Understanding Sexual Orientation-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (SO-OCD) and Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with regards to sexuality and gender: Characteristics, signs, management, and additional insights
Sexual Orientation-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (SO-OCD) and Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD) are forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that centres around intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours related to one's sexual orientation. These conditions can cause significant distress and impact an individual's daily life.
Common Symptoms
Individuals with SO-OCD and HOCD often experience recurrent and unwanted thoughts about their sexual orientation. These thoughts can be distressing and lead to anxiety [1][3]. Compulsive behaviours may include seeking reassurance from others, mentally reviewing past experiences, or testing one's arousal levels to validate their sexual orientation [3].
Causes
The exact causes of SO-OCD and HOCD are not yet fully understood, but they are believed to be similar to other OCD conditions, involving a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and brain chemistry imbalances [1][3]. OCD may occur due to genetics, with a person who has a parent or sibling with OCD more likely to develop it [2].
Treatment Options
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is a highly effective therapy for treating OCD symptoms, including SO-OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to their feared obsessions while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviours [1][3].
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to their sexual orientation, promoting healthy coping strategies [1][3].
- Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to manage OCD symptoms, including those associated with SO-OCD and HOCD [1][3].
It is crucial that treatment approaches are sensitive to LGBTQ+ issues and do not reinforce harmful stereotypes [3]. It is important to note that having thoughts and fears about sexual orientation does not mean a person wants to act on them [4].
Anyone who has distressing thoughts regarding their sexual orientation, or experiences such thoughts causing stress, leading to anxiety, or affecting their daily life, should speak with a doctor [2]. A psychiatrist can help treat SO-OCD using antidepressants and psychotherapy [5].
Physical compulsive behaviours can include avoiding certain activities, looking at pornographic images, asking for reassurance, and monitoring physiological reactions to people of the same or other sexes [1]. A brain structure link with OCD is possible but not yet clear [1].
HOCD is not limited to those who are heterosexual; it can affect anyone who experiences same-sex attraction as well [6]. Both SO-OCD and HOCD can have a severe and debilitating effect on a person's life, affecting day-to-day activities and relationships [6].
It is possible to overcome SO-OCD with the right treatment and support. Treatment can help people learn how to manage symptoms of SO-OCD, although some people may continue to experience symptoms [5]. A person who thinks they may have SO-OCD can see a psychiatrist for diagnosis [5].
References:
[1] International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Understanding HOCD. Retrieved from https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/types-of-ocd/homosexual-ocd-hocd/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355480
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
[4] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
[5] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
[6] American Psychological Association. (2015). Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-sexual-orientation-distress.aspx
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