Intrusive thoughts represent a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and are often deeply distressing to the individual affected. These thoughts arise involuntarily and can encompass a wide range of topics or themes. These types of OCD sufferers may be bombarded with unwelcome thoughts involving:
- Sexuality: Fear of being sexually attracted to members of the same sex or fear of being attracted to children or family members. Perverse sexual thoughts about others
- Relationships: Obsessive need for approval, constantly doubting the faithfulness of a partner, over-analyzing a partner’s actions and feelings
- Religion: An obsession with religious ritual like repeating prayers. Belief that one has committed unknown sins (infidelity) and are destined for hell
- Bodily Sensations (Sensorimotor OCD): Hyperawareness of specific bodily functions like breathing, blinking, or swallowing, or focusing intently on a single part of the body.
- Violence: Fears of carrying out violent acts against loved ones or innocent people, jumping in front of a train or other vehicle, poisoning people or hurting someone. Fear of harming others because of not being careful enough (dropping something on the ground that might cause someone to slip and fall)