Impulsive Vs Intrusive Thoughts: Impact Of Anxiety In OCD

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We all have thoughts that are sometimes more illogical and dangerous. Sometimes, we go for those activities out of curiosity, but when it comes to people with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), they tend to lose control. There are times throughout the day of an OCD-affected person when he/she loses control of their compulsions and does something that can be excessive. Many factors in their daily life can trigger their reactions and make them aggressive and violent. 

Anxiety can be a cause of their aggression as it makes them think about something continuously for hours and contaminate their mind. Mind contamination is a term given to thoughts to harm someone or break things to get relaxed. Anyway, if you or someone you know is having these compulsions, there is a chance OCD is breeding inside. Have a look at little details that are going to navigate you through your thoughts:

What Is The Relation Between Anxiety And OCD?

Anxiety and OCD are two completely different things, but some things connect them. We all suffer from anxiety at some point in our lives; as we get scared of something or get disappointed, anxiety gets triggered but goes away after some time as well. But when a person suffering from OCD gets anxious, he/she generally loses control of their actions and does something compulsive. Anxiety in them is chronic and can last for a lifetime. 

In people without OCD, anxiety is just a phase in their life, but in those who have OCD, it’s in their daily thought process. Anxiety in them can trigger their compulsive side and provoke them to do something irrational rather than impulsive.

Relation Between Anxiety And OCD

Differentiating Intrusive And Impulsive Thoughts

A person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder thinks completely different from others. They usually think about someone or something based on their emotion rather than being logical. Some thoughts are compulsive and aggressive, while some thoughts are self-harming. These types of thoughts are classified in two main terms, which are explained in detail here. Have a look:

👉 Intrusive Or InvasiveThoughts

For people who have OCD, their brain creates imaginary scenarios and circumstances that can be rather aggressive. Usually, these thoughts are regular and for short time periods, but a person with OCD can be unpredictable and lose control over their logic. These intrusive thoughts are unprovoked and can consume their mind for hours. So, monitoring their behavioral patterns and adapting to them is the only way to avoid conflict. People with cleaning obsessions get intrusive thoughts after noticing any type of clutter or dirt somewhere. So, being aware of their condition, it is necessary to avoid getting into that situation with them.

👉 Impulsive Or Reckless Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are regular and probably controllable, even for a person with OCD. But when it comes to impulsive thoughts, these are the thoughts that depress the person severely and make them lose control over their actions and speech. Impulsive thoughts in people with OCD can make them do something irrational, like harming themselves and breaking something to get relaxed or satisfied. Impulsive thoughts are rather rare and come due to extreme stress or disappointment, so be aware of those situations and try to avoid them.

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Conflict Prevention

When you suffer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), there is nothing that you can do to treat your condition, but when it comes to having control and holding your composure, it’s possible. Things like Yoga, mind relaxation exercises, and exposure to nature can be effective in calming your nerves and preventing conflicts. 

Giving a specific time of your day to these activities will improve the logical part of your brain and eventually give you more control over your thoughts. These conflict prevention activities are effective when done regularly, and psychiatric therapies can give even better results in gaining control over thought processes and behavior.

Bottom Line

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an illness that can consume one’s mind and make them harm themselves or others. That doesn’t mean it’s their character flaw; it’s this illness that impairs their logical thinking after getting triggered. If you have OCD, then there is nothing to blame yourself for your reactions. You can always try to improve and control your thoughts by being positive and doing some conflict prevention activities mentioned above.

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Dr. David G Kiely is a distinguished Medical Reviewer and former General Medicine Consultant with a wealth of experience in the field. Dr. Kiely's notable career as a General Medicine Consultant highlights his significant contributions to the medical field.

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