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SO-OCD Sexual Orientation OCD

So Ocd
 

Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a specific form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts regarding an individual’s sexual orientation. These thoughts can lead to significant anxiety and distress, often resulting in self-doubt about one’s true sexual identity, despite a lack of any intention or desire to change it. Individuals with SO-OCD may find themselves obsessively questioning their attractions to various genders, fearing that they might be “wrong” about their sexual orientation, or feeling concerned about potential shame associated with their feelings or identity.

My thoughts on SO OCD 

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Key Features of Sexual Orientation OCD:

  1. Intrusive Obsessive Thoughts:

    • Repeated and unwanted thoughts about being gay, straight, bisexual, or experiencing sexual feelings that don’t align with the person’s assumed sexual identity.
    • Fear of “changing” sexual orientation or discovering that one is attracted to a certain gender.
    • Doubts about the authenticity of past feelings or attractions.
  2. Mental Compulsions:

    • Reassuring oneself through mental rituals (e.g., mentally evaluating past experiences or attractions to try to prove sexual orientation).
    • Replaying past interactions or sexual experiences to validate one’s sexual identity.
    • Seeking certainty through online research or talking to others about their sexual orientation.
    • Avoidance of situations or people that might trigger doubts or anxiety about sexual attraction.
  3. Fear of Being “Wrong”:

    • A deep fear of being wrong about one’s sexual identity, often leading to confusion, anxiety, or shame.
    • A desire for clarity, but the more the person tries to resolve the issue, the more anxiety builds up.
  4. Distress and Impairment:

    • The obsessions and compulsions significantly disrupt daily life, including relationships, work, and personal well-being.
    • Feelings of isolation, guilt, or frustration arise from the inability to stop the intrusive thoughts or find certainty about sexual identity.
  5. Intrusive Nature:

    • Unlike a genuine exploration or curiosity about one’s sexual orientation, SO-OCD is driven by anxiety and the compulsive need to resolve doubts, which usually worsens over time.

Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) may be referred to by several other names or terms that reflect the nature of the obsessions and compulsions related to sexual orientation. Here are some alternative names or descriptions:

  1. Homosexual OCD (HOCD)
  2. Sexual Identity OCD
  3. Orientation Doubt OCD
  4. OCD about Sexuality
  5. Sexuality Doubt OCD
  6. Sexual Obsessional OCD
  7. Sexual Orientation Doubt Disorder
  8. Intrusive Sexual Thoughts OCD
  9. Sexual Attraction OCD
  10. Obsessive Sexual Identity Questioning

These terms reflect the distressing and obsessive nature of the disorder, in which the individual questions their sexual orientation or experiences intrusive thoughts that lead to anxiety or confusion about their sexual identity.

Here are some examples that illustrate the distressing and obsessive nature of the disorder related to questioning one’s sexual orientation:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: An individual may find themselves frequently thinking, “What if I’m not who I believe I am?” or “Maybe I’m attracted to the same sex, but I don’t want to be.”

2. Excessive Reflection: A person might spend hours analysing their past relationships or attractions, trying to determine if any signs indicate a different sexual orientation.

3. Seeking Reassurance: They may repeatedly seek reassurance from friends or loved ones about their identity, often feeling anxious if they don’t receive the confirmation they desire.

4. Avoidance Behaviour: Someone might avoid situations or places (like LGBTQ+ events or certain friendships) that could trigger these thoughts, fearing it might force them to confront their anxieties about their orientation.

5. Emotional Distress: The constant questioning can lead to heightened feelings of distress, such as sadness, frustration, or isolation, as the individual grapples with their thoughts.

These examples highlight how intrusive thoughts and obsessive questioning can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being and sense of identity.

Help for sexual orientation OCD

Learn that OCD is the symptom and you not being your true self is the cause...