The link Between Self-harm and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Self-harm refers to the act of purposely hurting oneself. People who indulge in self harm are likely to cut, burn or injure themselves. Self-harm can be very dangerous at more than often people end up hurting themselves more than they intended and in severe cases may even commit accidental suicide.
Many psychologists are of the view that anxiety is the main trigger of self-harm. Although it is also related to borderline personality disorder which is a form of depression, it is mainly the anxiety disorders which lead people towards self-harm.
According to the latest research, a very specific anxiety disorder such as obsessive compulsive disorder can be the culprit behind self-harm. In this article, we will be decoding the link between self-harm and OCD.
What is OCD?
OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder. People with OCD have uncontrollable thoughts known as obsessions. In order to get rid of these obsessions, patients of OCD indulge in compulsive acts. These compulsive acts are less of a habit and more of a way to alleviate anxiety which their obsessive thoughts bring about.
Not all OCD sufferers have the same type of thoughts. Some people with OCD have obsessive thoughts about organization and cleaning while others might have obsessive fearful thoughts about their personal safety. While the former category might indulge in intense cleaning drives, people in later category are likely to check their locks at least three times before they go to bed.
OCD is on a spectrum and not everyone with obsessive thoughts falls into a full fledged disorder. People who unfortunately have this disorder struggle with everyday tasks and may even face social isolation.
How it is linked with Self-Harm?
According to multiple psychologists, self-harm can both be a root cause of OCD and a direct repercussion of it. Not all people’s obsessions are as simple as organization or safety. Some people can also have obsessive thoughts about violence or sexual abuse. Such uncontrollable obsessions can be very hard for anyone who has a conscious. People with such obsessions then take it out on themselves and self-harm in an attempt to make their brain focus on physical pain rather than their obsessions.
There are also cases where a person’s OCD might have its roots in self-harm itself. Such people have obsessive thoughts about harming or injuring themselves and these thoughts can be so intrusive that they actually have to hurt themselves in order to get rid of these thoughts.
What can help?
Talk therapy is likely to help people with OCD but cognitive behavioral therapy works like magic for people who are suffering from both self-harm and OCD. Treating the parental mental health issue such as depression or other neurotic disorders through medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can also be very helpful.
If you or a loved one is suffering from self-harm you should immediately consult a psychologist because self-harm can turn into accidental suicide in no time.
