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10 Things You Would Be Surprised to Learn About Tourettic OCD

By Debra Kissen

When most people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), they envision repetitive behaviors like checking locks or excessive handwashing. However, OCD presents in many different forms, some of which can look very similar to other conditions. One of these lesser-known forms is Tourettic OCD, which shares some features with both traditional OCD and Tourette Syndrome. Below are ten things you might find surprising about Tourettic OCD:

  1. It’s Related to ‘Just Right’ OCD
    People with Tourettic OCD experience a compelling urge to perform certain actions or movements in a way that feels “just right.” This is closely related to Just Right OCD, where the driving force isn’t always about fear of a catastrophic outcome but more about an intense need to achieve a specific feeling or relieve a sense of discomfort.
  2. Compulsions Can Feel Automatic
    One of the most challenging aspects of Tourettic OCD is how automatic the compulsions may feel. Many individuals describe the actions as something they must do, even if they consciously know they don’t want to. While the urge can feel impossible to resist, with the right tools, learning to ride out the compulsion is achievable.
  3. Not All Compulsions Are Visible
    You might think of compulsions as visible actions like blinking or tapping, but in Tourettic OCD, some may occur internally. For instance, individuals might silently repeat a word or phrase or count in their head until things feel “just right.”
  4. It Shares Some Similarities with Tourette Syndrome
    Like Tourette Syndrome, Tourettic OCD involves an intense urge or “premonitory sensation” leading up to the compulsion. This sensation is akin to an itch that needs scratching, and the relief only comes once the compulsion or movement is completed.
  5. It Can Co-Occur with Sensory Sensitivities
    Many individuals with Tourettic OCD report heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as textures, sounds, or physical sensations. This sensitivity often plays a role in triggering compulsions, as certain movements or actions might be driven by a need to relieve sensory discomfort or achieve a sense of “balance.” This overlap with sensory processing challenges can make it even harder for others to understand why these compulsions are so compelling.
  6. The Urge to Engage in Compulsions Can Be Excruciatingly Persistent
    People with Tourettic OCD often describe their compulsions as being incredibly persistent, sometimes to the point of interfering with daily life. These urges can feel as if they’re always there, demanding attention and action.
  7. Compulsions Are Not Always “Logical”
    The compulsions in Tourettic OCD don’t always follow a logical sequence or pattern. For instance, someone might feel compelled to touch an object a certain number of times, not because of any fear-based obsession but to achieve an internal sense of balance or completion.
  8. The Fear of Not Being Able to Stop Is Common
    Many individuals with Tourettic OCD experience anxiety around whether or not they’ll be able to control their compulsions in the future. This fear can lead to a sense of hopelessness or feeling stuck, but recognizing this pattern is a crucial first step toward gaining control.
  9. It’s Extremely Difficult to Explain to Others
    One of the hardest parts about living with Tourettic OCD is explaining it to those who don’t experience it. Since the compulsions aren’t always driven by traditional fears or worries, it can be challenging for friends and family to understand why the individual feels such a strong need to perform certain actions.
  10. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Can Be Life-Changing
    The good news is that effective treatment is available. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is highly effective in treating Tourettic OCD. Through gradual exposure to urges and learning not to respond with compulsions, individuals can retrain their brains to recognize that the discomfort, though intense, is temporary and does not require immediate action.

How We Treat Tourettic OCD at Light On Anxiety

At Light On Anxiety, our team of skilled clinicians specializes in evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients manage and overcome Tourettic OCD. We recognize that the urge to perform compulsions can feel automatic and overwhelming, so we focus on helping clients gradually build tolerance to these intense urges while resisting the compulsion. We guide clients through carefully structured ERP exercises designed to retrain the brain, teaching that while the discomfort is real, it doesn’t need to dictate actions.

Our approach is compassionate and personalized. We work alongside each client to explore and address the specific “just right” sensations or urges that drive their compulsions. At Light On Anxiety, we emphasize a collaborative treatment process, helping clients and families understand the nature of Tourettic OCD while providing practical strategies to manage symptoms and live a more fulfilling life. With patience, persistence, and the right tools, freedom from compulsions is within reach.

Dr. Debra Kissen is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO and founder of Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centers....

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