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Early OCD Fears in Childhood
- Penny first noticed her OCD tendencies around age six or seven, particularly fears around serious illness like AIDS.
- She initially sought reassurance from her mother but struggled as the intrusive thoughts persisted.
OCD's Intrusive Thought Nature
- OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts that everyone has, but for sufferers, these thoughts stick and cause distress.
- These obsessions are ego-dystonic, conflicting with a person's values, which makes them harder to manage and share.
Evolving OCD Symptoms and Rituals
- Penny's obsessions evolved over time, from childhood fears for her parents' safety to cleanliness and irrational health worries.
- Her compulsions included rituals like knocking on wood and seeking reassurance from family, which ironically worsened her anxiety.