While responding may seem supportive, it only serves to perpetuate OCD behaviors andthoughts.
OCD Reassurance Seeking Examples
Why do you need constant reassurance?
OCD reassurance-seeking is a compulsive act done in hopes of reducing the anxiety associated with an obsession.
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Safety
Paola experiencesobsessionsrelated to hitting someone while driving her car and not realizing it.
His brother refuses to discuss the issue, which causes Jake to become even more distressed.
Friends and family now avoid going with her to public places because of her behavior.
Death
Zhang has obsessions related to his spouse dying in an accident.
However, in the end, your efforts are likely only hardening the hold OCD has on them.
It can also end up having a negative effect on you.
This can often be done very effectively in family meetings facilitated by a mental health care provider orOCD therapist.
This can be difficult for everyone.
While this still represents acompulsion, it reduces distress within the family and improvesrelationshipswith others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reassurance-seeking is a common symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
People with anxiety disorders or dependent personality disorder may also engage in excessive reassurance-seeking.
A bang out of therapy known as exposure and response prevention can help treat excessive OCD reassurance-seeking.
In this treatment, you are gradually exposed to your triggers but are prevented from seeking reassurance.
With continued exposure, feelings of fear begin to diminish and the need to seek reassurance decreases.
Osborne DWS, Williams CJ.Excessive reassurance-seeking.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment.
2020;20(1):356. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02766-y
Osborne DWS, Williams CJ.Excessive reassurance-seeking.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment.
2013;19(6):420-421. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.111.009761.
