OCD Writer

24/07/2025

Someone with harm OCD may hide knives out of fear of hurting someone. However, this is not an actual crisis; instead, it is a scenario imagined by the person. OCD tries to convince the individual that these imagined possibilities are grounded in reality. By recognising that the thought of harming someone is not a real probability, but rather a distorted version of events created by OCD, they can better understand the nature of their condition. They begin to see that compulsive behaviours are unwarranted, as their true self is a compassionate and caring person, and they do not need to engage with these compulsions to prevent harm to others.

Thank you for your interest in this post. Click the link below if you'd like to read more.

https://ocdwriter.com/2023/02/14/ocd-a-clear-explanation-as-to-why-obsessions-cannot-be-made-valid/

14/07/2025

Doubt is a common issue in OCD. It causes anxiety because of the uncertainty linked to the doubt, leading to compulsions that try to ease this anxiety. One important point about OCD doubt is that it is wrong. This means the doubt does not come from real concerns or evidence. Instead, the brain creates false alarms and makes the threats appear real.

In regular situations, feeling anxious or unsure about a decision is normal. This uncertainty can help people find more information or take precautions. However, in OCD, the uncertainty is not helpful. It comes from the disorder itself.

For example, someone with OCD might constantly worry whether they turned off the stove before leaving. This doubt can lead them to check the stove repeatedly to make sure it’s off. Even though they feel uncertain, this doubt is irrational and does not reflect any real danger. It does not serve a valid purpose; instead, it keeps the cycle of OCD going.

Understanding that OCD doubt is wrong and not based in reality shows how irrational it is. This can help those with OCD challenge their thinking and recognise that compulsions are unnecessary. When they learn to tell the difference between real uncertainty and the distorted feelings from OCD, they can see that the compulsions do not make sense. As a result, the doubt lessens, and the obsession becomes weaker.

10/07/2025

Interviewer: Who gets visual Tourettic OCD?

Carol Edwards: People who are prone to developing OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can get the visual Tourettic subtype. Some might develop this one theme, while others may acquire more than one, usually those that are significant to them. These might include contamination obsessions, especially if individuals worry about illness through contact with germs. Alternatively, they may experience the sensation of feeling dirty, which is more of a physical issue than a concern about germs and disease. Some individuals feel excessively responsible for others, in which case, they may also worry about potential harm and frequently check things to ensure safety. These are just a few examples, and there are many more. The most important thing to remember, however, is that OCD is OCD, despite the selectivity of the doubt associated with the theme.

Some individuals with visual Tourettic OCD may have co-existing conditions like ADHD or attention deficits. Attention deficits can increase awareness of stimuli, such as body parts and bodily features, including tattoos and scars, leading to hypersensitivity to people, noise, and movement. It involves a significant amount of sensory processing, but it can be managed with proper treatment.

Interviewer: Can you expand on sensory processing and its potential role in visual Tourettic OCD?

Carol Edwards: How our brains process sensory information may determine its role in visual Tourettic OCD. For example, imagine someone with this condition sitting in a busy coffee shop. While trying to focus on their conversation with a friend, they are constantly drawn to the movement of people walking by and the sounds of the barista making drinks. Despite their best efforts, their brain struggles to filter out this sensory input and fixates instead on the sensitive areas of those around them or other body features, such as scars and tattoos. This heightened sensitivity to such stimuli and peripheral distractions leads to involuntary staring behaviour, distress, and interference with their ability to engage in social interactions. In this scenario, you can see the difficulties in sensory processing and how it plays a potential role in visual Tourettic OCD symptoms.

Interviewer: How can people with visual Tourettic OCD overcome sensory processing difficulties?

Read the answer to the above question and more by clicking this link:

Discover Carol Edwards' insights on visual Tourettic OCD, mental health awareness, and effective coping strategies to combat stigma and promote understanding.

04/07/2025

Instead of letting obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) undermine your confidence, see it as a chance for growth. Understand that doubt is merely a new chapter in your story, not the whole narrative. Concentrate on the strength and resilience within you. Embrace this challenge as a stepping stone, and take proactive steps that empower you to move forward with courage and assurance. Recovering from the challenges of OCD can help you become more aware of yourself and build strength beyond what you expected!

24/06/2025

24/06/2025

Go to the International OCD Foundation at iocdf.org for information on therapy choices, including first-line exposure-response prevention. IOCDF also include inference-based cognitive therapy, a non-exposure therapy that is getting increasing recognition. For more information about this therapy, please visit icbt.online. For blogs, books, and advice on classic and visual Tourettic OCD, please check out ocdwriter.com.

20/06/2025

Focusing on somatic functions is important in understanding sensorimotor OCD. It's also helpful to consider whether involuntary gazing may be a part of this condition. In this case, let's look more closely at the active process of seeing to help improve our understanding of visual Tourettic OCD.

The Link Between Staring Sensations and Behaviours in OCD Explained

Discover the link between somatic sensations and behaviours in staring OCD, exploring how bodily experiences influence obsessions and compulsions.

03/06/2025

This Facebook post explains that OCD does not change its cyclical pattern but instead shifts its focus over time to different themes. At one time, you may find yourself struggling with contamination fears, and at another time, intrusive thoughts that harm may befall someone you care about, etc. You may find some themes more distressing than others, but it's crucial to remember that treatment options are available to help you overcome the symptoms of OCD regardless of its theme.

At www.iocdf.org, you can find information on first and second-line treatments, as well as adjuncts to add to them, such as Mindfulness. It also provides information on medications and third-line treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), when others haven't been successful. Moreover, it explains specific therapies that could be potentially dangerous. It also covers treatments for /PANS.

25/05/2025

Increasing Awareness of Involuntary Gazing in OCD: Breaking Down Stigma and Misconceptions

Posted on Facebook

1 min 9 sec reading time

Exogenous attention is when we automatically focus on things in our environment, like a fast-moving car. This quick shift in attention helps keep us safe by prompting us to react and avoid danger, like a collision. For people with OCD, this automatic gazing can be distressing, especially when it involves looking at others' private areas.

One reason for this heightened attention in OCD may be linked to past upsetting experiences. For example, imagine a person has been shamed for unintentionally staring at someone's private area. Their brain might cue them to look in similar situations, causing an involuntary gaze.

Because gazing in OCD is automatic, it helps to understand where the term "visual Tourettic OCD" got its name, as tics in Tourette's are also involuntary. The difference is that tics in Tourette's syndrome are genuine motor movements, such as when someone blinks rapidly or widens their eyes in quick succession.

It also explains the difference between involuntary gazing in OCD and criminal intrusive staring. The latter is where individuals harass and s3xualise others deliberately. They get pleasure from it. However, the consequence of this can mean jail time. In contrast, automatic gazing causes individuals distress. They also worry about how their unwanted gaze makes others feel and get upset when some people perceive them in the wrong light.

These factors emphasise the importance of increasing awareness and understanding. When people recognise that gazing in OCD is involuntary and understand the underlying reasons, we can help reduce stigma and misconceptions. As a result, we create a more supportive environment for those affected by this condition.

What do you think about OCD and involuntary gazing? I'd love to hear your insights!

26/04/2025

📚✨I’m excited to announce my new book, "Through the Eyes of OCD: Understanding Tourettic Tics and Involuntary Gazing." This book is based on my personal experience with OCD, which includes a specific feature called involuntary gazing. It combines my experiences with thorough research and a desire to help others. My main goal is to support people affected by OCD and involuntary gazing, which is often referred to as visual Tourettic OCD (VTOCD) or staring OCD. I also want to provide helpful insights for caregivers and therapists.

In this book, I talk about the challenges of VTOCD. I look into motor tics in Tourette's syndrome and Tourettic OCD, which combines both Tourette's and OCD. I explore how staring in VTOCD is similar to and different from tics in the other two conditions. I also look at how attention issues might impact visual Tourettic OCD, along with other important information. I take a compassionate approach, highlighting the struggles faced by those with VTOCD. I also share evidence-based treatments and practical strategies to manage symptoms.

We can support people with VTOCD by raising awareness about it. I encourage you to learn more and help those affected by this often misunderstood condition.

We can show compassion and understanding for those with VTOCD and build a more informed community. I appreciate your support in spreading awareness about this important issue. Together, we can make a difference.

💛💛📚