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😵abnormal psychology review

Obsessive Thoughts

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Obsessive thoughts are persistent, unwanted ideas or mental images that cause significant anxiety or distress. These thoughts often revolve around fears or concerns that the individual finds difficult to control, leading to compulsive behaviors as a way to reduce the discomfort. In certain conditions, these intrusive thoughts can significantly impact daily functioning and emotional well-being, especially in relation to body image issues or excessive attachment to possessions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Obsessive thoughts can focus on fears of being judged due to appearance, which is central to body dysmorphic disorder.
  2. In hoarding disorder, obsessive thoughts often involve fears of losing items or an overwhelming attachment to possessions.
  3. Individuals may recognize that their obsessive thoughts are irrational but still struggle to control them, causing significant distress.
  4. Treatment for obsessive thoughts often includes cognitive behavioral therapy and sometimes medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
  5. These thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors, where individuals perform specific actions to alleviate the anxiety caused by their obsessions.

Review Questions

  • How do obsessive thoughts manifest in individuals dealing with body image issues?
    • In individuals with body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive thoughts often revolve around perceived flaws in their appearance. They may obsess over specific features they believe are unattractive or distorted, leading to intense feelings of shame or anxiety. This preoccupation can result in excessive grooming, seeking reassurance from others, or avoiding social situations due to fear of judgment related to their looks.
  • What role do compulsions play in relation to obsessive thoughts in hoarding disorder?
    • In hoarding disorder, compulsions are closely linked to obsessive thoughts about possessions. Individuals may experience intrusive thoughts suggesting they cannot discard items without dire consequences. To cope with this anxiety, they often engage in compulsive behaviors like saving items excessively. This cycle reinforces the obsession as they struggle with the fear of losing important belongings, making it difficult for them to maintain a clutter-free environment.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating obsessive thoughts related to body dysmorphic disorder and hoarding disorder.
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown significant effectiveness in treating obsessive thoughts linked to both body dysmorphic disorder and hoarding disorder. By helping individuals recognize and challenge their distorted thinking patterns, CBT aims to reduce the anxiety associated with these obsessions. Through exposure therapy techniques within CBT, patients gradually confront their fears and learn healthier coping mechanisms, which ultimately leads to a reduction in compulsive behaviors and improved overall functioning.