What is Existential OCD? Signs to watch out for

From religion hopping to ruminating about afterlife, here are a few symptoms of Existential OCD to know about.

Published on: Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM IST

Lifestyle

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD refers to a mental disorder where a person is constantly obsessed with repetitive thoughts. Existential OCS is a type of OCD. "Existential OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that primarily involves obsessions and compulsions related to existential themes. Individuals with this form of OCD often grapple with profound philosophical and existential questions, such as the meaning of life, the nature of existence, mortality, and the unknown," wrote Therapist Maythal Eshaghian. Here are a few signs to watch out for. (Unsplash)

2/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

Sometimes people are overburdened with thoughts where they feel meaningless about where they are in life.  (Unsplash)

3/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

A sense of detachment from body is extremely common in Existential OCD where a person feels that they are not connected with their physical self.  (Unsplash)

4/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

A person with Existential OCD also spends considerable amount of life ruminating on the possibilities of afterlife.  (Unsplash)

5/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

Excessive online research about a variety of things is also common in this type of disorder.  (Unsplash)

6/6

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Oct 31, 2023 10:19 AM

Constant religion hopping and questioning the existence of God are also common symptoms in this disorder.  (Unsplash)