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Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
Intrusive Mental Images Resembling Psychosis in a Patient With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Shaurya P Kushwaha1, Maghav Sharma2, Shradha Puri3
1General Physician, Vishwas Hospital, Sunam, IND.
Cureus
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with intrusive thoughts can mimic psychosis. Differentiating requires careful assessment of thought ownership and insight, not just symptom content.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, urges, or images.
- Severe OCD, particularly with violent, sexual, or religious content, can be misdiagnosed as psychosis.
- Distinguishing features include thought ownership, insight, and the function of rituals.
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