Sensorimotor OCD is a type of OCD that is caused by anxiety that is triggered by specific physical sensations. This can include things like fearing that you will breathe in something harmful. It also includes feeling like you are not in control of your own body. There are treatment options available to help you get relief from your symptoms of Sensorimotor OCD. In this article, we will discuss how sensorimotor OCD breathing treatment works and how it can help you overcome symptoms.
Contents
What Is Sensorimotor OCD Breathing?
Sensorimotor OCD breathing is an anxiety disorder that is caused by a fear of physical sensations. People with this condition often feel like they are not in control of their bodies. Sometimes they experience extreme discomfort when confronted with certain physical sensations. Some of them are breathing in something toxic or feeling like they cannot breathe at all. This type of OCD is caused by things like loud noises, bright lights, or any other sort of sensory input.
Obsessions And Compulsion Of Sensorimotor OCD
Check these common obsessions and compulsions that come with sensorimotor OCD:
- Repeatedly checking the body for signs of physical distress.
- Breathing, pulse rate, and heart rate can become the focus of the person’s obsessions.
- Fearing that one will not be able to breathe properly, or that some sort of toxic material is being inhaled.
- Uncontrollable and irrational urges to change postures to avoid certain physical sensations.
- Blinking and swallowing frequently prevent certain physical sensations.
- Fear of losing control due to a physical sensation, such as an intense rush of adrenaline or dizziness associated with a specific movement or posture.
- Hypervigilance is about breathing in potentially hazardous substances.
- Focusing on controlling your breathing to prevent it from becoming too shallow or too deep.
- Constantly questioning whether you are truly safe and free from harm.
What Is Sensorimotor OCD Breathing Treatment?
There are many ways that can treat the Sensorimotor OCD breathing disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance-based psychotherapy approaches, medication, or a combination of all three.
Sensorimotor OCD breathing treatments focus on helping individuals become more aware of physical sensations. These are generally experienced when confronted with certain triggers. This way teaches people to recognize when their anxiety is escalating. The therapist will provide guidance and support as the individual works through these sensations. This will let them gain control over their anxiety, eventually leading to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of their symptoms.
Treatment For Sensorimotor OCD
Sensorimotor OCD breathing treatment is beneficial in combination with other forms of therapy and medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, as well as learn new coping strategies. CBT can be used to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, recognize patterns in their behavior, and learn new strategies for managing their anxiety.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that involves gradually exposing the individual to their anxiety triggers in a safe and controlled environment. During exposure therapy, individuals are encouraged to confront their fears without engaging in any compulsions or safety behaviors. ERP helps individuals learn how to cope with their anxieties healthily and productively.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a form of therapy and helpful for individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. ACT encourages individuals to be mindful of their present-moment experiences, without trying to control them. This type of therapy can help individuals learn to better manage their anxiety by learning how to accept their difficult emotions without engaging in compulsions or safety behaviors.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help individuals manage the symptoms of Sensorimotor OCD. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are useful in conjunction with therapy to help individuals control their anxiety levels and improve their overall functioning.
How Does Sensorimotor OCD Breathing Treatment Work?
Sensorimotor OCD breathing treatment is a form of therapy that helps individuals become more aware of the physical sensations they experience when confronted with certain triggers and teaches them to recognize when their anxiety is escalating. The therapist will provide guidance and support as the individual works through these sensations to gain control over their anxiety, eventually leading to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of their symptoms.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are helpful for individuals to better manage their physical sensations and focus on the present moment. These techniques let individuals become more aware of their bodies, allowing them to recognize when they are becoming anxious and providing them with tools for managing their anxiety. By learning how to recognize and control their physical sensations, individuals can gain greater control over their anxiety.
Conclusion
Sensorimotor OCD breathing treatment is a type of treatment. This helps individuals with Sensorimotor OCD learn to better manage their anxiety and control the physical sensations they experience when confronted with certain triggers. This type of treatment focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their physical sensations, recognize when their anxiety is escalating, and learn how to cope with their anxieties healthily and productively. By combining Sensorimotor OCD breathing treatment with other forms of therapy and medication, individuals can gain insight into their thoughts and feelings and develop new strategies for managing their anxiety.
Take care, and don’t forget that you are not alone! OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding OCD treatment, ERP therapy experienced therapists at OCDMantra can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
