Please note:  The information on this page should not be construed as medical advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any condition. The content on this page is written by recovered OCD sufferers, not by clinicians. Read More

Hyperawareness OCD: When You’re So Aware, It’s Hard to Function

Living with hyperawareness OCD is like constantly being on high alert. You’re so aware of your surroundings and everything that’s going on around you that it’s hard to focus on anything else. For people with this type of OCD, life can be a constant battle between trying to stay in control and just wanting to shut down. If this sounds like something you experience, read on for more information about hyperawareness OCD and what you can do to manage it.

What is hyperawareness OCD?

Hyperawareness OCD is a form of OCD characterized by an excessive focus on specific stimuli. Those stimuli can include sounds, smells, textures, and even thoughts. People with hyperawareness OCD often become so obsessed with these stimuli that they have difficulty functioning in day-to-day life.

For instance, the individual with hyperawareness OCD may perceive background sounds so disturbing that it’s difficult to concentrate or sleep. Furthermore, smells may be so intense that they trigger nausea or headaches, and visual stimulations may be so bright and jarring that they cause migraines or dizziness.

In addition to the physical symptoms, hyperawareness OCD can also cause anxiety and fear. You perceive things in such a magnified way that even innocuous things can feel threatening. These situations can make it hard to concentrate on anything else, and it can be exhausting both mentally and physically.

What causes hyperawareness OCD?

There isn’t always one clear answer regarding what causes hyperawareness OCD. It could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Hyperawareness OCD usually develops in childhood or adolescence, although it can sometimes develop in adulthood. If you have a family member with OCD, you might be more likely to develop the condition.

Traumatic experiences can also trigger hyperawareness OCD. If you’ve gone through something that has made you feel out of control or unsafe, you might start to check things to regain a sense of control obsessively. Moreover, you might constantly get bombarded with stimuli that you find difficult to shut off.

It’s curious to know that most people with hyperawareness OCD are knowledgeable and have very high standards for themselves. They may also be perfectionists who have difficulty tolerating any mistakes or imperfections. However, it can make it very difficult for them to function in everyday life because they constantly try to avoid making mistakes.

Hyperawareness OCD breathing

Breathing is an essential part of life, but for those with hyperawareness OCD, it can be a source of immense anxiety. Individuals suffering from this type of OCD often fear not being able to breathe correctly or feeling like one is not getting enough oxygen. Thus, it can lead to compulsive behaviors such as checking to ensure that the airway is clear or holding the breath for long periods.

Being so aware of breathing makes the life of its sufferers highly exhausting. Those individuals constantly fixate on their chest moves with each breath turning it into obsession. Consequently, it is problematic for them to focus on their daily tasks and well-being.

Treatment for this type of OCD usually includes exposure and response prevention (ERP), which helps patients learn to manage their anxiety without compulsively checking their breathing.

Hyperawareness OCD test

There are a few key things that may help you determine whether or not you have hyperawareness OCD:

· Do you find yourself constantly on high alert, always scanning your environment for potential threats?

· Do you have difficulty relaxing and often feel wound up or on edge?

· Do background sounds or light make you feel constantly uncomfortable?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, you might have hyperawareness OCD. Of course, the only sure way to know if you have this condition is to consult with a mental health professional. Additionally, it might be helpful to learn more about the condition and how to get the best treatment. With the proper support, you can start to feel better and live a more peaceful life.

How to treat hyperawareness OCD?

If you have hyperawareness OCD, it’s crucial to find ways to cope with your symptoms. One way to do this is by using Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one of the most effective treatment options because it helps people with OCD learn to manage their thoughts and behaviors. In particular, ERP therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your OCD without engaging in your compulsions. For instance, if you’re disturbed by typical background sounds, you might start by exposing yourself to more crowded areas and accept that noise is an inevitable part of life. You can do this type of therapy with the help of a therapist or on your own.

You might also get medication prescribed to treat hyperawareness OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be suitable for this type of OCD. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Additionally, If you’re struggling with hyperawareness OCD, here are a few things you can do to help yourself:

• Talk to a therapist or counselor who specializes in OCD. They can help you understand your condition and work on ways to cope with it.
• Join a support group for people with OCD. Those groups can provide some much-needed support and understanding from others who suffer from hyperawareness OCD.
• Educate yourself about OCD. The more you know about your condition, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with it.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Those techniques can help you ease your anxiety and allow you to focus on other things.
• Expose yourself to the factors that trigger your hyperawareness OCD symptoms. It might seem counterintuitive, but exposure therapy can help reduce your symptoms.

A final word on hyperawareness OCD

The key to managing hyperawareness OCD is to find a balance between being aware of your surroundings and letting go of the need for control. It can be difficult, but it is possible with the help of a therapist experienced in treating OCD.

Do you have hyperawareness OCD? What has been the most challenging part of living with this condition? Share your experience in the comments below and join our community if you have more questions related to OCD.

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

Ted Robinson( OCD survivor )

Hi, I’m Ted Robinson. I have been undergoing CBT treatment with great success for the past year. I hope to give hope to other people struggling with mental health issues by telling them about my experience. Read my OCD story.

• Hyperawareness OCD
• OCD Awareness
• OCD Rumination