What Is Compulsive Staring?

While obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is commonly portrayed in the media through stereotypes like checking OCD or contamination OCD, there are countless OCD subtypes that each manifest in different ways. Most people with OCD follow the same obsession-compulsion pattern, but between individuals, symptoms can manifest in completely different ways. 

Compulsive staring is a particularly under-represented form of OCD, but it’s just as valid as other types and is defined by the same pattern of excessive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that can cause repetitive, and sometimes irrational, behaviors (compulsions). Below is some information about compulsive staring and how it fits in with what we know about OCD.

Is compulsive staring a form of OCD?

Absolutely! Compulsive staring is a type of OCD characterized by the persistent need to stare at genitals or breasts, regardless of whether or not someone wants to stare at them. Like many forms of OCD, compulsive staring starts with an intrusive thought, or obsession, that leads to excessive stress, anxiety or physical discomfort followed by taking an action, or compulsion, in order to ease those negative thoughts or feelings.

There are typically two types of compulsive staring people experience: those who find themselves staring even when they don’t want to, and those who aren’t staring but can’t stop thinking about it. 

Regardless of which category you find yourself in, your experience with compulsive staring is completely valid. These obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions can cause a lot of discomfort both internally and externally, and — regardless of how someone experiences compulsive staring — the stress and anxiety surrounding the obsession can cause very real disruptions to a person’s daily life.

What causes compulsive staring? 

While researchers haven’t identified a single cause for OCD and its subtypes, we do know that OCD is typically caused by a combination of psychological, environmental and biological factors.

Even though we don’t know what causes OCD, we do understand how OCD works, which can help make treatment for OCD much easier. For people experiencing compulsive staring or another form of OCD, it all starts with a trigger. This can be internal or external, and it typically involves experiencing something that leads to an intrusive thought — like thinking you might be staring at someone’s genitals — that leads to continued obsession.

In the case of compulsive staring, this obsession over whether or not you are staring at someone’s genitals can cause immense distress. As a result of this negative feeling, you might find yourself taking an action, also known as a compulsion, to ease the stress or anxiety you might be feeling.

Can compulsive staring be treated?

Thankfully, OCD and its subtypes — including compulsive staring — are more treatable than ever before using a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) known as exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Known as the gold standard in treating OCD, ERP works by placing people with OCD in various situations in order to provoke their obsessions in a safe environment with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Over time, the goal of ERP is to teach people how to prevent their compulsive responses, allowing them freedom from the seemingly endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions, so they can live a life free of OCD. While this process might seem intense, it’s also proven to be the most effective form of treatment for OCD and its subtypes, meaning it’s definitely worth the work.

How do I find treatment for compulsive staring?

If you’re ready to seek treatment for compulsive staring, we recommend looking for a licensed therapist with experience in treating OCD using ERP. You can start by looking for an ERP-certified therapist in your area, or you can opt for virtual therapy using services like NOCD. 

With a nationwide network of highly qualified licensed therapists, NOCD is one of the most affordable and accessible options for ERP therapy available. Therapy is conducted via one-on-one calls or video sessions, and all NOCD therapists have experience treating various forms of OCD with ERP therapy, meaning you’re only a phone call away from finding the right care provider for you. Schedule a free call today and learn more about how you can treat your compulsive staring and find freedom from the endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions once and for all.