Real event OCD & False Memory OCD

When it comes to ‘real event’ OCD you may be overthinking an action you may have not done in the past. Similarly, False Memory OCD is a thought that you experience as a memory that didn’t happen or may have happened but not precisely how you think it may have happened (Hershfield 2021). This sometimes comes with intense scrutiny of the event and the questioned action may carry some particular meaning about you. Often people with OCD describe feeling intense guilt, regret and anxiety.

Some of the rituals you may participate in are rethinking the event, trying to recall particular parts of the event, finding meaning in the event, constantly seeking reassurance from others and checking in with people who have been part of the event. Many people who struggle with real event OCD may also participate in confession rituals to reduce the feelings of guilt.

What does treatment look like?

Since there is no going back and fixing or undoing the behaviour it is important to learn to tolerate the uncertainty of what was done or may have caused harm and that there isn’t any way to undo this. Our goal is to practice learning to process what may have been done and learn to live without ever knowing how this may affect the future. Identifying compulsions and reducing them is an important element of treatment. Focus is also made on how individuals can learn to identify with the event and develop enough cognitive flexibility to move forward despite the mistake (whether real or imagined). People may also struggle with the emotional attachment they have to the memory which may be intense. The intensity of the emotion may influence the sufferer to perceive the event as real because their emotions are so high. This may also convince the sufferer that because the emotions are high, there is a greater chance of it being real (Hershfield 2021). Education on emotional reasoning becomes imperative when working with clients with both real event and false memory OCD.

Is it Scrupulosity OCD?

Concerns related to real event OCD may actually be OCD related to moral scrupulosity. Assessing to see if this is OCD related to scrupulosity requires the practitioner to assess to see how the individual processes the event(s). To better understand this the practitioner would have to identify if the regrettable action is something that the individual believes falls on either end of the spectrum of extreme “good” and extreme “evil.” Educating on cognitive distortions is particularly important for an individual who experiences difficulties with moral scrupulosity.

Is it Depression?

At times extreme guilt can come from an event that has taken place. Some people may experience difficulties processing the event and as a result, may experience depression like symptoms.

Hershfield, Jon,. 2021, OCD Stories., False Memory (& Real Event) OCD (#294)