The Fear of Losing Control as a Symptom of OCD

The Fear of Losing Control as a Symptom of OCD OCD Types Print The Fear of Losing Control and Harming Others With OCD By Marla Deibler, PsyD facebook twitter Marla W. Deibler, PsyD, MSCP, is a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally-recognized expert in anxiety disorders and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Marla Deibler, PsyD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 02, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 14, 2020 Hero Images/Getty Images More in OCD Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Living With OCD Related Conditions Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, which involves both obsessionsâ€"recurrent, persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distressâ€"and compulsionsâ€"repetitive behaviors or acts that are meant to reduce or neutralize anxiety and fears.   Obsessions such as contamination concerns and those involving perfectionism are common  obsessional themes of OCD that can manifest as cleaning, washing, checking, and arranging. However, some cases of OCD are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and not always effectively treated, such as those involving the fear of losing control.?? Fear of Harming or Killing Yourself If you find yourself asking the question: How do I know Im not going to hurt or kill myself?, it is important to distinguish between actual suicidal ideation and thoughts of wanting to die, versus unwanted, intrusive thoughts of fearing the loss of self-control that could potentially result in harming or killing yourself.?? If you have OCD, you may fear losing  control to the point where it  results in your own demise. This does not mean you want to kill yourself. Rather your compulsions are likely carried out in a way that ensures you are safe. Compulsions to keep you safe may include:Avoidance of knives or sharp objectsAvoidance of songs, movies, or readings, which involve death or injuryAvoidance of belts, ropes, medicine bottles, and cabinets, or other objects that may be associated with suicideAvoidance of being alone Fear of Deliberately Harming Someone Else Many people with OCD fear that harm will come to their loved ones. If you are afraid you will harm someone close to you, it is important to distinguish between actual homicidal ideation versus unwanted, intrusive thoughts of having the potential to lose control and kill a loved one.?? If you have OCD, your fear of losing control may manifest in a way that appears neglectful or avoidant. Similar obsessions may involve assault, rape, incest, or other personal aggression or violation. Compulsions of this nature are carried out to ensure loved ones are safe.?? Compulsions to keep another person safe from you include:Avoiding knives or sharp objectsAvoiding songs, movies, or readings, which involve murder, death, or injuryAvoiding touching or caring for a loved one who has been the subject of the unwanted thoughtsAvoiding being alone with the loved one You may carry out these compulsions as a means of reassuring yourself that you wont hurt or kill your loved one, even if you lose control. Fear of Unknowingly Harming Someone Else It is important to distinguish violent, antisocial behavior from unwanted, intrusive thoughts of uncertainty. If you have OCD, you might find uncertainty extremely distressing, thus increasing any obsessive thoughts you may experience.?? In these cases, compulsions are carried out as a way of trying to gain certainty. Compulsions may include seeking reassurances from others, checking behavior (locks, windows, schedules), and mental rituals that involve trying to seek clarification. A Word From Verywell If you have any of these thoughts, it is important to speak with your doctor or therapist. Current evidence-based symptom treatments for OCD and the fear of losing control include  cognitive behavioral therapy  (exposure and response prevention [ERP/ExRP]) and medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for OCD).?? If you have treatment-resistant OCD, your doctor may try a procedure such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation  (TMS).   The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs