Myth Buster: Magical Thinking OCD – What’s Real and What’s Not

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder refers to the Magical Thinking OCD, in which individuals think that their thoughts or minor behaviors possess the power to change worldly events. What they mean is they may believe that they may not have said a prayer so many times, something bad is going to happen to a loved one. It cannot be taken as harmless superstition this is a serious mental health problem. So let us take a break down of the myths and the facts.

Myth: Magical thinking is no more than superstition.

Reality: Magical thinking in OCD is severely driven by FEAR and Anxieties. It gives rise to habitual behavior that dominates the daily lives.

Myth: When people understand that their rituals are not logical, then they are able to stop them.

Fact: The fear is intense even in the case when a person understands that his or her thoughts are not aware of the real world. The rituals are hard to stop.

Myth: Magical thinking belongs only to a superstitious type.

Fact: Even the most non-superstitious person can get magical thoughts when he or she has OCD. It usually begins due to unpleasant, frightening thoughts.

Myth: Believing in magic thinking is a weak thing.

Reality: OCD is a health sickness. Magical thinking is not a sign of bad character or will power it is a symptom.

Myth: The individuals of magical thinking OCD are mad.

Fact: Magical thinking does not mean delusions or psychosis. Individuals with OCD are aware that what they think is not correct but, they are compelled to take action.

Myth: It is possible to bring about your way out of OCD.

Reality: OCD will not be cured by positive thinking and the concept of manifestation. The most effective therapy is evidence-based therapy that includes exposure and response prevention (ERP).