Existential OCD: Signs/Symptoms
Existential OCD is a sub-type of OCD that is characterized by existential obsessions about the meaning of life. Existential questions that are difficult to answer and philosophical in nature. Obsessions may arise such as questioning the meaning of life, or the universe or ones existence. Doubt and overthinking is present in this sub-type that would lead a person to engage in a compulsive behavior. Compulsions are rituals/behaviors that offer relief from the obsessions. Engaging in the compulsion can reduce the anxiety and provide short term relief. A person is more likely to seek that short term relief with the compulsion, and look to reinforce the OCD cycle that keeps them stuck. Existential obsessions have the potential to waste time in the persons life as they ponder these questions and lead to isolation away from things that give them enjoyment.
Compared to average thoughts, existential obsessions may linger for hours. The obsessions can cause significant emotional distress. The existential OCD manifests as repetitive, unwanted and intrusive thoughts/feelings and doubts. Doubts within this sub-type cannot be argued with, reasoned with or used logic to get out of it. OCD will continue to find a way to keep its foot in the door and keep the person stuck in the OCD cycle. OCD wants to feed on the compulsions, it is more than happy to waste your time by doing compulsions so it can continue to feed and get stronger.
Common Existential OCD Obsessions:
Why do I exist?
What is the meaning of life?
Do I exist at all?
Am I living in the matrix?
Does my existence matter?
What happens after I die?
What is real?
What is reality?
How do I know what I perceive is right?
What is the point if we all will die?
Will how I lived my life have some influence on my afterlife?
How do I know who I am?
Is my life already mapped out or do I have free will?
Am I being controlled by some force without my will?
What if there is no point to my life?
Common Existential OCD Compulsions:
Excessive researching-using the internet or literature.
Repeatedly asking others their thoughts and opinions.
Excessive analyzing obsessions with the same thoughts and questions.
Excessive internet searches.
Rumination.
Mental reviewing of events that occurred to verify that they actually happened.
Trouble letting go or moving on to topics that aren’t existential.
Overthinking to the point of de-realization-affecting a persons ability to accurately see their surroundings.
Meta-thinking (thinking about thinking).
Reassurance seeking behaviors.
Mental repetition.
Existential OCD Example:
Andrew is 19 years old and is living in his dorm at his college. Andrew spends a few hours of his day obsessing over life. Andrew has thoughts of “What is the point of living if we all die?” “Why do I exist?” “What happens after I die” “Are things I am doing now going to impact me in the afterlife”. Andrew over thinks and engages in rumination for hours. He misses class and he isolates from his friends. His family is concerned because all the topics he wants to talk about now are existential. Different from the Andrew they knew a few months back. Andrew might not be having an “existential crisis” but rather could be dealing with OCD with the existential sub- type.
Treatment for Existential OCD:
Treatment for this sub-type of OCD, like all forms of OCD is the gold standard of treatment, exposure and response prevention (ERP). Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) looks at the idea that triggering situations and thoughts are at the core of OCD. Ongoing exposure to these triggers without engagement in rituals can reduce the severity felt. As a licensed mental health therapist trained in ERP, I will assist you through the exposures and how to implement effective response prevention measures. If you feel that OCD has had a negative impact on your life, you might consider counseling and ERP to learn how to handle it more effectively. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation, where we can discuss impacts of OCD and benefits of counseling/ERP.
