This video describes existential obsessions, which are sometimes observed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Existential obsessions are also referred to as “philosophical obsessions.” In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we see obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is a thought that is disturbing to an individual who has OCD. With the case of existential obsessions, the thoughts center around existential or philosophical topics. Somebody can have existential obsessions and other types of obsessions and compulsions. With existential obsessions, there's a preoccupation with existential topics like the meaning of life, the nature of God, questioning the existence of God, the nature of the universe, how the universe started, the nature of reality and consciousness, and what happens when somebody dies. We also see an interest in science like physics, biology, or chemistry, usually in an effort to explain how people exist. There is sometimes an interest in morality. There are various reactions to these existential obsessions and some of these reactions we would consider compulsions. It is not unusual for someone with these obsessions to look for reassurance. If they select a particular point of view, the may look for reassurance that they're correct from people they believe might know those answers. There are sometimes attempts to answer the existential question.
Existential and philosophical obsessions are often thought of as ruminations as opposed to intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are different than ruminations. An intrusive thought is disturbing and people try to avoid these thoughts. Intrusive thoughts oftentimes have a sexual, violent, relational, or religious nature to them and the individual with OCD who has these thoughts considers them undesirable. A rumination is typically not resisted like an intrusive thought would be. Someone who has ruminations does not consider the ruminations to be offensive or even troubling. Ruminations are a series of thoughts that go on for days, months, or even years. Existential obsessions, therefore, could be thought of as existential ruminations. Sometimes depression and anxiety associated with these existential ruminations.
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