About Schizophrenia / Fear of Going Crazy OCD
Schizophrenia OCD (also referred to as OCD with a fear of going crazy or losing touch with reality) is a specific form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where individuals experience intrusive thoughts and fears related to the idea that they are becoming schizophrenic or losing control of their mind. These individuals do not actually have schizophrenia, but the anxiety surrounding these thoughts can be overwhelming. It’s important to note that while these fears may mirror symptoms of schizophrenia, they do not reflect reality. Individuals with this form of OCD experience persistent, unwanted thoughts about losing their sanity, going “crazy,” or becoming schizophrenic. These thoughts may center around fears of losing control of their mind and doing something strange or irrational, worries about hearing voices, having delusions, or exhibiting bizarre behavior, fear that the person may not be able to distinguish reality from their thoughts or perceptions, and anxiety about developing symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or disorganized thinking, even though they are not experiencing these symptoms. These thoughts are usually ego-dystonic, meaning they are contrary to the person’s identity or desires. The individual finds them distressing and is terrified of the possibility of developing mental health issues.
In response to these intrusive thoughts, people with schizophrenia OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors to reduce the anxiety or prevent the feared outcome (losing touch with reality or becoming schizophrenic). These behaviors might include repeatedly checking their own thoughts to see if they are “normal” or making sense. They might constantly evaluate whether their thinking is logical or rational, asking friends, family, or mental health professionals repeatedly if they are “okay” or if they are showing signs of schizophrenia, avoiding certain situations or stimuli that could trigger these thoughts, such as avoiding quiet places out of fear of hearing voices, and engaging in mental “checking” or self-talk, such as reassuring themselves that they aren’t schizophrenic or trying to neutralize these thoughts by thinking about something else among others.
