A transformation obsession is a lesser known symptom and manifestation of

obsessive–compulsive disorder Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which an individual has intrusive thoughts (an ''obsession'') and feels the need to perform certain routines (''Compulsive behavior, compulsions'') repeatedly to relieve the dis ...

(OCD). A person with a transformation obsession fears transforming into someone or something else. Losing one's self or taking on undesired characteristics brings about anxiety and fear.

Ritual A ritual is a repeated, structured sequence of actions or behaviors that alters the internal or external state of an individual, group, or environment, regardless of conscious understanding, emotional context, or symbolic meaning. Traditionally ...

s such as counting, blinking, checking, hand washing, and others may eliminate the anxiety when they are done in a way which "feels right". Misdiagnosis is also frequent, which can lead to inappropriate treatments. In some cases,

cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions, primarily depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on challenging and chang ...

(CBT) can be beneficial, which allows patients to develop strategies to counteract these obsessions, and thus make clinical progress. S. Rachman was the first to describe this phenomenon in his 2006 book called "Fear of Contamination."

References

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External links

Article
on transformation obsession Anxiety disorders Obsessive–compulsive disorder