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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two commonly known anxiety disorders that can often co-occur in people with a history of trauma. While OCD is thought to affect millions of people, studies have found that nearly 30\% of people with PTSD also experience OCD.
Can PTSD trigger intrusive thoughts?
People living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience intrusive thoughts that may be connected to a traumatic event. These thoughts may trigger some of the physical symptoms of PTSD, such as increased heart rate and sweating.
Can OCD be triggered by anything?
Just as OCD is different for each person, so are triggers. There is an infinite number of things that can be triggering to someone, including thoughts, objects and sensations. Triggers can also be compounded by stress, trauma and life changes, meaning your triggers can change or intensify over time.
How can you tell the difference between OCD and PTSD?
OCD and PTSD are characterized by intrusive, distressing clinical phenomenology. Whereas OCD can start after a precipitating event, PTSD is defined by experiencing severe trauma. Both disorders are ameliorated by exposure during psychotherapy, suggesting an underlying common mechanism.
What are the 3 main elements of OCD?
OCD has 3 main elements:
- obsessions – where an unwanted, intrusive and often distressing thought, image or urge repeatedly enters your mind.
- emotions – the obsession causes a feeling of intense anxiety or distress.
Why did I suddenly get OCD?
Obsessive compulsive behaviors may be driven by irrational fears, upsetting thoughts, or disturbing images. In most cases, OCD will develop gradually. Patients who develop an abrupt, and sudden onset of symptoms, may have an underlying organic cause, such as an infection, triggering OCD-like behaviors.
How quickly does OCD develop?
OCD typically begins in adolescence, but may start in early adulthood or childhood. The onset of OCD is typically gradual, but in some cases it may start suddenly. Symptoms fluctuate in severity from time to time, and this fluctuation may be related to the occurrence of stressful events.