Beyond the Blink: Debunking Myths About Sensorimotor OCD

One of the least understood forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder is sensorimotor OCD also referred to as body-focused OCD. Due to the fact that it deals with such a natural process as the attention to your own body, numerous myths about it exist. Let's clear up the confusion.

Myth 1: Sensorimotor OCD is not really OCD

It is a fact that Sensorimotor OCD is equally valid and crippling as any other form. Individuals that have it are highly conscious of the body processes like breathing, blinking, swallowing or heart beats. What many consider automatic turns into unceasing thoughts in the mind at the expense of distress and exhaustion.

Myth 2: It is nothing but health anxiety

This type of OCD is not concerned with a fear of disease or bodily injury as opposed to health concerns. The fear is due to the fact that they are over-mindful of sensations per se, and they believe that this can be an unceasing phenomenon. It is not disease--but disease awareness that is not going to sink in the background.

Myth 3: Diversion takes it away

People tend to tell you: just think about something different. Regrettably, this just breeds the cycle. Attempts to suppress thoughts of breathing or blinking tend to make the sensations all the more apparent. The agonist is the more aware it becomes.

Myth 4: The sensations in themselves are risky

It should be kept in mind that it is not the problem of bodily functions. They are non-toxic, natural. It is the response that is distressing, fear, worry and the obsessive methods of trying to control or avoid the awareness. The feelings are neutral; the apprehension provides them with a sense of gravity.

Myth 5: This type of OCD does not respond to treatment

The sensorimotor OCD is responsive to the same evidence-based therapy as other types of OCD. Through exposure therapy, mindfulness and acceptance techniques, individuals can be taught to allow the senses to pass and they can learn not to be attached to fear. Recovery does not imply completely ending the relationship with awareness.

Final Word

The sensorimotor OCD can be overwhelming, but is not a life sentence. The knowledge of the myths will decrease the stigma and create an opportunity to treat the patients effectively. It can be done with the correct instructions and means to leave that cycle of hyper-awareness and find some peace in everyday life once again.