Understanding Taboo OCD: Exploring Violent, Pedophilic, Perinatal, and Incest Obsessions and Compulsions

Apr 11

Author: Michael Valuta, UF Undergraduate student

Published: April 2024

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress and anxiety.

While OCD manifests in various forms, some obsessions are rooted in taboo topics, causing significant distress and impairment.

In this blog, we'll explore four specific types of taboo OCD obsessions: Violent, Pedophilic, Postpartum, and Incest Obsessions. Individuals with these obsessions find these thoughts unwanted and uncomfortable and would never act upon these thoughts. As a result, individuals often fear telling others about these experiences out of concern that they may face negative consequences. However, help is available, and it is our aim to elucidate this topic and normalize that this can be part of OCD and further evaluation is recommended by a licensed physician to guide the diagnostic and intervention process.

Violent Obsessions

Violent obsessions involve intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or others, often accompanied by graphic mental images or scenarios. Individuals with this form of OCD may experience an overwhelming fear of losing control and acting on these violent impulses, despite having no intention or desire to do so.

Examples of violent obsessions include

Thoughts of stabbing a loved one, pushing someone in front of a train, or intentionally causing a car accident.

Compulsions may manifest as avoidance behaviors, such as steering clear of sharp objects or public places, or mental rituals aimed at neutralizing the distressing thoughts, like repeating specific phrases or prayers.

Pedophilic Obsessions

Pedophilic obsessions involve intrusive thoughts of engaging in sexual acts with children, despite individuals with OCD finding these thoughts abhorrent and distressing. These obsessions can cause intense guilt, shame, and fear of being labeled as a threat to children.

Compulsions may include extreme avoidance of situations involving children or constant reassurance-seeking behaviors. For instance, individuals may excessively check their own behaviors around them, or seek reassurance from others about their moral character.

Perinatal Obsessions

Perinatal obsessions typically occur in new parents and involve intrusive thoughts related to harming their newborn or being incapable of caring for them properly. These obsessions often trigger intense anxiety and can interfere with the caregiver-child bond. These symptoms can impact both men and women.

Examples of perinatal obsessions include:

Fears of accidentally dropping the baby, thoughts of suffocating the baby while breastfeeding, or worries about being unable to protect the baby from harm.

Compulsions may involve excessive checking behaviors, such as repeatedly checking on the baby while they sleep, or avoidance of certain caregiving tasks due to fear of causing harm.

Incest Obsessions

Incest obsessions entail intrusive thoughts of engaging in sexual acts with family members, such as parents, siblings, or children, despite individuals finding these thoughts repulsive and against their moral values. These obsessions often lead to profound feelings of guilt, shame, and fear of being ostracized by loved ones or society.

Compulsions may include avoidance of family members, constant mental review of past interactions for signs of inappropriate behavior or seeking reassurance from others about the absence of actual desires.

Understanding & Treating OCD

Living with taboo OCD obsessions and compulsions can be extremely challenging, as individuals often feel ashamed and isolated due to the nature of their intrusive thoughts. However, it is essential to understand that these thoughts are a symptom of OCD and do not reflect an individual's true desires or intentions. These symptoms are considered ego dystonic meaning that they find these thoughts unwanted and distressing.

The FLOAAT Center provides professional help for treating OCD, particularly through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, which can greatly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for managing and overcoming taboo OCD obsessions and compulsions with the right support and treatment using exposure therapy or exposure and response prevention.