Racist OCD: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While most people associate OCD with repetitive behaviors and thoughts about cleanliness or symmetry, there is a lesser-known subtype of OCD that deals with racist thoughts: racist OCD. In this post, we’ll explore what racist OCD is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

What Is Racist OCD?

Racist OCD, also known as racism OCD, is a form of OCD in which an individual experiences intrusive and distressing thoughts about being racist or committing racist acts. These thoughts often don’t reflect the person’s true beliefs or values, but they are deeply disturbing and can be difficult to ignore. People with racist OCD may experience intense anxiety, shame, and guilt about these thoughts, leading them to engage in compulsive behaviors in an attempt to neutralize their anxiety.

What Causes Racist OCD?

The exact cause of racist OCD is not known, but like other forms of OCD, it is thought to be related to imbalances in the brain’s natural chemical messengers. Stressful life events or news stories, trauma, and other psychological factors may also play a role in the development of racist OCD. It’s important to note that having racist OCD does not mean someone is actually racist; the thoughts and behaviors are symptoms of a mental health condition and not reflections of the person’s true beliefs or values.

What Are the Symptoms of Racist OCD?

Obsessions Seen In People with Racism OCD:

People with racist OCD experience intrusive and distressing thoughts about being racist or committing racist acts. These thoughts are often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame.

Compulsions Seen In People with Racism OCD:

In an attempt to neutralize the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts, people with racist OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors such as apologizing repeatedly, avoiding certain people or places, or seeking reassurance from others that they are not racist.

Is it Racism OCD or Actual Racism?

It’s important to differentiate between racist OCD and actual racism. People with racist OCD experience intrusive and distressing thoughts about being racist, while actual racism involves holding racist beliefs and engaging in racist behaviors. Additionally, people with racist OCD experience significant anxiety, shame, and guilt about their thoughts, while individuals who are actually racist do not.

Treatment for Racism OCD

The most effective treatment for racist OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP therapy is a type of therapy that involves gradually exposing the person to their intrusive thoughts in a controlled and safe environment, without engaging in compulsive behaviors. This helps the person to learn that they can tolerate the anxiety caused by their thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviors.

In conclusion, racism OCD is a subtype of OCD in which individuals experience intrusive and distressing thoughts about being racist. Although these thoughts do not reflect the person’s true beliefs or values, they can be deeply distressing and lead to compulsive behaviors. With the help of CBT and ERP therapy, people with racism OCD can learn to manage their intrusive thoughts and reduce their anxiety. If you or someone you know is experiencing racist intrusive thoughts, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Other Subtypes of OCD

Click here to learn more about other subtypes of OCD.