Why Health Anxiety is OCD

[@catq6864]

When my psychiatrist told me that my health anxiety is actually OCD, the healing began for me.. (and after reading Dr. Geeenberg’s work and yours). Thank you 😊🙏🏻

[@jigglytofu5267]

I lived with health anxiety since i was 8 and am now a young adult. It took me a psychiatrist examination to realize it was actually ocd and anxiety

[@COLOFIDUTI]

More people with anxiety should see this.For 6 years i was thrown from specialist tô specialist, even got my gallbladder removed all because i was at a high stress mode. I have somatic ocd and thanks tô some papérs and this channel i was able to know what was inflicting my life.And i know, for someone with health anxiety, being diagnosed with another ailment should feel bad, but for me it was liberating, now im not different, now i know that are people like me,and mine isnt the worst of that i have tô endure this tô the end my life! Im from Brazil, and far away from the big cities as i am, it really hard to seek good practicioners,and channels like yours are extremely important to help us finding what should recovery work looks like. Thank you Paige!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so happy that you found this channel and are learning and understanding yourself more. ❤️

[@spiritualityjuice]

This is great. I just call it hypochondria..:my therapist calls it health anxiety. I’m getting treatment for this right now. It literally ruins your life,

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes it does. I am so glad you are getting treatment.

[@spiritualityjuice]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy these videos help a lot too

[@karinastewart7109]

what treatments do you do?

[@JoseRios-hw5hv]

I most definitely have this!!

[@tahataufeeq1839]

This is probably the most useful video I have seen about my undiagnosed health anxiety and has given me alot of clarity on this isse. Thanks alot Paige

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so glad that I could help. Feel free to contact me at paigepradko.com if I can be of any help. 🙏🏼❤️

[@ananddayal1631]

Madam, you are a social worker for the world.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@tiannatalks7391]

I have 2,3, and 4. I’ve differed for 20 years. Currently trying to help myself and found your channel. Thank you so much for this content. You are saving lives and giving me hope.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome, Nicole. I left you a message on a different video telling you about my course and support group for health anxiety. It is praised by those that have taken the course. You will get lots of personal support there. www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety

[@tiannatalks7391]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you 💓

[@MrAug80]

Hi Paige you definitely the top woman on this subject. I’m really enjoying your videos. Soo helpful to everybody. Really appreciate it.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏❤️

[@JohnSmith-SdTkt]

Paige you keep hitting the nail,on the head for me. No 1 health anxiety is ME. When I’m at the height of my anxiety I believe I’m having or will,have a cardiac event ... even though I never do ....

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi John. I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. I can see that you just joined my OCD course. Thank you. I want to make sure you have all the support that you need to feel better.

[@user-jp1zr1qw7j]

Just had this about 3 weeks ago my anxiety had gotten out of hand where I couldn’t swallow any food just because of irrational thoughts about having serious illnesses. But it turned out it was all just in my head and the very next day I could eat everything.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

So glad that you could recognize that and overcome it. ❤️

[@superlibbyanne]

That was no doubt rough, it is fantastic that you are doing better👍

[@tracymoore1406]

Please pm me if you see this message. My son suffers horribly with this.

[@prod.liamstewart]

@@tracymoore1406 sending you good vibes I hope your son gets through this 🙏 ⭐

[@240iBMW]

This sounds just like me now. Thanks for sharing your story

[@katieh9537]

Wow this is so true!! I have ocd symptomatic snd illness anxiety wow. Just want to overcome this I am on that loop!! Finally getting some help!!!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Katie. I am glad you put those pieces together and I am glad that you are getting help. ❤️

[@Truerealism747]

Did you have pain syndrome

[@superlibbyanne]

I can only imagine OCD “germ” issues are out of control because of Covid 19.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, that people with that theme of ocd have been quite challenged during Covid as have people with agoraphobia. People that didn’t have agoraphobia seemed to develop it during Covid.

[@sarahberesford4724]

I have OCD and it hasn't worried me at all its constant muscle pain that as.fear of death doesn't bother me it's living a life in pain That does

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry, Sarah. People can have health anxiety with or without a medical diagnosis. Living with constant pain is indeed difficult. The obsessive worries add considerable suffering to that pain. Both the pain and the psychological symptoms require therapeutic treatment.

[@Truerealism747]

I've read OCD and pain are related is use same pathway mines muscle tension shoulder under armipits it moves over months started in my throat 5 years sgo

[@curtisdickey9503]

Thank you for everything your doing. You've been very helpful to me.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re more than welcome. I am so glad it is helpful. ❤️

[@CelineNoyce]

This was very good. Turns out I have like 50% of the issues you talk about. For instance I hate taking medication but have no problem with vaccines etc. My problem is that I have issues swallowing medications and I find doctors very uncaring about that. While I agree HA can be terrible... the underlying problem with getting better is that there is some truth to it. Doctors are very incompetent today and they face no consequences for their failures. This is a reality that causes HA a lot.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Maddie. That is a good point. If someone has had an incident where they felt they couldn’t trust their medical provider, this could develop into mistrust of the medical profession. And I can relate to a difficulty of swallowing large pills and agree that it would be nice to have more options.

[@vpclawerr7457]

I’m so sad at this moment, I’ll probably drop some tears while writing this because I haven’t spoke with anyone about this, but I suffer from pure ocd, this year I’ve had around 10 common themes (schizophrenia, suicidal, harm, S.O, Real Event, Health, magical thinking, relationship, and even other themes that are not very common) I’m also very hypochondriac , so tbh I think it’s just part of my health ocd, but everytime I have a theme, it feels so real even tho I know it’s probably not, but i suffer and it makes me so sad, anxious, mad, worried, etc. I don’t have depression, but when I get triggered I may have some depression symptoms, for example, as of right now I’m dealing with a lot of hypochondria because my neck hurts and I’ve coughing for 2 weeks and Of course my mind jumps into conclusions and horrible illnesses And I’m scared it might be true. I haven’t gone to the gym, I haven’t done much hw recently, I just want to stay in bed and rest until this goes away. It’s hard and I feel like neither my friends nor family will understand what I’m going through. They are just like “don’t think about it” but as you can see, I can’t help it :(

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry you are going through this. Yes, health anxiety is a type of OCD, another theme just like the other intrusive thoughts mixed with physical sensations and symptoms. I was listening to an ocd researcher today on a zoom conference that said ocd is a disorder of the imagination. It convinces us to doubt our own reality and believe instead in an exaggerated version of reality. I am not sure if you are interested in getting help, but I have 2 courses that can help you to get this under control. One course is specifically for health anxiety and the other course is for Pure O and OCD. I also have a section on health anxiety in the OCD course as well. You can check out my courses at paigepradko.com.

[@krisscanlon4051]

I've had health anxiety GAD etc since I was at least 10. Now 45 years later and lots of help I can't agree more that it is OCD in some form.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, there are definitely obsessions and compulsions involved. It is a challenging condition.

[@coopermacb9857]

I need to get an annual physical. I have put it off too long. I am terrified. The thought of even picking up the phone to make the appointment puts me in a panic. I don't know what to do. I thought about maybe getting a basic health check at a pharmacy as a way to take "baby steps" and eventually see my Dr for a full check up. Is that a good idea? I'm terrified of bad news.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Cooper. I am so sorry that you are afraid, this is very hard work. You certainly can take a step and make an appointment at the pharmacist first, and then challenge yourself to make an appointment for a full checkup. You can let the receptionist know a head of time that this is very hard for you, and you are anxious and possibly they will have some suggestions or at least be understanding when you go in for your physical. My husband and son and sister are all physicians and are very kind and understanding when someone comes in that has health anxiety. You will feel so proud of yourself afterwards for having faced your fears. If you need more help with health anxiety, I am offering an online course for health anxiety, where I can help to guide you through the process. www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety. I always remind myself that I can do things that are important to me whether anxiety decides to show up or not. ❤️

[@coopermacb9857]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much for your response. It means a lot.

[@carolwhelihan1514]

thinking of you, you are not alone. one small step.

[@coopermacb9857]

@@carolwhelihan1514 thank you

[@RedRabbleRouser]

Got somatic OCD and health anxiety. Your advice helps a lot.

[@mikecorazza]

Hi Paige. I have messaged before but maybe on a different account. I was diagnosed 3 times (2 of them with comprehensive psyh and neuroypsh tests) with somatic symptom disorder. You mention it in the video but to be clear, do you believe SSD to be ocd health anxiety as well? Like would you still treat it the same way when the patient is not only having debilitating fears of specific of non specific fears but also extremely symptomatic all the time? I'm in Canada but I've chatted online wirh a few US therapists and in the US it seems you guys put on emphasis on ocd being part of it. I am trying to get my Canadian psychologists to buy into it. Do you or are yoi able to offer group sessions or individual sessions to non US residents? I'll try and find your email address and maybe a direct message is better. Thanks!

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Mike. Yes, please send me a message through paigepradko.com. I want to answer all of your questions. 😊

[@mikecorazza]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Hey. Couldn't find an email address but messaged you in a contact US box on your website just now. Had to use my phone to type details and there's SO MUCH more tk my story but anyways hope we can connect because I think you'll find my situatuon unique and unbelievable.

[@safaasgari3115]

Thanks a lot again for your wonderful videos. I'm struggling with panic disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and Pure O at the same time. Living with this kind of anxiety is like a nightmare when it comes to being stuck in the rumination and what-if thoughts loop, like what if your anxiety won't go down after many ERP sessions or many HIV negative tests, or after taking medicine as well. And the worst one is, what if your kind of OCD is not curable at the moment even with ERP treatment. As a result, makes you use mental compulsions. Specialty dealing with HIV phobia all time, fore sure ERP is a good treatment, and also as you mentioned I am aware of not evaluating what if thoughts and play with OCD, but sometimes I get confused because of persisting thought that tells constantly what if this is not OCD thought and you got HIV this time and make it real and believable and uncertain for a long time that your body starts to feel that you are really sick and make you depressed and exhausted again. And even after taking a test, you're not feeling good again, on the other hand, you are worried about your anxiety side effects that make your anxiety go up again it is really tiresome and unbearable. I look forward to seeing your next videos. Million thanks.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry, Safa. It does sound like health anxiety and Pure O ….and those conditions can also cause panic. Remember that OCD makes you doubt. Don’t fall for it. It makes you want to check again…take another test. Don’t fall for it. Instead….decide that you are not going to respond to it…no matter how much it makes you doubt….no responding. Watch part 2 tomorrow and part 3 the day after. You can do this, Safa. If you need more help, I am here. I have an online course to help you with this. ❤️

[@hatemmohammad6339]

You are amazing and such a compassionate mentor , when i heard that you'll be broadcasting about health anxiety i couldn't wait and was filled with hope , thank you again. Note: please raise the sound of the next videos

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching. I will look into the sound…I am so sorry it wasn’t loud enough. But, thank you for pointing that out to me. 🙏😊

[@pragya3274]

new video after long time . thanks

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching. 🙏❤️

[@AThickBurrito]

how do i find a therapist who specializes in this? i can’t seem to find help.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

This is a sub specialty within the OCD field. It is difficult to find experienced specialists. I may be the only person that has made a course to help people have access to treatment. I walk you through what to do and have a support group in my course as well. You can sign up at www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety

[@JC-jr9hw]

Great video. One question, unless I missed it I don’t think you mentioned anything about the actual root cause of health anxiety. What is the initial cause of this type of disorder in the first place? I think that would also be important to understand in order to get better.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi JC. The root cause of OCD is thought to be genetics, although there are lesser known causes from bacterial or viral infections. With health anxiety it seems that most people most likely had the genetic predisposition for anxiety and OCD, and then the genes were most likely expressed by some kind of health trauma they experienced themselves or that they witnessed in a loved one. I rarely treat someone for health anxiety that did not have some kind of personal health trauma or witness it in another.

[@franciscamagalhaespereira3696]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Hello, thankyou so much for the video! I suffer from health anxiety and my issues started two years ago, where i had an episode and from then on it all spiraled. But i didnt have any health trauma and neither anyone close to me.. i did have trauma and suffered abuse from other things. So it started from nothing and it is really frustrating not knowing what happened with me to become like this

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry. Age of onset for ocd is typically before age 25. Although many people will recognize they had their first symptoms with intrusive thoughts and worries in adolescence. One’s OCD theme (health and fear of death) as in health anxiety is typically there for a reason. It can simply be that you wish to live a healthy life. Regardless of the cause, we can treat it. Should you need more help in treatment, here is a link for my online recovery course: www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety.

[@CelineNoyce]

For me it was a doctor's failure. I had always believed that doctors had the answer before -- until they grossly failed. It was that lack of trust that made me feel I was on my own.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That makes sense that you lost your trust. I’m sorry that happened to you.

[@ancuusounds]

Hello Paige, how would you assist someone who experiences a fear of taking medication, particularly when they have to take multiple doses or types of medication?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi. I am so sorry that you are dealing with the fear of taking medications. I would encourage you to discuss the pros and cons of the medications with your physician. And I would also encourage you to not start googling all of the side effects because every medication has so much information on the internet that could scare you. Even a simple baby aspirin could scare someone if they were to google it.

[@650038haig]

My OCD cause I watch my mom suffer COPD as kid now that I'm smoker I'm so scared that I measure my oyxgen levels each morning test says my lungs are ok but I'm still obsessed with the idea I might have COPD or I might get it later in life

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That must have been very difficult to witness. I am so sorry.

[@dewanmdurnto3592]

I have anxiety about having mental illness specifically depression. I'm not depressed in any shape or from what should i do?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Dewan. I know this feels distressing, but it is a form of health anxiety and OCD intrusive thought. There are a number of different methods of treatment. You can use the I. A.M. method as discussed in this video every time you have the thought, or you can do more intense ERP. You do not want to google information or seek reassurance or ruminate about it as that will only reinforce the cycle. If you need more help, I have an online course that will guide you through what to do: www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety

[@ashleycarr9014]

I’m the second one 😬but I’ve had three severe medication reactions so I have a reason but also yes lol I’m a mess in this regard

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

There is usually a reason, a trauma or a bad reaction behind why we develop health anxiety. You are not alone. But, you can treat it.

[@divyaahuja1327]

Right now I m facing health anxiety and thanku for this video I m pregnant and I feel my heart beat in my head and breathing problem

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Divya. Congratulations on your pregnancy, but I am sorry that you are experiencing health anxiety. You may also be experiencing somatic (body) awareness ocd where you become aware of unconscious body processes like breathing, heart rate, blinking or swallowing. I have this type of ocd with breathing. I cover how to treat this subtype of ocd in my course on ocd. You can find out more at www.paigepradko.com/ocd.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

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[@yiyooadriann4323]

I been feeling so bad :( thinking that I have a heart problem I get headaches aches in my body and I start thinking I have something serious i haven't slept well! I'm so overwhelmed 😪

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry that you are struggling. I hope my KZbin videos on health anxiety help you. Should you need more help, I would love to walk you through step by step on what to do in my therapy course for Recovery from Health Anxiety. Should you be interested, there is a savings code for my KZbin subscribers YTTENOFF. You can find out more on PaigePradko.com.

[@Rae.shelle]

I got this after I had my baby and my leg was swollen. Was told it could be blood clot. My D Dimer was high signaling I may have one but they said I didn’t after xray and everything . Went down a rabbit hole online and been consumed ever since

[@kimm6395]

The OCD part described me perfectly

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, not many people make the link between Health Anxiety and OCD.

[@Totallyking]

Thank you so much.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

You’re welcome 🙏

[@salmankaan2726]

Hi I become anxious and get urgency for urinate please guide I have already been diagnosed with panic disorders

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Salman. This is much more common than you might realize. You have to be willing to do exposures where you tolerate going places and being places where you must wait to urinate. Try to do a variety of exposures. When working with clients with this issue, we try to put them in exposure situations where they do not have control…like being a passenger in a car and they do not know when they will stop. Try to mix up your exposures everyday. You can retrain your brain if you practice exposures daily.

[@Truerealism747]

Is somatic ocd the same as somitization

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

They are both forms of OCD that are focused on the body or body symptoms or automatic processes of the body. Somatic awareness is an awareness, whereas somitization is more like health anxiety, thinking that something is “wrong”. But, they are very similar and there is probably crossover between the two.

[@madeleines.5998]

I don’t really obsess about serious illnesses it’s a more specific not so dangerous chronic thing that I fear to have is that still health anxiety?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Madeleine. It is possible. Here is a health anxiety assessment so that you can get a better idea of what is happening: www.paigepradko.com/healthanxietyquiz

[@jenniferr3098]

Why could it be that when I’m in front of the class I feel like some part of my body is going to move or my head is going to move out of no where. This makes it hard for me to concentrate and I’m just focusing on my mind. Then, I end up with a headache so it becomes worse. I feel like I don’t want to go to class or sit in the front because of that. how can I stop this from happening or what kind of OCD is this. It’s so hard to get out of my head

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Jennifer. I am sorry you are experiencing that. It is hard for me to say exactly what you are experiencing. I wonder what would happen if you just allowed the sensation to be there, and then just shifted your attention to what you are doing in the moment. So…if it feels like your head wants to move…you just allow that feeling to be there and then you focus on what is going on in class.

[@youhavemyrespect7662]

I have this anxiety. I take psychatric medications and I have phobia of their side effects. Although I take them for depression and insomnia , but I read on internet about their side effects. Any help to overcome this health anxiety?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, I understand. I work with people with health anxiety and it is common that their anxiety extends to medications, especially antidepressants. However, research does suggest that these medications are effective for OCD, including health anxiety. Therefore, my recommendation is to view the medications through a lens of whether or not they improve your overall quality of life. If they improve your quality of you life, then it is important to take them. You take them without thinking about it. And I strongly encourage you to not research the medications as that can become compulsive and increase your anxiety.

[@youhavemyrespect7662]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thanks a lot 👍🙏🙏🙏🙏☺️☺️☺️

[@Truerealism747]

Doesn't help that neurologist who put me amitrytelene told me they cause dementia

[@andreacervenkova9005]

Hi Paige, My obsessional concerns have shifted into health anxiety. I am healthy, but struggle with thoughts about having cancer. These days they are so convincing that I believe I have it. My question is, can believing that something will happen or believing that I already have it or imagination cause it to happen in reality? Im not seeking reassurance, but Im really tired of the statements like "if you believe it, then it comes true" etc.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Andrea. It is unfortunately quite common for people with ocd to experience theme shifts. The quote “if you believe it, then it will come true” is not helpful for people with anxiety or ocd. I am not a fan of such quotes either. But, for a few moments, I want you to imagine winning the lottery. More money than you could ever use or need or imagine. Close your eyes and put yourself in that world…imagine where you would live, what car would you drive, what your furniture would be like, what your view would be out your window. Really try to imagine it. Now open your eyes and see what the reality is. Will you begin to do compulsions because your imagination tells you that you may be rich? No. You see the difference between imagination and reality. That’s what I want you to do with your imaginary ocd story. Notice the made-up story and then step out of the made up story and tell yourself what is reality.

[@andreacervenkova9005]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you. So even imagining something a lot or believing something cannot make it happen, right?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

@@andreacervenkova9005, if it did…I think we would have all won the lottery by now. 😊

[@andreacervenkova9005]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy ok, so it doesnt work like this for anything, correct?

[@lauraschmuck5565]

I have been suffering with chronic pain and no tests show anything wrong and my pain is increasing everyday. According to what I have been researching this type of pain is caused by the brain misfiring when it interprets danger or thinks there is something wrong and create neuropathic pain in the body and can get worse if you fear the pain symptoms. I have had this for several years and can barely move without pain. This problem is called Mind body Syndrome or tension myositis syndrome. And I guess this could be another health anxiety because it is the fear of pain.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Laura. That is similar to both health anxiety and panic disorder. Your brain has to learn through experiential learning (exposures) that you are not in danger. And thoughts also need to change to more helpful thoughts and not worse case scenarios. I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

[@lauraschmuck5565]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy Yes. I am working through your panic episodes right now. Thank you for responding.

[@faizafazil9426]

How to manage anger when we have anxiety issues and depression?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That’s a good question. Anger is one more form of frustration when things are not going the way we expected or people are not behaving the way we expected. It is helpful to step back and try to observe ourselves being angry that someone or something didn’t go the way we expect. In a sense, we are trying to control someone to behave according to what we think is right or expected. When we distance ourselves and observe this in ourselves we can become less reactive and even have compassion for ourselves and others.

[@rommelreckoblad2771]

Second health anxiety I have that feeling.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you for watching 🙏❤️

[@Truerealism747]

To me it looks like stuck in fight flight from birth.central sensitisation syndrome Claire weeks is good book she describes it as general muscle pain

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That’s interesting, Tom. I have read Claire Weekes’ book “Agoraphobia”. She was well ahead of her time and offered great advice.

[@Truerealism747]

I've had constant muscle tension got 5 years started in my throat then to my chest now shoulders pulls into armpits with a few other pains intermittent three the day is this usual.the pain causes stress

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry, Tom. If you ever need help in treatment for health anxiety, I created a new course and support group to help people. Here is more information should you be interested: www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy is it common to have constant muscular symptoms thankuou

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, it is common.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy shame the drs I have seen haven't known that but thankyou for your advice one having Oxygen Therapy for the muscle pain.ime told it also helps anxiety to.thd muscle pain has moved location over the years but always constant

[@Truerealism747]

I've read they think OCD is neurobiological now what do you think of this thankyou

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

There does seem to be a neurobiological communication problem between different parts of the brain in OCD. However, the cause seems to be a combination of genetics and biology and sometimes even triggered by an infection. Although it is still not completely understood.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy well I've had it from birth and my mother great grandmother and my great great grandmother does your course reverse the problem for me muscle pain now the OCD itself isn't bad since pains gone up but fear of this anxiety shoulder pain 24/7

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

It sounds like it is definitely genetics in your family. Mine too. You will learn what to do to recover from health anxiety in my course. People often have constant health worries and the result of that anxiety can exacerbate their symptoms. Once we treat the health anxiety, most people find that their symptoms reduce significantly. The aim is to get to a place of the best quality of life and peace of mind as possible for sufferers of health anxiety.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy didn't realise you had it that's great someone who understands it my son has it to.my grandfather must of had it though he controlled it had such simple life and he always said I can't have anything new..... IE to polish etc.hsve you had somatic symptom s yourself?.anxiety even has given me sinus problems for 15 years but I've beaten that minerals etc.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I have had several OCD themes including health anxiety. Mine somatic symptoms were related to breathing. The symptoms occasionally pop up when I am trying to go to sleep. But I know what to NOT do and it settles down again. I have empathy for anyone going through any kind of somatic symptoms.

[@youhavemyrespect7662]

THINKING ERRORS IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER can you give examples for each of the following which are thinking errors in OCD: 1- Overestimation of Responsibility: You believe that because you think about harmful consequences, you are therefore responsible for preventing harm from coming to yourself or others. Failure to prevent (or failure to try to prevent) harm is the same thing as causing harm. 2- Significance of Thoughts: You believe that your negative obsessional thoughts are overly important or very meaningful. For example, the idea that there is something seriously wrong with your brain because you have senseless thoughts. 3- Need to Control Thoughts: Beliefs about the significance of thoughts lead you to feel the need to control your obsessional thoughts (and actions). You worry that if you don’t control (or try to control) unwanted thoughts, something terrible could happen that you could have prevented. Some people worry they will act on their unwanted thoughts unless the thoughts are suppressed. please give me example for each on so that I can understand them.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I thought you did a great job of explaining those cognitive distortions. I will give you an example using different ocd themes. 1. Overestimation of responsibility: A person with OCD might check the stove, the window locks, the door lock, light switches, and unplug every appliance. They may fear that something bad may happen if they do not check over and over again. They feel that it is their duty, their responsibility and the cycle continues as long as the compulsions continue. A person without checking OCD does not feel that kind of responsibility, at least not to that extent. 2. Significance of thoughts There have been many studies that have examined the content of thoughts. People with OCD and people without OCD basically have the same content or have very similar thoughts. People without OCD do not get alarmed by their thoughts. They are just thoughts. They don’t classify them as good thoughts or bad thoughts…because they view their thoughts as insignificant mental activity. People with OCD view their thoughts as having significance. They fear that having a thought that they view as bad or inappropriate must mean that they are bad or inappropriate. Thoughts do not imply anything about someone as a person. A person with Harm OCD might believe that something is wrong with them if they have a thought about harming themselves or someone else. Someone without OCD could have those same thoughts and not be bothered at all. The difference is how one reacts to their thoughts. 3 - Need to control thoughts People with OCD often use avoidance behaviors along with compulsions to avoid being triggered. A person with sexual orientation OCD might avoid seeing people or certain movies that trigger their obsessive thoughts. All of these avoidances are attempts to control their thoughts. Of course, whatever we resist, persists. Another example might be someone that uses a ritual of neutralizing their thoughts. If they happen to have a thought that makes them uncomfortable, they quickly force themselves to say something positive to cancel out or neutralize what they thought of as a bad thought. Again, this is an attempt to control their thoughts. This mental compulsion only strengthens the obsessive thought. A better method is allowing your thoughts to float there without attending to them, analyzing them, or resisting them. This teaches the brain that you are not in danger, you are safe and the thoughts become less obsessive on their own when the control attempts are diminished.

[@youhavemyrespect7662]

I really don't know how to thank you. I really appreciate your reply and your efforts to interpret everything . 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Truerealism747]

Health anxiety and somatic symptom are same thing but more severe the latter

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Illness anxiety disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder are both considered health anxiety disorders and both can vary from mild to severe in intensity and debilitation. Both act like and are treated like OCD. In the future, I anticipate these disorders being officially classified as OCD, where health concerns and/or symptoms are the concerns.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy all fear isn't it my OCD as morphed to physical muscle pain.i like you are understanding of this.have you seen many cured if ssd

[@Nisargatt]

What should I do when something is consistently is bothering me ? Like an environment and it’s illogical and I don’t want to see that

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Dana. It’s hard to give general advice about that without knowing more. But, let me give an example. Many people are uncomfortable in grocery stores and malls. Those environments feel like sensory overload for many people. But, they make great challenges for exposures for people with agoraphobia or even social anxiety. It is an environment where they can practice tolerating their discomfort and anxiety and find that it gets easier for them overtime. I am not sure if my example is helpful at all, but I was trying to give you an example where we can use exposures to help ourselves practice tolerating our discomfort.

[@Nisargatt]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much for your respond for example when I get outside I don’t want to see something Because it keeps bothering me and illogical .I interpreting why that is disturbing me the more I do the more it hurts me and I try to find out the truth just I get in lost it makes me isolate . The thing is not really dangerous to bothering me or disturbing me just I generalization and I misinterpreted them?

[@Nisargatt]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy The reason is simple: Deceptive brain messages have intruded into your psyche and taken over your life. Left to its own devices, your brain can cause you to believe things that are not true and to act in any number of self- destructive ways, such as:Step 2: Reframe-Change your perception of the importance of the deceptive brain messages; say why these thoughts, urges, and impulses keep bothering you: They are false brain messages (It’s not ME, it’s just my BRAIN! What do you think about that I have read in one book called you are not your brain ?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I see. If you wanted to work on this, you could do ERP. You could go outside on purpose and not analyze or try to figure out why you are uncomfortable. You are just exposing yourself to the environment and allowing your brain to learn that you are safe. Trying to analyze and think about it is a mental compulsion and will only make it worse. Just enter the environment and allow your brain to learn. And then do this exposure at different times of the day and night to allow your brain time to learn. I hope that helps.

[@Nisargatt]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you so much 🙏 my problem is simple I have self filtering when the things even very useful or positive I see in negative ways that is makes me worried should I believe everything is pops into my brain?

[@mskitten1203]

Could you up the volume please

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am so sorry…I am not sure why there is a volume problem. I am having someone look into it to see if I can improve the volume. Thank you. If you get a chance, let me know if you have a volume problem on Part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn27g5KFq9RgsJI

[@ipsitaroy3869]

Hi mam all health anxieties are OCD?

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Hi Ipsita. I will say that most of the time health anxiety is ocd if there are obsessive health worries. But sometimes it can be undiagnosed panic disorder.

[@waelandaleiachannel2925]

Rise your amazing voice

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Thank you 🙏

[@waelandaleiachannel2925]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy love you so much ❤️

[@Truerealism747]

So OCD is also somatic symptom disorderer functinonal somatic symptoms

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Technically they are different diagnoses, but if you ask any specialist that treats health anxiety, they will tell you that health anxiety is ocd with a health/illness/somatic theme. And health anxiety is maintained by the same cycle as ocd. Those of us that work in this field believe that illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder should have been listed under an ocd category in the DSM-5.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy thought it was as I believe my OCD is linked now to my pain.as other side of OCD had since s child cleanliness as gone right down even threw vivid it's pain what worries me sure the OCD anxiety tightens my fascia.theres so many names for anxiety induced pain or dizzyness etc.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy OCD isn't in DSM 5 now is it

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes, OCD is in the DSM, but many of us believe that health anxiety should be included under the ocd category. 😊

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy oh I read on internet been removed from anxiety disorder.strange.thankyou for your help

[@Truerealism747]

I spoke to I TMS doctor over my problem and told me OCD is fear in the subconscious as when it's reversed can be seen on fmri

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

That’s interesting.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy do you think it's this well fear of symptom s must carry it on do you see many fully recover from constant muscle pain symptoms

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Because muscle tension is a symptom of anxiety, this symptom does ease up in many when anxiety is reduced.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy terrible everyday.i.hope it does for me just moves over the years sycosomatic

[@Truerealism747]

All fear

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes…fear can be very convincing.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy yes the tension it causes in my muscles then we have fear of the fear

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Fear of the fear is what we also call panic disorder. We ultimately need to embrace and allow the fear to teach our brains that fear or anxiety itself is not dangerous and nothing to fear. Too bad we didn’t have a fear switch that we could just manually shut off when our bodies overreact.

[@Truerealism747]

@@PaigePradkoTherapy yes the amalgamia like I said for me now it's fear if the muscle pain I have everyday.i aren't sure if I have panic disorder or pure anxiety I do no it's related to hypomobilty and OCD for which all my family have to.i don't have panic attack must be constant anxiety I used to have it where you couldn't breath and have had all the symptoms in Claire weekes book over the years one moves to another now it's the muscle pain 5 years started as globus.

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

It is all related, Tom. It sounds like you have anxiety sensitivity, where you feel things intensely in your body and your brain interprets them as dangerous. This is a trait that we see in health anxiety/OCD and in people with panic disorder. Because you are not having panic episodes and have OCD in your family, you are likely experiencing health anxiety OCD. If you are interested in more help, I do offer an online course and support group within that course. www.paigepradko.com/healthanxiety

[@jamescalifornia2964]

It sounds like depression is a symptom of health anxiety ~

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

Yes unfortunately, a person with health anxiety may also experience depression or other anxiety disorders.

[@Truerealism747]

Uncertainty yes drs all day diffarant made me ill

[@PaigePradkoTherapy]

I am sorry about that Tom