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Checking OCD Treatment

Checking OCD: Understanding and Overcoming the Urge to Reassure Yourself

At The Scoggan Institute, at our outpatient OCD and anxiety treatment center, we understand that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest in various ways, and checking compulsions are a common and often misunderstood symptom. This page will equip you with information about Checking OCD, its triggers, and effective treatment strategies.

What is Checking OCD?

Checking OCD involves repetitive behaviors or mental acts driven by a fear of negative consequences if not performed. Individuals with Checking OCD experience intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that something bad might happen if they don’t check repeatedly to ensure everything is safe, secure, or perfect. These checks can be physical (e.g., repeatedly checking the stove is off) or mental (e.g., mentally reviewing a conversation for mistakes).

Common Checking Compulsions:

  • Checking Doors and Locks: Repeatedly checking to ensure doors and windows are locked, often accompanied by returning to re-check.
  • Checking Appliances: Constantly verifying if the stove is off, iron unplugged, or other appliances are switched off.
  • Checking Personal Appearance: Obsessively checking in the mirror for flaws, reapplying makeup, or fixing clothing.
  • Checking for Mistakes: Reviewing work emails, documents, or written assignments repeatedly for errors.
  • Mental Checking: Ruminating over past conversations, replaying events in your head, or mentally reviewing actions for mistakes.

The Cycle of Checking OCD

Checking OCD follows a predictable cycle:

  1. Intrusive Thought (Obsession): A thought arises that something bad might happen (e.g., the house will burn down if I don’t check the stove again).
  2. Anxiety: This thought triggers anxiety and discomfort.
  3. Compulsion to Check: To relieve the anxiety, the urge to check arises (e.g., going back to check the stove).
  4. Temporary Relief: Checking temporarily reduces anxiety, but only briefly.

Why is Checking Reassuring but Ultimately Unsatisfying?

While checking might provide temporary relief, it reinforces the OCD cycle. The brain learns that checking is necessary to feel safe, leading to increased anxiety when the urge to check isn’t acted upon. Over time, checking can become more frequent and time-consuming, impacting daily life and productivity.

Effective Treatment for Checking OCD

The good news is that Checking OCD is highly treatable through effective OCD treatment programs. At The Scoggan Institute, our therapists utilize evidence-based approaches to help you manage checking compulsions and reduce anxiety. Here are some common treatment strategies:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to situations that trigger checking compulsions while resisting the urge to check. ERP for OCD allows you to experience the anxiety without engaging in the compulsive behavior, ultimately reducing the fear and anxiety associated with the obsessions.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT therapy helps identify negative thought patterns related to checking and develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
  • Mindfulness Techniques: Learning mindfulness practices can enhance your ability to observe intrusive thoughts without judgment, leading to decreased anxiety and reduced need for checking compulsions.

Living with Checking OCD: Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips for managing Checking OCD:|

  • Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan: Collaborate with your therapist to create strategies for managing challenging situations and preventing relapse into checking compulsions.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts; what matters is how you respond to them.
  • Join a Support Group: Connecting with others who understand Checking OCD can be invaluable.
  • Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

The Scoggan Institute Can Help

At The Scoggan Institute, our compassionate therapists understand the challenges of Checking OCD. We offer a safe and supportive environment where you can learn effective strategies to manage your compulsions and live a fulfilling life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey towards overcoming Checking OCD.

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