One of the common symptoms of OCD have unwanted disturbing images. These are so unwanted that even the fact that were experienced causes significant emotional distress. The content of these images does vary greatly from person to person. In these images, the image may come up often and will be disruptive. Despite the images not being welcome, the patient may worry more and more that these images must mean something; perhaps that they are a future eventuality, or a suppressed past.

Disturbing images: It’s a new mother afraid of diapering her child in case she accidentally touches the baby the “wrong way.” It’s the loving pet owner who fears their dog will find chocolate and die, so they will not even allow themselves to eat it. Its a sweet teen who fears that he will become gay so strongly, that he has to quit singing lessons incase they could turn him gay. If you have OCD, the reaction to these images is to obsess about them to the point that you are controlled by them. You may start avoiding certain people, places, behavior. You may start doing things to “prove” things to yourself, or neutralize the worry.

The following are common examples of disturbing images had by people with OCD:

1. Imagining yourself in a pedophile role towards a child, yet there is no desire to actually act that way. Instead of a desire to have a sexual relationship with a child, there is an intense fear.
2. The image of hurting, maiming, or murdering another living creature, like your baby or family dog. However, you do not actually want to murder your family dog or baby, instead there is intense fear that because you have the image, you might actually do it.
3. The image of causing harm by accident. In this, regardless of your desires, you fear that you will lose control in some way and cause great harm to another by accident instead of malicious intent.
4. Images of unwanted sexual behavior. In these images, you might see homosexual or heterosexual acts. You may or may not be involved in the images. There may be a strong fear about being or becoming homosexual or becoming sexually aggressive.

How can I be sure that this wont happen and that it is just OCD? Answer a few of these questions:

Are these images unwanted and disturbing? (If you have OCD the answer would be YES)

Ask yourself are you actually aroused by the images?  (If you have OCD the answer would be NO)

Am I terrified of doing this even though everyone around me assures me I wont? (If you have OCD the answer would be YES)

Does telling people about the image neutralize the strong emotions for a short time? (If you have OCD the answer would be YES, if the answer is NO, you may still have OCD)

Do I actually want to hurt or harm someone? (If you have OCD the answer is NO)

If I knew I wouldn’t get caught, would I be more likely to do this thing? (If you have OCD you would answer NO! This is one of the biggest differences between a pedophile and someone with pedophile OCD)

Have I modified my life to avoid any real life contact with elements from this image? (If you have OCD the answer would be YES).

If you find yourself needing help for OCD, make sure your therapist does not become another neutralization technique. Make sure they know about exposure and response prevention techniques.

 

Now, the truth is, if you have OCD, you will seek constant reassurance. Simply reading this post might make you feel good for a minute, and then you will begin doubting again and need more reassurance. There is no amount of reassurance that will make it all better. The best thing you can do is do exposure therapy.