HomeAnswersPsychiatrywhite bear syndromeI have thoughts in my head that I cannot rid myself of. Why?

How to overcome my obsessive thoughts?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 11, 2015
Reviewed AtFebruary 1, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am suffering with some thought problem since many years and my life has been completely distracted due to that. It has completely ruined my life. My problem is that I am obsessed with a thought and I am not able to overcome it. I researched a lot about that on internet and it seems like I am suffering from white bear syndrome. The more I try to avoid it, the more it distracts me. My problem is whenever I encounter a woman; the first thought that comes to my mind is to look beneath her neck. I am not able to make an eye contact with them. They feel like I am looking at their breast but it is not so. It makes me feel ashamed of that. As I am so conscious, I am not being able to think about other thought whenever I face a woman. Please help me out.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your details and understand your concern. White bear syndrome is, 'whatever you tend to think about you will continue to think about it even if it is something you do not want to think about'. Nothing can be more frustrating than to have a thought in your head that you cannot get rid off. In my opinion, this is technically a type of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). There are repetitive thoughts; you are not able to control them despite knowing that these are wrong. For such a problem, I would suggest you to take anti-obsessional drugs like Fluoxetine after getting physical evaluation by your local psychiatrist. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. But I have never been to any local doctor till now as I feel the problem is somewhat obsessive. Is there any other treatment option apart from drugs?

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Another way of treatment is controlling the thought. Control your thought by imagining some aversive condition. For example, if you see a woman and her husband notices you staring, you will be beaten. Without any hesitation please do consult a local psychiatrist for your health. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shubham Mehta
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatry

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