Normally when we think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we tend to resort to the most obvious compulsions, such as hand-washing, cleaning, checking the oven, or even an extreme need for harmony.

While these compulsions have been made popular over the years, they just happen to be one of the traits of this disorder. The obsessional component most-always gets over-looked. In a number of cases, people have experienced these obsessions without engaging in the behavioral compulsions that are often considered the hallmark of OCD.

The characterization of this disorder is often referred to as Pure O, also known as purely obsessional OCD or primary cognitive OCD.

What Is Pure O?

Pure O or Pure OCD is a form of OCD that is defined as having uncontrollable, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts (or obsessions). Those that suffer with Pure O most likely do not exhibit behaviors that are related to their intrusive thoughts; such as hand-washing, counting, arranging, etc., but instead are accompanied with hidden intense mental rituals. That the suffer engages in through-out their day.

Pure O is usually mistaken as the lesser of two evils, yet those that experience the symptoms and hallmarks of this disorder find that living with intrusive thoughts can, and is, very disruptive and nightmarish.

While people who do not report engaging in compulsions are sometimes referred to as having “Pure O” or “Purely Obsessional OCD,” this variant is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by many physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists.

Common Symptoms of OCD

OCD alone is characterized as having reoccurring and obsessions and behaviors (compulsions). For instance, those diagnosed with OCD will have re-occurring thoughts about their environment being contaminated with germs which results in an urge to repeatedly wash their hands over and over again. Usually resulting in irritated dried skin.

Those that suffer from a “purely obsessional” form of OCD will experience a range of OCD symptoms, minus the obvious compulsions.

Obsessions

Obsessions can be revolved around aggressive, religious or sexual thoughts as well as having a fear of contamination.

• Repeated intrusive thoughts, images, and impulses that cause a great deal of fear or distress.
• Manufacturing mental rituals in an attempt to ignore, suppress, or neutralize the obsessive thoughts

Compulsions

• When a person feels compelled to perform repetitive actions, either behavioral or mental, as a result of obsessive thoughts
• Participating in repetitive actions in an attempt to reduce distress related to their obsessions or preventing impending doom

In addition to experiencing obsessions and/or compulsions, the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria also stipulate the following:

• OCD symptoms must not be due to the physiological effects of a substance (such as a side effect of a medication or illicit drug). The symptoms must also not be due to the presence of some other medical condition.
• OCD symptoms are time-consuming, often taking more than one hour per day, or they must create significant distress or impairment in occupational, social, or other critical areas of life functioning.
• OCD symptoms are not better attributable to another mental disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, substance-related disorders, or major depressive disorder.

Symptoms of Pure OCD or Pure O

Pure O usually has two characteristic symptoms that are used to distinguish or diagnose those that live with it.

Mental Rituals to Reduce Distress

Mental rituals will include mentally repeating certain words, mentally evaluating memories or information,  mentally un-doing or re-doing certain actions.

Seeking Reassurance

Seeking-reassurance can be problematic due to patients not being able to recognize it as a compulsion. Seeking-reassurance can involve:

• Researching online
• Asking others for assurance
• Avoiding anxiety-provoking objects or situations
• Searching for self-assurance

This symptom can be complicated as friends and family may become exhausted even displeased by having to assist with constant requests for reassurance, which more than likely will be perceived as neediness.

According to prior research there may be as many as three to six subtypes of OCD, including the Pure OCD form of the disorder. First described by Baer in a 1994 article in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Pure O was described as being composed of religious, aggressive, and sexual obsessions that may not accompanied by eternal compulsions.

Other research has shown that aggressive obsessions can be separated into fears over impulsive harms and fears over unintentional harms. Thoughts that are centered on impulsive harmful acts are often defined as “taboo thoughts” related to aggression, sex and religion.

Individuals who experience “pure obsessions” (often refereed as “taboo thoughts” or “intrusive thoughts”) often engage in mental rituals or seeking-reassurance in a bid to manage their distress according to a study in 2011.

Compulsions are much less obvious with Pure O as they are almost always cognitive in nature.

How Pure O Differs From OCD

So, why does Pure O differ from a traditional diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)?

Recent studies have suggested that there are different symptoms and subtypes of this disorder, particularly one study suggests that the definition of Pure O may be an unsuitable name. Although those that suffer with these obsessions without displaying any of the obvious behavioral compulsions, still do engage in unseen mental rituals.

“Recognition of compulsions performed by those previously considered purely obsessional can aid in the improved diagnosis and treatment of people with OCD,” explains clinical psychologist Monnica T. Williams and her colleagues in their article “The Myth of the Pure Obsessional Type in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.”

By recognizing that these mental rituals exist, therapists and mental health professionals can be armed with the right tools and foresight to ask and help their patients about their symptoms. Without any knowledge or questioning, patients will continue to live in silence about their symptoms that they are experiencing and will not be comfortable about discussing them.

A Word from BeatPureOCD.com

Pure O may not involve the compulsions that people often speak about when referring to being “so OCD.” However, the hidden mental rituals that distinguish the purely obsessional form of the disorder are defiantly a type of compulsion, even though it’s mental rather than physical.

If you catch yourself suffering from distressing obsession’s and/or mental compulsions that are impeding with your daily schedule, consider Beat Pure OCD. It will help you understand your symptoms while giving you the tools necessary to kick it into remission.

I know owning and talking about your thoughts isn’t always easy, but, it is the first part of getting the help you may need and finding relief.