Why OCD Can Make You Obsess Over Breathing and Blinking

Most people don’t think twice about breathing, blinking, or swallowing food — your body just does it automatically. But for some, OCD turns those simple functions into constant obsessions. This is called sensorimotor OCD, a subtype where your mind gets stuck on bodily sensations like swallowing, breathing, or even heartbeats. Instead of passing thoughts, these sensations become overwhelming, leading to worry, compulsions, and endless self-monitoring. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath explains why OCD latches onto the body’s autopilot functions, how the cycle of anxiety and compulsions keeps it going, and what it takes to break free.

At NOCD, we use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard therapy for OCD, including sensorimotor OCD. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YT

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