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A cognitive theory of obsessions
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Abstract
It is proposed that obsessions are caused by catastrophic misinterpretations of the
significance of one's thoughts (images, impulses). The obsessions persist as long
as these misinterpretations continue and diminish when the misinterpretations are
weakened. Evidence and arguments in support of the theory are presented, and the questions
of vulnerability and the origins of the thoughts are addressed. A firmly focused treatment
strategy is deduced from the theory.