pure o ocd

This type of OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that are all mental, meaning all compulsions take place in a person’s head. There are no visible, physical compulsions.
Common obsessional themes generally center around harm, relationships, sexuality or moral concerns, which can result in the person feeling immense shame and guilt.

Common obsessions of Pure O theme OCD

• A sudden intrusive thought of stabbing a family member with the scissors being used to cut paper
• Experiencing a sexually intrusive thought or image while in a meeting with a coworker
• Obsessions about possibly offending a friend during a recent phone conversation

Common compulsions of Pure O theme OCD

• Replaying an interaction or a conversation repeatedly to ensure they would not offend a friend
• Mentally reviewing their words or actions to prove to themselves that would never act on the initial upsetting obsession
• Repeating phrases, words, images, numbers or patterns to reduce their anxiety about the upsetting obsession.
• Excessively reassuring themselves, “I’m not that kind of person.” “I would never do that.” “I’m a good person.”