Of all the forms that OCD can take, I find that people with Paedophilia OCD (POCD) are most distressed by the contents of their thoughts and I want to take the opportunity today to talk about the things that you would hear inside a psychologists office (I’m a psychologist); specifically I shall be talking about the obsessions that exist within POCD and in doing so, I hope to bring you some relief when you start to see them as a symptom of OCD and not some inherent flaw in your make-up
Before reading this you might want to understand more about POCD in this article or learn more about obsessive compulsive disorder to help you understand your thoughts better. Your thoughts are obsessions and that is what I shall talk about now.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and isolated when you’re struggling with Paedophile Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (POCD). The intrusive thoughts and fears can be incredibly distressing, leading to shame, guilt, and avoidance. One of the most important steps towards recovery is understanding the nature of these obsessions. This post will explore some common POCD obsessions, helping you recognize them as symptoms of OCD, separate yourself from them, and find relief. Remember, these obsessions do not reflect your true character or desires. They are intrusive thoughts caused by anxiety, not genuine attractions or intentions.
Often, at the core of POCD is the fear of being attracted to children. This might involve intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses. You might find yourself noticing a child’s body, comparing their attractiveness to an adult’s, or even experiencing unwanted sexual thoughts or images involving children. These thoughts are incredibly distressing, but it’s vital to understand they are not indicative of true attraction. They are intrusive thoughts, a symptom of OCD, not a reflection of who you are.
Another common fear is the worry of becoming a paedophile or being mistaken for one. You might fear that your thoughts are an early sign of paedophilia, that your sexuality is changing uncontrollably, or that you might lose control and act on unwanted urges. This can lead to hypervigilance, where you constantly monitor your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours around children. You might overanalyze your interactions, avoid any physical contact, or fear being falsely accused. These fears are understandable, but they are fueled by anxiety, not reality.
Avoidance is a common coping mechanism in POCD. This might involve avoiding places where children are present, activities involving children, or even media that includes children. You might isolate yourself from friends and family with children, avoid relationships, or suppress your emotions. While avoidance provides temporary relief, it prevents you from learning that your fears are unfounded. Many people with POCD engage in mental rituals and compulsions to try and alleviate their anxiety. This might involve seeking constant reassurance from others, mentally reviewing past interactions with children, or trying to suppress or neutralize intrusive thoughts. These mental rituals are attempts to control your thoughts, but they often backfire and make the obsessions stronger.
Understanding these obsessions is a crucial step towards recovery. It allows you to see them for what they are – symptoms of OCD, not reflections of your true self. With this knowledge, and when you are ready you can start to think about therapy. POCD like all forms of OCD is treatable and the most widely used models of therapy are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Preventions (ERP)