Magical Thinking OCD
By Katherine Pica LCSW
Have you ever feared that something would come true just by thinking it? Maybe if you just do this one thing then that bad thing won't happen. I need to blink 3 times so nothing bad will happen to my family. I need to do my cleaning in a specific way so nothing bad will happen to me.
Often, this can be chalked up to superstition; however, it can be more when it enters the realm of obsessions. Let’s learn more about the magical thinking of OCD.
What is Magical Thinking OCD?
Magical thinking is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Magical thinking OCD is when an individual has unreasonable or irrational thoughts and compulsions connecting events or things that have no relation to one another. These irrational beliefs are caused by the fear that they or others could be harmed if they don’t perform the compulsions.
Examples of Magical Thinking OCD Obsessions
Some common obsessions of magical thinking OCD include the following:
I had a bad thought and now I Need to replace it with a good thought
Before I drive, I need to always look in the mirror and blink twice before I drive so I don't hit anyone.
I can only answer my phone when the time has odd numbers on it or something tragic could happen to the other person
Fear something bad will happen to themselves or others
If I walk on the sidewalk cracks something bad will happen to my family
Obsessed with certain actions, colors, numbers, or words, so something bad will not happen
Superstitious thoughts
Examples of Magical Thinking OCD Compulsions
The compulsions of magical thinking OCD are very similar to the other subtypes of OCD. These are some of the main types of compulsions when it comes to magical thinking OCD:
Doing things in specific numbers
Avoiding certain thing so nothing bad will happen
Replacing good thoughts with bad thoughts
Saying certain phrases to self
Seeking reassurance from others
Doing things at a specific time
Avoidance
Another superstition with magical thinking OCD is avoidance. Individuals may avoid certain colors, numbers, words, places, and things. For example, they may avoid looking at the clock at a certain time of day to avoid seeing a certain series of numbers. I can not touch the blue
Ordering and arranging rituals:
When someone has Magical Thinking OCD they can feel the need to put things in a specific order, to prevent something bad from happening. For example I need to put my coffee cup down a specific way so nothing bad will happen. Or I need the objects on my desk to be in a specific way so nothing bad will happen to my family.
Superstitious rituals
We have all seen people knock on wood or throw salt over their shoulder. Yes these can be superstitious routines. That does not mean that everyone who does that has superstitions has OCD. The difference with someone who has OCD is they become very distressed or anxious when they do not do the compulsion. If they were not able to do the compulsion they can not stop thinking about it. Often they will return to do the compulsion to feel better in the moment.
Counting
Counting is very common in individuals suffering from OCD.AS an OCD therpaist I often see individuals may use this tactic to count to a certain number or say a phrase a certain number of times as a way to protect themselves from potential harm. Counting rituals can be very common with different subtypes of OCD as well. Individuals may count to a certain number before performing an act as a way to protect themselves as well.
Reassurance
The need for reassurance is an extremely common compulsion as well. OCD causes a lot of anxiety, so the need for constant reassurance to make sure nothing bad will occur is common for individuals suffering from magical thinking OCD. (The problem with reassurance is that it really never solves the problem and often needs more and more reassurance over time)
Rituals
When struggling with OCD most people will do rituals throughout the day. For example, a person could call the same person at the same time each day. Or they may touch an object a certain way to prevent bad luck. For those struggling with OCD the rituals may make you feel better in the moment but in the long run they are actually growing OCD.
Treatment for Magical Thinking OCD
Just like any other type of OCD, the best treatment option for magical thinking OCD is therapy. Exposure and Response Therapy (ERP) is one of the most effective treatment options for individuals suffering from OCD, no matter the specific type of OCD involved. ERP therapy is a supported approach to help an individual with some of their obsessive thoughts as a way for them to find other ways to cope instead of using their compulsions.
San Diego OCD therapist
When working with OCD Unfortunately just talking about it does not really help. Seeking help from an OCD therapist who has been trained in ERP is very important. Research shows us that ERP is currently the most effective form of treatment for OCD.
OCD Therapy San Diego
If you’re interested in learning more about magical thinking OCD or other types of OCD and the treatment options, reach out to me today to set up a free consultation. Local to San Diego for in person sessions and able to see people who are in the state of California for video sessions. If you are struggling with OCD there is so much hope. We have helped so many overcome the grip that OCD has on their lives. Contact us today!
