Relationship Obsessive Beliefs and Thought Control

Obsessive beliefs are considered as a compulsive thought system in the cognitive model of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive beliefs are analysed under six main headings. These are control of thoughts, intolerance of uncertainty, exaggerated perception of responsibility, overemphasis of thoughts, exaggerated perception of threat and perfectionism. Although it is thought to play a role in the development of obsessions, it can sometimes be seen independent of obsessions . This dysfunctional distorted thought system sometimes turns into unnecessary threat perception and may pave the way for mental illnesses in the individual. When these distorted cognitive thoughts come to the mind, the person has an excessive mental effort to control the thoughts. As much as the thoughts cause distress, the endeavour to control the thoughts may cause mental distress in the person. Although all of these dysfunctional thoughts are associated with an obsession, the effect of thought control and obsessive beliefs on other mental illnesses has recently been investigated. In particular, perfectionism and increased threat perception have been associated with anxiety disorders as well as obsessions . Obsessive beliefs have often been associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, there are similarities in the cognitive schemas of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are characterised by a vague state of anxiety and accompanying physical symptoms. Patients with anxiety disorders may be hypersensitive to some feelings and thoughts. Anxiety attacks may be triggered by exaggerated threat perception in obsessive beliefs. In addition, intolerance of uncertainty is also associated with anxiety disorders. Cognitive distortions have a role in the development of both obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders . Obsessive beliefs and thought control have been mostly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder in the literature. However, it has recently been thought that these dysfunctional compulsive thoughts and the distress experienced to control these thoughts are the cognitive basis of all anxiety disorders. Information on this subject is limited in the literature. Our study aims to contribute to the literature on this subject.