Harm OCD
Intrusive Thoughts About Intentionally are Unintentionally Hurting Yourself or Someone Else
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These thoughts can be extremely distressing because they often target a person’s values, morality, and sense of responsibility. People with Harm OCD are typically very compassionate individuals who are deeply disturbed by the possibility that they could cause harm.
At Anxiety & OCD Treatment Specialists in Tampa, Florida, Harm OCD is a common presentation of OCD. Fortunately, it is also highly treatable with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. We have found that this subtype of OCD is relatively easy to treat because the triggers are so readily available for exposure therapy.
In-person sessions are provided in Tampa and virtual sessions are available throughout Florida and New York.
What Is Harm OCD?
Harm OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts or images about causing harm, followed by intense anxiety and guilt and attempts to prevent the feared outcome.
Common intrusive fears may include:
- Fear of stabbing or attacking someone
- Fear of losing control and hurting a loved one
- Fear of harming a child or vulnerable person
- Fear of accidentally killing someone while driving
- Fear of causing a fire, burglary, or other disaster
- Fear of committing suicide despite not wanting to die
Common Compulsions in Harm OCD
In response to these intrusive thoughts, individuals often engage in compulsive behaviors or mental rituals designed to prevent harm or gain certainty.
Common compulsions may include:
- Avoiding knives, sharp objects, or other perceived “weapons”
- Avoiding being alone with loved ones or children
- Seeking reassurance that they would never hurt someone
- Mentally reviewing past behavior to prove they are safe
- Repeatedly checking door locks and appliances
- Avoiding driving or returning to locations to check for accidents
Hit-and-Run OCD
A specific form of Harm OCD often referred to as Hit-and-Run OCD occurs when individuals fear they may have accidentally struck someone with their vehicle.
Even when no evidence suggests an accident occurred, individuals may experience overwhelming doubt and feel compelled to check.
Common behaviors include:
- Driving back repeatedly to inspect the road
- Monitoring mirrors excessively while driving
- Searching the internet or news reports for accidents
- Seeking reassurance from passengers or others
- Installing cameras in and/or around the vehicle
Responsibility OCD: Fear of Causing Harm
Many individuals with Harm OCD experience an exaggerated sense of responsibility for preventing harm.
They may worry that failing to check something could result in a catastrophic event such as:
- A burglary because a door was not locked properly
- A fire caused by an appliance left on
- A dangerous situation caused by their mistake
As a result, they may engage in repeated checking of:
- Locks and doors
- Stoves, heaters, or appliances
- Candles
- Electrical devices
- Windows and security systems
Suicide OCD
Suicide OCD occurs when individuals experience intrusive thoughts about harming themselves despite having no desire to end their life
These thoughts can be deeply frightening because they conflict with the person’s true wishes and values.
Individuals with Suicide OCD may:
- Fear that they could suddenly lose control and harm themselves
- Avoid objects or situations they associate with self-harm
- Seek reassurance that they are not suicidal
- Constantly analyze their thoughts to determine what they mean
Effective Treatment for Harm OCD
Examples of ERP for Harm OCD may include:
- Gradually reducing avoidance of triggers such as knives or driving
- Learning to allow intrusive thoughts without analyzing them
- Reducing all compulsions
- Tolerating uncertainty about thoughts and responsibility
- Examples of specific exposures are provided during the initial appointment
At Anxiety & OCD Treatment Specialists, we specialize in evidence-based OCD treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help individuals overcome intrusive thoughts and regain confidence in their safety and values.
When to Seek Help for Harm OCD
With proper treatment, individuals can learn to:
- Reduce intrusive harm-related thoughts
- Stop compulsive checking and reassurance seeking
- Build tolerance for uncertainty
- Regain confidence in their values and actions
Give us a call for a free consultation today!
(813) 812-4940
Recovery and remission are possible, and effective treatment is available.
FAQ: Harm OCD
What is Harm OCD?
Why do people with OCD have violent thoughts?
What is Hit-and-Run OCD?
Hit-and-Run OCD is a form of Harm OCD where individuals fear they may have accidentally injured someone while driving and feel compelled to check repeatedly for evidence. With this fear, clients typically enjoy driving or have a strong value on independence. OCD will attack whatever is important to the individual.
What is the best treatment for Harm OCD?
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