Yes, OCD can make you believe that you want your thoughts to come true, even if the thoughts are distressing, unwanted, or go against your true values and beliefs. This phenomenon is often referred to as "OCD doubt" or "false attraction." It is a common feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
In OCD, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) are distressing and cause significant anxiety. These thoughts can be about harm coming to oneself or others, fears of contamination, doubts about one's actions, or even intrusive thoughts about one's sexual orientation (as in the case of HOCD, which we discussed earlier). The content of these thoughts varies widely from person to person.
As a way to cope with the anxiety caused by these intrusive thoughts, individuals with OCD may try to neutralize them by performing mental or physical compulsions. Mental compulsions could involve analyzing the thoughts, trying to reason with them, or seeking reassurance from oneself or others. Physical compulsions might involve engaging in specific rituals or behaviors to prevent the feared outcome.
However, the more individuals engage in these compulsions, the more the thoughts can intensify, leading to a cycle of obsession, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. In some cases, people with OCD may mistakenly interpret their engagement in compulsions as a sign that they truly want the thoughts to be true or that they are somehow responsible for preventing the feared outcomes.
It's important to recognize that the thoughts in OCD are not representative of a person's true desires or intentions. OCD is a mental health condition that affects how a person's brain processes information and manages anxiety. Seeking professional help from a mental health specialist, such as a therapist experienced in treating OCD, can provide effective strategies to manage these distressing thoughts and compulsions and improve the quality of life. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the most effective treatment for OCD.