Sensorimotor OCD: What It Is, Symptoms, and Treatment

Do you have a fear of getting sick or of germs? Do you feel like you need to constantly wash your hands or clean your house? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of sensorimotor OCD. Sensorimotor OCD is a type of OCD that is characterized by fears and obsessions related to contamination and hygiene. In this blog post, we will discuss what sensorimotor OCD is, the symptoms associated with it, and how it can be treated.

What Is Sensorimotor OCD?

Sensorimotor OCD is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by obsessions and compulsions related to the senses and motor skills. People with this type of OCD may be obsessed with symmetry or orderliness. And they may spend hours arranging objects in a precise way.

People who have sensorimotor OCD may have difficulty completing tasks because they are distracted by their need to perform compulsions. For example, a person with this type of OCD may spend so much time arranging objects that he or she doesn’t have time to finish the task at hand. In simple words, this type of OCD is body-focused obsessions.

Moreover, this type of OCD can be debilitating and cause people to miss work, school, or other important obligations. OCD is often detailed with anxiety, and sensorimotor OCD is no exception. This means that people with this type of OCD may also experience symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks, sweating, and racing heart.

What Are The Characteristics Of Sensorimotor OCD?

Sensorimotor OCD is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by obsessions and compulsions related to movement and sensation. People with sensorimotor OCD may be obsessed with the way they look when they move, or the way their body feels when they touch something. Some of the common signs of sensorimotor OCD are;

• Excessive mirror checking
• Avoidance of certain textures or fabrics
• Constantly touching or moving objects
• Need to know exactly where things are located
• Arranging and rearranging objects
• Counting steps or other repetitive movements

The characteristics of sensorimotor OCD can vary from person to person. And some people may experience a combination of symptoms. Most people at some point in their lives will have some of these obsessions or sort of sensory focus.

However, for people with sensorimotor OCD, these obsessions are intrusive and cause a lot of anxiety. Compulsions are often done in an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. It is important to note that the compulsions only provide temporary relief and typically end up making the OCD worse.

Common Sensorimotor OCD Obsessions

• Breathing
• Blinking
• Swallowing
• Body movement
• Heartbeat
• Body sensations
• Eye contact
• Movement of the mouth or tongue during speech

These are some of the more common obsessions people with sensorimotor OCD experience. They feel this intense need to control their body and the way it moves or feels. This can be extremely debilitating and make it hard to live a normal life.

What Causes Senorimotor OCD?

There are many different possible causes of sensorimotor OCD. There is no single known cause of OCD, but there are several theories about what may contribute to its development. Some experts believe that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Others believe that it may be the result of an imbalance in brain chemistry.

Genetic factors

It is believed that OCD can be passed down from generation to generation in families. In fact, studies have shown that first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) of people with OCD are more likely to develop the disorder. This is especially true if the relative has a similar obsessional theme, such as symmetry or exactness.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors are considered to be anything that is not inherited. It is believed that these factors interact with the individual’s genetic predisposition to trigger the onset of OCD. For example, a stressful event, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, can trigger OCD. Additionally, changes in brain function may also play a role in its development.

Changes in brain function

There is evidence to suggest that OCD may be caused by changes in the way the brain processes information. For example, one theory suggests that people with OCD have a higher level of activity in the parts of the brain responsible for processing fear and anxiety. This may explain why people with OCD are more likely to have obsessions related to these emotions. Moreover, studies have also shown that people with OCD have different brain activity patterns when compared to those without the disorder.

These are some causes that have been linked to the development of sensorimotor OCD. However, it is important to remember that not everyone with these risk factors will develop the disorder. Additionally, there may be other causes that have not yet been identified. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with sensorimotor OCD, please reach out to a mental health professional for help.

How To Treat Sensorimotor OCD?

When you understand what causes your sensorimotor OCD, it will be easier to find an effective treatment. There are numerous ways to deal with the condition, but not all of them will work for everyone. Look out for some of the ways then decide what will work for you.

Ways To Deal With Sensorimotor OCD

Here are some of the ways you can deal with your sensorimotor OCD:

Talk to a therapist

Therapies are great for treating mental health conditions, and they can be very effective for sensorimotor OCD. You can talk to a therapist about your condition and learn how to manage your symptoms.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for sensorimotor OCD. CBT helps you change the way you think about your condition and teaches you coping skills.
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is another type of therapy that can be helpful for sensorimotor OCD. ERP involves exposure to your triggers and learning how to resist the urge to engage in your compulsions.

These two types of therapy are most effective for sensorimotor OCD. For that, you may try visiting the website of Mantra Care to book an appointment with a mental health professional. They can help you understand your condition and develop an effective treatment plan. Moreover, they provide a free consultation that will help you to understand whether their treatment is right for you or not.

Join a support group

Support groups can be very helpful for people with sensorimotor OCD. Support groups provide a safe space to share your experiences and meet other people who understand what you’re going through. There are many online and in-person support groups available. Moreover, support groups can help you find local resources and treatment options.

Mantra Care, also, provides an online support group for people with mental health conditions. Their support group is a safe space to share your experiences and connect with other members. Additionally, support groups are of great help in sensorimotor OCD.

Take medication

Medication can be a helpful treatment for sensorimotor OCD. Some people with the condition find that medications such as antidepressants can help relieve their symptoms. In fact, therapist themselves advises taking medication. Because it works most effectively with the combination.

Moreover, medication can have side effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. They can help you find the right medication for you. However, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for this condition. So you may need to try a few different medications before finding the one that works best for you.

Self-care techniques

Self-care is always important, but it’s especially important when you’re dealing with a mental health condition. There are many different self-care techniques that can help you manage your sensorimotor OCD.

Some self-care techniques that may be helpful for sensorimotor OCD include:

• relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation
• exercise
• eating a balanced diet
• getting enough sleep
• avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Take breaks when you’re feeling overwhelmed

These are just a few self-care techniques that can help you manage your type of OCD. For more ideas, you can visit the website of Mantra Care. They have a list of self-care tips that can help you cope with your condition. In fact, self-care is one of the most important things you can do for sensorimotor OCD.

Mantra Care provides many resources that can help you deal with sensorimotor OCD. They offer therapy, support groups, medication, and self-care tips. Moreover, they provide a free consultation to help you understand whether their treatment is right for you or not.

Moreover, these tips can also help you in your day-to-day life. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. This can be anything from taking a walk to listening to music. It’s important to find what works for you and stick with it.

Conclusion

To conclude, sensorimotor OCD is a subtype of OCD. It is characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts. And these behaviors are related to the body or senses. People with this condition may obsessively worry about their physical appearance or health. And they may engage in compulsive rituals such as excessive grooming or skin picking.

While there is no cure for sensorimotor OCD, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Also, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. If you think you may have this, reach out to a mental health professional for support. Avoiding certain situations or activities may only make your symptoms worse.

Thank you for reading. I hope this article was helpful in better understanding sensorimotor OCD.