False Memory/Real Events OCD
False Memory/Real Events OCD:
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder where a person gets stuck in a cycle of obsessions-unwanted thoughts/images or urges that lead to distressful emotions. Compulsions/rituals are physical or mental behaviors that a person engages in to get relief from the obsessions. False memory OCD is a sub-type that may include doubts about ones ability to accurately recall events. Doubts may arise on whether the person had done something wrong or not. Reoccurring doubts can lead to feelings of guilt, shame and distress.
Common False Memory OCD Obsessions:
Did I say or do something inappropriate?
Constant doubts about memories
Did I do something immoral or taboo?
Did I hit someone when driving before?
Did I touch that child inappropriately?
Common False Memory OCD Compulsions:
Avoidance of specific places or people.
Looking for reassurance from others.
Engaging in ritualistic behavior- Checking.
Mental Review- Reviewing conversations or memories in my head.
Distracting, replacing, or suppressing thoughts.
Confessing.
Physical Checking-Such as visiting the place where I was driving to see if I hit someone.
With False Memory OCD, the normal doubts one might hold about the past or memories might not leave with much ease. These False Memories might linger and cause more distress. A person can get stuck in the OCD cycle by searching for 100% certainty about that memory, while also thinking of all the “what if” thoughts about the situation. These “what if” thoughts create new scenarios to worry about and keeps that person stuck in the OCD cycle. No matter how convincing or important these false memories are, one has to look at how these thoughts and feelings will fuel the OCD cycle. Seeing how often that false memory comes back relentlessly and doesn’t leave you alone can help us see the OCD behind these obsessions. While doubts about our specific memories here and there are fairly normal, when they happen frequently and throughout the day, we might be seeing more of false memory OCD being the culprit. The intensity of these memories gives us insight as well. False memory OCD will leave a person with significant amounts of distress compared to average, another way to see if this is OCD or not.
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.
