Are you feeling alone? Not just in your home or workspace, but in this whole universe. This sounds really scary. Now what if your mind keeps telling you nothing is there except you – no experiences, beliefs, fears, thoughts – everything? Imagine everything you see till now was not real according to your mind. The beggar trying to find food in the dustbin is not real. The anger that you got from your boss – is not real. The love that you are getting from your family and friends, is not real. It is all fake, imaginary.
Nothing matters except yourself. You are the creator of everything that happens in your life. Your experiences, beliefs, and thoughts are the only things that matter. This is what you experience in solipsism OCD. Sounds really frightening. The worst part: you try to negate these thoughts and beliefs that you have, but you cannot because your mind does not support them and you do not have any proof to negate your thoughts.
Read More: A Brief Guide to different types of OCD
You try to believe that you are wrong but an instant thought comes to your mind, what if I am right? You think that the world only revolves around you. But you do know that this cannot happen. This constant overwhelming, persistent, fear that you can be right makes you feel stuck in life that you start to think that you are alien, or others are. You just don’t know. This is because you cannot relate to them and they feel different from you.
If you want to find the answers about what is wrong or what is right, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will see how it feels to have solipsism syndrome. What are the symptoms of solipsism, its treatment, and the specifications of this subtype of OCD? We will discover everything in this blog.
What is Solipsism?
The dictionary defines solipsism as “selfish” and “self-centered,” but that is a simplistic view of solipsism. If we go into the history of this word, we can find so much in Western philosophy.
One of the earliest people who proposed a theory of solipsistic ideas was Gorgias, a Greek sophist who argued that nothing exists, and even if something did exist, we cannot communicate it or understand it. This radical skepticism laid the groundwork for later solipsistic thought.
Read More: OCD in children: Signs, Causes and Treatment
In the 18th century, when an Irish philosopher created the theory of subjective idealism, which proposed that we all can only be sure of our own existence. This idea suggests that the external world may be nothing more than a projection of our minds, which is closely related to the concept of solipsism.
In the 20th century, philosophers researched solipsism, attempting to refute or reframe it. They argued that solipsism is purely idealism only when it is pursued which actually neutralizes its impact.
Modern interpretations of solipsism often focus on its implications for consciousness, and the nature of reality itself. Some contemporary philosophers have explored how our sense of self might be an illusion created by our brains, a concept that resonates with solipsistic thinking.
Read More: What are some of the common symptoms of OCD in kids?
Now it is also considered to be self-centered or selfish. Let’s elaborate on the whole concept in simple words. Solipsism is the belief that your personal experience is the only thing that truly exists. So the only thing that is real is your thoughts, your mind, or your mental state, this means that the whole world revolves around you. Everything else is an illusion created by our minds. Understand those who have a solipsistic mental state, and equate “existence” with their personal experiences.
This is the reason solipsists are not able to put their thoughts, beliefs, emotions, behaviors, and experiences aside. They cannot do it and this is why they cannot understand others and the world around them. Some people cannot control their thoughts, and the same goes with some solipsists, that is where obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) comes to the game.
Read More: OCD in Women – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What is OCD?
OCD, also called obsessive-compulsive disorder, is essentially a mental condition that is defined by obsessions and compulsions that people practice to get rid of their obsessions. Symptoms of OCD include cleaning and hand washing, checking – such as checking doors are locked or that the gas is off, counting, ordering and arranging, asking for reassurance, repeating words in their head, and thinking “neutralizing” thoughts to counter the obsessive thoughts. Different types of OCD have different symptoms and pain points.
Contamination OCD usually focuses on the persistent fear of being exposed to germs and toxins. Symptoms may involve persistent worry about germs, sickness, thoughts about unclean places, etc. Another type is symmetry OCD which involves a severe urge for items or belongings to be aligned in a certain way, an extreme need for symmetry or organization around you, need for symmetry in your body, clothing, or actions.
Read More: OCD And Depression: Understanding The Connection
Other types are taboo thoughts and hoarding OCD with different symptoms and treatment plans. One type that we will deeply discover is OCD solipsism.
What is solipsism OCD?
Solipsistic OCD is an obsession with the thought that there is nothing outside of one’s own mind and experiences. Everything we see, we feel, and we touch, are all the illusions of our mind. It is a never-ending doubt or fear that the only thing that is real is one’s mind or mental state.
Solipsism OCD presents a fascinating intersection of philosophy and mental health. This subtype is generated by obsessive thoughts and fears related to the nature of reality and one’s existence. Individuals with solipsism’ OCD may experience intense anxiety and doubt about the building of the outer world or other people’s minds.
Read More: What Causes OCD in The Brain’s Neurobiology?
Symptoms of solipsistic OCD include persistent doubts about the reality of the external world, fear that one might be the only real being in existence, obsessive questioning of one’s own existence or consciousness, compulsive attempts to prove the reality of the world or other people, and intense anxiety or distress.
Common obsessions in solipsism OCD:
- How can I make sure that the world around me actually exists?
- What if I am the only real person in this whole world?
- Am I an alien?
- What if this is a dream and I’m trapped in it?
- Am I the only conscious person in this whole universe?
Read More: Is OCD Ruining My Life? – What To Do?
Treating solipsism OCD requires an approach that deals with both the OCD symptoms and the underlying philosophical concerns. Several evidence-based approaches have shown promise in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first-line treatment for OCD, including solipsism OCD. A specific form of CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, has proven particularly effective for OCD. It can also help in managing beliefs and controlling thoughts.
Medication can also play a role in treating solipsism OCD. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms and are also used for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. While medication alone is not typically sufficient to treat solipsism OCD, it can be an effective complement to therapy, helping to reduce anxiety and boost your motivation for controlling your mind.
In some cases, individuals with solipsism OCD may also experience existential OCD symptoms, focusing obsessively on bodily sensations or functions. Addressing these physical symptoms with existential concerns can lead to more comprehensive treatment outcomes.
Read More: Bipolar Disorder And OCD: Insight into the facts
What Is It Like To Experience Solipsistic OCD?
Solipsism OCD impacts an individual’s daily life, influencing personal relationships, work or academic performance, and overall mental and physical health. The constant doubt and questioning in this condition can give rise to multiple problems in the daily life of a common person.
Read More: The Link Between OCD and Psychosis
If we talk about personal relationships, individuals with solipsism OCD may struggle to form deep connections with others due to their nature of doubts about the reality of other people’s minds or existence. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which may lead to other mental disorders, including psychosis, and bipolar disorder, as the person may find it difficult to trust or fully engage with others. OCD and anxiety often go hand in hand, creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.
Social interactions may become nothing as the individual remains confused with their internal doubts. They might require verifications about their existence or reality, which can be confusing or frustrating for those around them. This behavior can end friendships and romantic relationships, potentially leading to social withdrawal.
A person’s work and academic performance also suffer from solipsism OCD. The anxiety and distress linked with solipsism OCD can lead to decreased productivity and difficulty meeting deadlines or expectations. In severe cases, it may result in leaves or the inability to maintain employment or academic standing.
Read More: Defining Hyperawareness OCD
How is Solipism OCD Treated?
There are multiple solutions from psychiatric medications and self-care to therapies. But the best way to treat solipsism OCD is therapy. The types of therapies that are beneficial for solipsism OCD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which has proven particularly effective for OCD. Medications include antidepressants that are commonly used for a mood disorder or an eating disorder.
Sometimes impulse therapy and mindfulness activities like yoga are also used for treating solipsism OCD.
Read More: Overcoming Harm OCD: Signs, Treatment and Recovery
Final Thoughts
Solipsism OCD is a challenging and unique intersection of philosophy and mental health. This condition is caused by persistent doubts about the nature of reality and one’s own existence. Solopsism OCD can have profound impacts on an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
While solipsism OCD is a very serious and difficult condition to get rid of, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of seeking professional help. Mental health professionals with experience in OCD and existential issues can provide valuable support and guidance in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Read More: Retroactive Jealousy OCD: A Deep Dive
One of the clinics that can help you is Inland Empire Behavioral Group. At this clinic, we have experts who offer evidence-based solutions for all mental health disorders. If you need any kind of help or treatment, we are here to serve you with clinical and telehealth services. We understand the importance of mental health and know how to treat solipsism OCD. You can rely on our services as we are dedicated to providing exceptional care.
