Exists Pure O, a Mental Health Condition?

In the realm of mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that often goes unnoticed due to its subtle nature. One such aspect that is frequently overlooked is mental compulsions, which are common in OCD and can take the form of repetitive thoughts or mental actions.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), OCD is characterised by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Compulsions are defined as behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or based on rigid rules.

However, the DSM-5 does not formally recognise "Pure O" - a term used to describe OCD where the compulsions are purely mental and not visible actions - as a distinct subtype of OCD. This is because mental compulsions and reassurance-seeking often accompany obsessions when assessed carefully.

Despite this, identifying mental compulsions in "Pure O" can be challenging due to their subtle nature. Examples of mental rituals observed include mentally repeating prayers or religious phrases, mentally reviewing or analyzing thoughts, mentally undoing "bad" thoughts, mentally reassuring oneself, mental reviewing of memories, and mental checking or monitoring of emotions.

Avoidance behaviours, such as avoiding certain situations, people, or objects that trigger obsessive thoughts, can also be a sign of mental compulsions. Notice feelings of anxiety or discomfort that arise until a certain mental action is completed, as this may indicate a compulsion.

Increasing awareness of thought patterns and mental habits can help identify mental rituals in OCD. It's important to monitor the amount of time spent on mental rituals like analyzing thoughts, mentally reviewing memories, or repetitive prayer or counting.

Research studies have suggested that mental compulsions load together with taboo thoughts (sexual, religious, or aggressive obsessions) in some cases. Among those with religious and sexual obsessions, mental rituals are the most common compulsion.

While the name of the 2011 study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety that conducted a detailed analysis of OCD symptoms in 201 patients is not explicitly provided in the available search results, it underscores the importance of understanding mental compulsions in OCD.

Reassurance-seeking, like repeatedly asking others or oneself for comfort or confirmation, is also a common compulsion in OCD. It's crucial to be aware of these patterns to seek appropriate help and manage the condition effectively.