Incest OCD: Understanding and Confronting OCD
Updated: June 24, 2024Incest OCD is a sub-type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also known as Harm OCD or Sexual OCD. It can be debilitating and can cause shame, guilt and intense anxiety. In this blog, we will discuss what OCD incest is, its symptoms, and available treatments. We also share recommended books and tips for dealing with this mental health condition.
What is Incest OCD?
People with incest OCD have intrusive and unwanted sexual thoughts about a family member. People may also call it “fear of incest” or “incest phobia”. The intrusive thoughts could be about a child, sibling, parent, or grandparent. It is important to note that people with incest OCD do not have any desire or intention to act on these thoughts. These thoughts are intrusive and unwanted, causing significant distress and anxiety.
If you are struggling with intrusive thoughts about incest, remember that you are not alone. We all have intrusive thoughts at times - we just don’t talk about them.
Symptoms of Incest OCD
The symptoms of incest OCD can vary from person to person, but they may include:
Obsessions, which are intrusive thoughts or images related to incest
Rituals can include excessive checking or reassurance-seeking behaviours. The purpose of these behaviours is to ensure that they have not acted on their thoughts
Avoidance of family members or situations that trigger their thoughts.
Guilt or shame related to the intrusive thoughts
Fear of being judged or ostracized by others due to their thoughts
Difficulty with daily functioning due to anxiety and distress
Learn more about OCD obsessions and sexual obsessions.
The Vicious Cycle of OCD: Fear of Incest
Remember, OCD is not a life sentence; it's a treatable condition. With the right guidance and support, you have the power to reclaim control over your thoughts and behaviours. Therapy can help you live a fulfilling life free from the shackles of OCD.
Common Obsessions in Incest OCD:
Worrying about accidentally acting on sexual impulses towards family members.
Fear of having inappropriate sexual thoughts about family members.
Obsessive thoughts about being attracted to a family member.
Intrusive thoughts about past interactions with family members being inappropriate or sexual.
Fear of being sexually abused by a family member.
Obsessive thoughts about the consequences of incestuous desires or actions.
Obsessing about being morally or socially condemned for incestuous thoughts or behaviours.
Fear of losing control and engaging in incestuous behaviour.
Common OCD Rituals:
Avoiding physical contact with family members to prevent perceived inappropriate feelings or impulses.
Mental rituals such as repetitive prayers or counting. These behaviours help reduce anxiety related to intrusive thoughts, but only temporarily.
Engaging in elaborate cleaning or grooming rituals. This helps to neutralize feelings of contamination or guilt associated with incestuous thoughts.
Checking behaviours to ensure that they weren't inappropriate with family members.
Seeking reassurance from others about the morality or normalcy of one's thoughts and behaviours.
Avoiding situations or stimuli that trigger intrusive thoughts about incest. For example, they might avoid family gatherings or private conversations with relatives.
Mental avoidance strategies such as distraction or suppression of OCD thoughts.
Compulsive confession of intrusive thoughts or fears related to incest.
Commonly Avoided Situations, People, Places:
Family gatherings or events where one might encounter relatives.
Intimate or private settings with family members. For example, sharing a bedroom or bathroom.
Any situation that might involve physical contact with family members. For example, they may avoid hugging or sitting close to someone.
They may avoid discussions about family dynamics.
Certain media or entertainment portrays themes of incest.
Social situations where the topic of family relationships or sexuality might arise.
Certain locations hold memories or associations related to incestuous thoughts or behaviours.
Any activity or situation that could lead to thoughts or behaviours perceived as incestuous. For example, watching certain types of movies or reading specific books.
CBT Cycle of OCD
OCD-UK states that the majority of people can overcome OCD with appropriate treatment.
Treatments for Incest OCD
Incest OCD can be challenging to overcome. But with the right treatment, managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life is possible. Here are some common treatments for incest OCD:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy:
ERP involves gradually exposing people to situations or stimuli related to their intrusive thoughts. Exposure takes place in a controlled and safe environment. This can help reduce anxiety and desensitize individuals to fear. Experts recommend ERP for those with mild to moderate OCD. ERP is the first line of treatment for those with mild symptoms of OCD.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT):
CBT is a form of talk therapy that can help people with incest OCD. CBT helps to identify and change negative thoughts about their intrusive thoughts. It can also help people learn coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. It is important to schedule your use of relaxation and coping skills instead. Using relaxation tools in response to your obsessions can worsen your OCD over the long term.
Medications:
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms of incest OCD. Experts suggest that those with severe symptoms may need medications and ERP. A healthcare professional may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques:
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques (e.g. deep breathing or meditation) can help you feel more relaxed. If you plan to use mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage stress, scheduling a time to practice is best. Scheduling relaxation can prevent it from becoming a safety behaviour/ritual. Safety behaviours (aka rituals) can help you feel good in the short term but worsen your OCD over the long term. Learn more about safety behaviour/rituals.
Recommended Books for OCD:
Getting Over OCD, Second Edition: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Your Life Back (Abramowitz, 2018)
Treating your OCD with Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention, 2nd Ed (Foa & Lichner, 2012)
To summarize, incest OCD is a subtype of OCD that can cause significant distress and anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with incest OCD, it's essential to seek professional help. Treatments available can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember, you don't have to suffer alone. Seek help from a healthcare professional who can guide you through the process of managing your incest OCD.
7 Tips for Incest OCD
Educate Yourself: It can be empowering to understand the nature of OCD. You can learn about how it manifests and learn what your rituals and avoidant behaviours are. Learning about the disorder can help you recognize that intrusive thoughts are a symptom of OCD. It can also teach you that it's not a reflection of your true desires or intentions. Be mindful though that educating yourself can become a ritual. If you find yourself excessively searching online for OCD symptoms, you may have fallen trap of a ritual.
Seek Professional Help: Consulting a mental health professional who specializes in OCD can provide you with guidance and support. Professionals can help you to address your specific concerns related to Incest OCD. They can offer evidence-based therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you learn to be non-judgmental. It will help you accept your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness can also teach you to tolerate anxiety and reduce the urge to do rituals.
Gradual Exposure: Gradual exposure to situations that trigger your intrusive thoughts can help desensitize you to your fears. It's best to connect with an OCD therapist who can teach you how to do exposures. By facing your fears in a controlled manner and resisting the urge to do rituals, you can learn that the feared consequences are unlikely to happen.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Identify healthy coping strategies to manage anxiety. This may include doing activities you enjoy or reaching out to supportive friends or family members.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that recovery from OCD is a journey, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work towards managing your symptoms. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge the courage it takes to confront your fears.
By implementing these tips and engaging in treatment, you can learn to manage the symptoms of Incest OCD. Eventually, you can improve your quality of life.
Connect with an OCD Therapist
The symptoms of incest OCD may look different from person to person. If you think that you may be struggling with this, it’s important to connect with an OCD specialist (e.g., a psychologist or a social worker). Many therapists at Virtual CBT specialize in OCD and can help you overcome it with ERP.
Book a free consultation with us today. We can match you with a therapist based on your unique symptoms (click the button below). * Must be an Ontario resident to access psychotherapy with our clinic.
