Understanding sensorimotor OCD: Symptoms and treatments

As you go about your day, your body is busy doing many different things you probably don’t even notice. Of course, you might feel your heartbeat or breath quicken after rushing up a flight of stairs. But most people don’t often stop to think about the unconscious biological processes that keep us alive. This is not the case for people living with a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) called sensorimotor OCD. 

People living with this condition are hyperaware of their bodily functions. They fixate on things like breathing, chewing, or swallowing in ways that cause them distress. This anxiety causes them to focus on their body sensations, constantly checking and analyzing to ward off a fear that something is not right. Like other forms of OCD, sensorimotor OCD can be difficult to navigate without support. But fortunately, it can be managed with therapy and, at times, medication.

What is sensorimotor OCD?

All forms of OCD have a few things in common. First, the condition causes upsetting intrusive thoughts called obsessions. These obsessions are followed by ritualistic behaviors, called compulsions, designed to reduce distress. People living with OCD struggle to control their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Left untreated, their symptoms are typically severe enough to impact their ability to function in daily life.

While not a formally recognized diagnosis, sensorimotor OCD, or somatic OCD, is a term used for a pattern of OCD symptoms related to bodily functioning. This particular presentation of OCD causes a fixation on things like breathing, swallowing, and other unconscious biological processes. 

People living with sensorimotor OCD fixate on these processes in ways that cause extreme anxiety. For example, a person with sensorimotor OCD might experience an intrusive thought like, “How many times did my heart beat in the last minute? What if it wasn’t enough and something’s wrong?” This obsessive thought might lead them to engage in a compulsive behavior in an attempt to feel calmer. 

So in this case, they may stop what they’re doing, pull up the timer on their phone, and begin monitoring the number of times their heart beats each minute. They might then repeat this ritual over and over again until the number feels “just right.” Often, this compulsive behavior can get in the way of their responsibilities or doing things they enjoy.

How is sensorimotor OCD different from health anxiety disorder?

As you explore the topic of sensorimotor OCD, it’s important to know that there are other mental health conditions that can lead to body anxiety. Specifically, sensorimotor OCD can be confused with health anxiety disorder. On the surface, both of these conditions share some similar features. They both cause distress related to health and biological functioning.

But there is a core difference between the two. While both conditions create worry and anxiety, sensorimotor OCD causes compulsive, ritualistic behaviors, while health anxiety does not. To add an additional layer of complexity, these conditions can occur at the same time. That’s why it’s so important to seek a professional evaluation if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. A therapist can provide an accurate diagnosis to ensure you receive the right treatment for your needs.

Symptoms of sensorimotor OCD

Sensorimotor OCD can affect people in a variety of ways. But most people who live with the condition will experience some of the following symptoms:

• Frequently monitoring, checking, or counting your bodily functions (like breathing, chewing, facial or body movements, heartbeat, eye contact, etc.)
• Noticing and fixating on other people’s bodily functions and counting them, such as watching someone else’s chest rise and fall a certain number or times or counting the number of times they blink
• Going to great lengths to create distractions that keep your focus off your bodily functions (with limited success)
• Feeling exhausted by keeping up with compulsive  rituals related to your body
• Seeking constant reassurance from others that your body is functioning properly or that your movements or expressions don’t seem off-putting or odd
• Avoiding activities that you used to enjoy for fear that they could trigger your symptoms
• Feeling like you’re not living life to the fullest because of your fixation on your body’s functioning

It’s important to remember that, with sensorimotor OCD, the compulsive behaviors are different from stimming. Stimming is when you do repetitive motions to relieve stress and sensory overload, and it’s considered a healthy behavior most of the time.

Another thing to remember is that everyone worries about their body or their health sometimes. And you can experience the occasional intrusive thought without meeting the full diagnostic criteria for OCD. That said, if your thoughts are making you worried and you’re struggling to control your anxiety about your body’s functions, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

What causes sensorimotor OCD?

More research is needed to fully understand what causes OCD in all forms. But there are a few known factors that may make a person more likely to develop the condition, including:

• Genetics: Having a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, with OCD may increase your risk.
• Brain structure: People with OCD often have differences or abnormalities in certain areas of the brain that regulate emotions and behavior.
• Personality: Being a person who is naturally more reserved or more likely to experience negative emotions may make you more susceptible to OCD.
• Environment: Experiencing childhood trauma, like abuse or neglect, may contribute to the onset of OCD.

Most effective treatment options for sensorimotor OCD

While OCD can be difficult to live with, you can manage it with the right support. The most common forms of OCD treatment include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of treatment can help interrupt irrational, unhelpful, or distressing thoughts about your body’s functioning. Learning to manage these intrusive thoughts with the help of CBT can help you respond to your triggers differently.
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP): Considered the “gold standard” of OCD therapy, this is a subtype of CBT that can help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. It involves a slow, gradual exposure to sensorimotor stressors under the supervision of a trained therapist.
• Medication: Some medications can help alleviate OCD symptoms. You can talk to your provider about whether this option is right for you. 

Find care with Rula

Everyone worries about their body from time to time.  But if you can’t stop thinking about your bodily functions and find it hard not to act on those thoughts (or if those thoughts are causing you distress), know that help is available. With the right support, you can learn to manage your OCD symptoms and regain control of your mental health. 

At Rula, we’re committed to streamlining access to the specialized care you deserve. Rather than waiting weeks or months for an appointment, we make it easy to connect with an in-network therapist you can see as soon as tomorrow. Plus, our digital platform means you can access support from the comfort of home or wherever you’re most comfortable. 

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