are available to help you improve long-term wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between normal checking and OCD-related checking?
Normal checking is a brief and reasonable behavior performed to ensure safety or accuracy (e.g., double-checking that you locked the door). OCD-related checking is excessive, repetitive, and driven by intrusive thoughts and anxiety. It persists even when the person knows that the feared event is unlikely.
If checking doesn’t help, why do people with OCD do it?
People with OCD check because they believe it will prevent a negative outcome or reduce their anxiety. The temporary relief they experience after checking reinforces the behavior, even though it’s ultimately harmful. This cycle makes Does Checking Make a Person With OCD Feel Better? seem like the only option in that moment.
Can I reduce checking on my own, or do I need therapy?
While some individuals can reduce checking on their own through self-help strategies, many benefit from professional therapy. ERP therapy is highly effective in helping people overcome checking compulsions.
What happens if I resist the urge to check?
Initially, resisting the urge to check will likely cause an increase in anxiety. However, over time, the anxiety will naturally decrease without the need for checking. This is the core principle behind ERP.
How long does ERP therapy typically last?
The duration of ERP therapy varies depending on the severity of the OCD and the individual’s progress. Most people experience significant improvement within 12 to 20 sessions.
Are there medications that can help with OCD?
Yes, certain antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in reducing OCD symptoms. Medication is often used in conjunction with ERP therapy.
What if my checking is related to a specific fear (e.g., causing a fire)?
ERP therapy will target the specific fear associated with your checking compulsion. You will be gradually exposed to situations that trigger your fear and learn to resist the urge to check.
Is it possible to completely eliminate checking compulsions?
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all checking behaviors, ERP therapy can help you significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of your compulsions and regain control over your life. The goal isn’t necessarily to never check again, but to check only when reasonably necessary and without extreme anxiety.
What if my family members enable my checking behaviors?
It’s important to educate your family members about OCD and the negative impact of enabling behaviors. Encourage them to support your efforts to resist checking. Family therapy can also be helpful.
Does checking behaviors increase as people age?
While OCD can manifest at any age, the severity of checking behaviors can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as stress levels and life events. Age itself isn’t a direct driver, but other age-related stressors might exacerbate symptoms.
Can mindfulness techniques help with checking compulsions?
Mindfulness techniques can be a helpful adjunct to ERP therapy. They can help you become more aware of your thoughts and urges without reacting to them impulsively. This increased awareness can give you the space to make a conscious choice not to check.
What are some warning signs that checking is becoming a problem?
Warning signs include: spending an excessive amount of time checking; feeling anxious or distressed if you can’t check; avoiding situations that trigger checking; and experiencing significant impairment in your daily life due to checking. These are clear indicators that Does Checking Make a Person With OCD Feel Better? only as a temporary response to a deeper issue.