What Are You Preoccupied With?

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In order to start working on our obsessions and compulsions, we need to identify them. Although you can always try to use a generic method, it is always best to tailor your approach to your specific situation and needs, as it will be most effective this way.

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Here you will find a list of 13 common themes that people with OCD are prone to fixating on. You are also encouraged to add to the list, if you believe that there is something that is affecting you.

Remember, a thought or image can be called “obsessive”, only when it’s INTRUSIVE, PERSISTENT and OVERWHELMING. Therefore, some of the behaviors on the list may be considered healthy, in small doses, but not if they are intrusive, persistent, or overwhelming.

Preoccupations

YES

NO

Fear of contamination (germs, diseases, toxic substances, etc.)

 

 

Fear of dirt (dust, stains, lint, etc.)

 

 

Fear of losing control (over your mind, body, work, etc.)

 

 

Fear of acting on impulse (cursing, hitting, insulting, etc.)

 

 

Fear of imperfection (Everything must be perfect)

 

 

Fear of being injured or killed (intentionally or by accident)

 

 

Fear of mistakes

 

 

Fear of throwing away something useful and important

 

 

Fear of losing things

 

 

Fear of natural or man-made disasters

 

 

Inability to tolerate chaos and messes

 

 

Fear of making bad decisions

 

 

Forbidden sexual thoughts and images (incest, children, animals, etc.)

 

 

Others:

 

 

It’s important not to lose this list because we’ll need it for the rest of the course. If you think that you might misplace it, save it to a memorable directory on your computer and phone, or print a few copies.

Full reference: 

(Mar 8, 2016). What Are You Preoccupied With?. Retrieved Mar 24, 2023 from Assisted Self-Help: https://staging.explorable.com/en/e/what-are-you-preoccupied-with

Discover 36 more articles on this topic
Don't miss these related articles:
  1. Success and OCD
  2. Pure-O OCD
  3. The roots of OCD
  4. Cognitive Restructuring for OCD
  5. OCD’s Distortions

Browse Full Outline