Understanding Trauma and OCD

While trauma and OCD are separate mental health conditions, the two often co-occur and can be quite intertwined. In fact, studies show that 1 in 4 individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) also experience OCD, which can be caused as a result of trauma (known as Trauma OCD) [1]. 

In this blog, you will learn more about how trauma and OCD are connected, what trauma OCD is, and how to get treatment. 

What Is Trauma OCD?

Trauma OCD is a condition that occurs when someone has experienced a traumatic event and develops obsessive-compulsive tendencies as a result. Traumatic circumstances that can cause this condition include witnessing violence, experiencing abusive relationships/assaults, serious injuries or illness, natural disasters, and more. 

A sub-type of OCD, trauma OCD symptoms often include:

• Intrusive, unwanted, or distressing thoughts
• Ritualistic/compulsive behaviors
• Reliving traumatic events
• Chronic anxiety/paranoia
• Flashbacks to the event
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Avoidance behaviors
• Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, etc.)
• Difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks

The Connection Between Trauma and OCD

Living through a traumatic event is a life-altering experience that can cause deep emotional pain and have significant impacts on overall health. Trauma can damage the brain and cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While less prevalent, OCD also can occur as a result of trauma and can co-occur with PTSD. This is known as Trauma OCD. 

Post-traumatic stress disorders are in the stress-related group of mental health conditions, and specifically arise from experiencing a traumatic life event. OCD can begin manifesting as well after a traumatic event, but it isn’t always linked to trauma like PTSD is. However, it does frequently occur as a result of the brain and body trying to cope with trauma. So, while OCD does not fall in the stress-related group of mental health conditions like PTSD, it does fall into the category of trauma-response mental health disorders.

According to a study by Baylor College of Medicine, 11% of OCD patients with PTSD had an OCD diagnosis with PTSD, and only 4% had an OCD diagnosis before having PTSD [1]. So, while not everyone who lives through a traumatic experience will develop OCD, it’s a common issue to be aware of for those who endure trauma. 

There is also an overlap in symptoms of PTSD and OCD, including:

• Unwanted, intrusive memories or thoughts 

• Repetitive behaviors and actions to reduce distress 

• Avoidance of stimuli that cause intrusive thoughts to occur 

How We Respond to Trauma

How people respond to trauma varies drastically from person to person, but typically impacts the mind and body in significant ways. The effects of a traumatic event can cause mental and physical symptoms to develop as a response. In many cases, these experiences can lead to serious mental health disorders like PTSD and OCD. 

Mental and physical disorders that can develop as a result of trauma include:

Mental health disorders:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
• Adjustment Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Dissociative Disorders (e.g., dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization disorder)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Substance Use Disorders
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
• Eating Disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder)
• Sleep Disorders (e.g., insomnia, nightmares)
• Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)

Physical health disorders:

• Chronic Pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)
• Cardiovascular Issues (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease)
• Immune System Dysfunction
• Respiratory Problems (e.g., asthma, chronic respiratory issues)

While these disorders can be a challenge for individuals to live with, the good news is that treatment is available to help combat them. Keep reading to learn more about how to get treatment for disorders caused by trauma. 

If you or a loved one are suffering from a mental health disorder caused by trauma, there are insurance-covered resources available to you. Call our mental health treatment program today at 844-759-0999 for access to immediate clinical intervention. 

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Trauma OCD

Trauma OCD (also known as trauma-related obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a type of OCD that occurs as a result of a traumatic event. While general OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and obsessive behaviors, trauma OCD links these symptoms directly to managing distress around a specific trauma rather than just generalized dysregulation. 

Because trauma OCD specifically relates to obsessions revolving around the trauma itself, this disorder often involves symptoms that overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and requires specific diagnosis and treatment. 

Diagnosis of Trauma OCD

Diagnosing trauma-related OCD is a complex process that requires the expertise of a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will perform a thorough assessment of OCD symptoms using tools like the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BCOS) and assess:

• Severity of symptoms
• Impact of symptoms on patient’s daily life
• Nature of obsessive thoughts and compulsions
• Existence of hypervigilance, flashbacks, or avoidance behaviors
• How symptoms relate to past trauma

From there, the doctor will determine whether trauma OCD is present in the patient or if another mental health disorder may be present. Then, they will prescribe a treatment protocol as needed, customized for the specific individual’s needs. 

Treatment for Trauma OCD

Once diagnosed, a licensed mental health practitioner will prescribe a treatment protocol for Trauma OCD. Treating trauma OCD includes a number of therapeutic methods known as cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). These include:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is particularly effective for OCD. For Trauma OCD, ERP involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger obsessive thoughts related to the trauma, without performing the compulsive response, helping to break the cycle of anxiety and compulsion over time.
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This approach is effective when Trauma OCD symptoms are strongly connected to a specific traumatic experience. TF-CBT helps individuals process the trauma, develop healthier thought patterns, and reduce the intensity of compulsions related to past trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is often used for trauma-focused cases and can help individuals with Trauma OCD reprocess distressing memories, reducing the emotional impact of obsessive thoughts related to trauma.
• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline or fluvoxamine, are commonly prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate compulsive behaviors and reduce anxiety associated with Trauma OCD.

In addition to these treatments, alternative methods like breathwork, yoga, and acupuncture can be used as supplemental strategies to help promote overall mental well-being and contribute to healing. 

With the combination of a good therapist, a proper diagnosis, and a personalized and comprehensive treatment program, it is possible to live a happy, fulfilling life even after being subjected to trauma. While treatment can’t change the fact that a tragic event has occurred, it can help the brain and body heal. 

10 Tips for Managing Trauma OCD

Once you’ve started the healing journey from trauma OCD, it’s important that you establish long-term tools and support systems to maintain your recovery. Here are a few tips that those healing from trauma OCD can use to support them in their healing journey:

1. Be Aware of Your Triggers

Identifying specific triggers that relate to your trauma and OCD is the first step in managing symptoms. Write down when intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges occur, noting any environmental or emotional factors. By understanding what triggers these responses, you can develop better strategies for coping and prepare yourself for difficult situations.

2. Practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a highly effective therapy for OCD, and it involves gradually facing triggers for intrusive thoughts without performing the compulsive behavior. With the help of a therapist, you can create a structured plan to expose yourself to triggers at a comfortable pace, allowing you to learn to tolerate the discomfort without relying on compulsions.

3. Focus on Grounding Techniques

Trauma OCD often involves intense distress tied to past trauma. Practicing grounding techniques—like deep breathing, mindfulness, or focusing on your surroundings—can help bring you back to the present when intrusive thoughts arise. These techniques reduce the emotional impact of the thoughts, giving you space to respond more calmly.

4. Challenge Negative Thought Patterns

Trauma OCD can lead to distorted thinking patterns, like overestimating danger or feeling a need to control every outcome. By challenging these thoughts, you can start to break down unhelpful beliefs. Cognitive restructuring exercises, such as examining evidence for and against your fears, can help you develop a more balanced perspective.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Managing Trauma OCD can be emotionally exhausting, so it’s important to treat yourself with kindness and patience. Recognize that progress may take time and setbacks are normal. Practicing self-compassion can make it easier to cope with the challenges and avoid harsh self-criticism.

6. Seek Professional Support

Trauma OCD often requires professional help, such as working with a therapist trained in OCD and trauma. Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) can address both the trauma and OCD trauma symptoms. Medication, such as SSRIs, may also be helpful in managing symptoms under professional guidance.

7. Establish a Support System

If you can, gather a strong support system around you. Whether this be family, friends, a support group (online or in person), a therapist, etc., it’s essential to surround yourself with people who understand and care about what you’re going through and can support you when you’re struggling.

8. Use Healthy Coping Strategies

Trauma OCD is often the brain’s knee-jerk response to coping with a traumatic event. However, obsessive-compulsive behaviors can often be more detrimental than helpful in the long term. Working with a therapist will help you outline healthy coping mechanisms that allow you to feel in control of the situation and help soothe negative thought patterns. Examples include art therapy, spending time outdoors or with animals, mindfulness practices like journaling or yoga, getting a massage, etc. 

9. Engage in Physical Activity

Studies show that exercise is highly effective in helping mitigate symptoms of mental health [4]. Physical activity like dancing, running, weight lifting, biking, long walks, etc. are easy (and usually free) ways to boost your mental well-being and improve feelings of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and overall physical health. 

10.  Keep a Progress Journal

Keep a personal journal where you can write about your mental health recovery journey. It can be helpful to have a record of where you started vs how far you’ve come. Writing is also a very cathartic experience for many people, as it offers a safe place to express your feelings and work through any current obstacles. Reading back what you’ve written can help you understand yourself better, identify triggers, process difficult emotions, and take a step back and look at problems from a third-person perspective. 

Get Treatment for Trauma & OCD at Connections

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma OCD, or any other mental health disorder, Connections Mental Health offers compassionate, safe, and evidence-based inpatient mental health treatment. 

With only a 6-person max in our safe and comfortable residential facilities, our experienced clinical staff is able to provide attentive, personalized, and compassionate care to all who walk through our doors. Founded by individuals who have come through their own mental health journies, we are deeply passionate about helping people struggling with mental health to find peace and live a balanced, fulfilling life. 

Our evidence-based treatment programs include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Medication management
• Family-like environment
• 24/7 clinical support & supervision
• Personalized treatment plans 
• & More

Call our friendly team today to get insurance-covered treatment for mental health disorders at 844-759-0999.

Sources

[1] https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/ocd-and-ptsd-fact-sheet.pdf

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4346088/

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10972003/ 

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1470658/