How to Cope with Hyperawareness OCD: Tips and Strategies

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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Mike Robinson

As someone who has struggled with OCD and hyperawareness, I understand the challenges that come with this condition. Hyperawareness OCD, also known as sensorimotor OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that can be difficult to live with. In this article, I will provide an overview of hyperawareness OCD, its symptoms, and how to cope with it.

Understanding hyperawareness OCD

Hyperawareness OCD is a subtype of OCD that involves excessive attention and focuses on bodily sensations, such as breathing, swallowing, or blinking. Individuals with hyperawareness OCD may become fixated on these sensations, causing them significant distress and anxiety. This type of OCD is also known as sensorimotor OCD because it involves the senses and motor functions of the body.

Common symptoms

How to Cope with Hyperawareness OCD: Tips and Strategies — Women staring into space while experiencing body sensations.

The symptoms of hyperawareness OCD can vary from person to person but generally involve excessive focus on bodily sensations. Some common symptoms of this type of OCD include:

Excessive attention to bodily sensations
Obsessive thoughts about bodily sensations
Compulsive behaviors related to bodily sensations
Anxiety and distress related to bodily sensations
Avoidance of situations that trigger bodily sensations

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hyperawareness OCD Test

If you suspect that you may have hyperawareness OCD, there are online tests available that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of this condition. However, it is important to note that online tests are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. The best way to determine whether you have this type of OCD is to speak with a mental health professional.

Hyperawareness and Sensorimotor OCD

One disturbing thing about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being very aware of certain physical feelings. Body-focused obsessions, also called sensorimotor or somatosensory obsessions, can make you feel terrible and cause your thoughts or analyses to get “stuck” on certain physiological processes.

These processes include:

breathing
Feeling and hearing your heartbeat
Blinking your eyes
Swallowing
Seeing “floaters” in the eyes
Seeing flashes of light in their field of vision

These can all become focused ideas. Conscious breathing, conscious swallowing, and conscious blinking are all popular names for this condition. Other names include obsessive breathing, obsessive swallowing, and obsessive blinking, or compulsive breathing, compulsive swallowing, and compulsive blinking.

People with this type of OCD are painfully and frustratingly aware of their own bodily feelings, even though most people’s bodies do these things without them being aware of it. They may feel like they cannot control these sensations and may engage in compulsive behaviors to try to alleviate their anxiety.

What is hyperawareness anxiety?

Individuals who suffer from hyperawareness OCD are said to have feelings of anxiety and anguish, which have been given the label “hyperawareness anxiety.”

This form of anxiety is characterized by an excessive attention and focus on body sensations, which can lead to obsessive thoughts and compulsive activities related to these sensations. It is also known as somatic symptom disorder (SSD).

Does OCD cause hyperawareness?

There is no exact cause of hyperawareness OCD. However, research suggests that it may be related to abnormalities in the brain’s circuitry. Additionally, OCD can result from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. It is possible that hyperawareness OCD is a subtype of OCD that is caused by a specific combination of these factors.

Coping Strategies for Hyperawareness OCD

man sitting on rock — Man sitting on rock surrounded by water while practicing mindfulness.

There are several coping strategies that can help individuals with hyperawareness OCD manage their symptoms. These strategies include:

Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help individuals with this type of OCD learn to observe their bodily sensations without becoming fixated on them.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy: ERP therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves gradually exposing individuals to situations or stimuli that trigger their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This type of therapy can help individuals learn to tolerate their anxiety and reduce their compulsions.
Cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This type of therapy can help individuals with this type of OCD learn to reframe their thoughts and beliefs in a more positive and realistic way.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, can help individuals with this type of OCD manage their anxiety and reduce their fixation on bodily sensations.

Therapy Options for Hyperawareness OCD

OCD is a rather prevalent disorder. The good news is that it is a mental health problem that can be treated effectively in almost all cases. You are able to learn how to live with it if you participate in the appropriate therapy and, if necessary, take medication for your OCD.

Medication options

Individuals who suffer from hyperawareness obsessive-compulsive disorder may find that medication is a helpful therapy option. In the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently given since they have been demonstrated to be beneficial in alleviating OCD symptoms.

Nevertheless, medicine and treatment should be taken together in order to achieve the best possible results.

Living with Hyperawareness OCD

Living with hyperawareness OCD can be challenging, but it is important to remember that it is a treatable condition. With the right treatment and coping strategies, individuals with hyperawareness OCD can learn to manage their symptoms. That will allow them to begin living a more fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Hyperawareness OCD is a subtype of OCD that involves excessive focus on bodily sensations. Individuals with this condition may become fixated on bodily sensations, leading to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The exact cause of this disorder is not known.

However, research suggests that it may be related to abnormalities in the brain’s circuitry. Treatment options for this disorder include therapy, medication, and coping strategies. Therefore, individuals with this condition can learn to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.