When is it earworm or when is it OCD?
When is a common annoyance a sign of a more troubling reality? There is a common phenomenon that we have all experienced at some point: earworm, also known as stuck song syndrome (SSS). It is that catchy tune that gets stuck in your head and refuses to leave. While most earworms are harmless and a natural part of our cognitive processes, in some cases, they can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition.
One such condition is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Research has shown that people with OCD often experience earworms during times of stress, and if this is the case, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as some antidepressants, may help.
However, if an earworm is persistent for more than 24 hours or is linked to other symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, visual loss, speech arrest, or tremors, it is essential to reach out to your primary care doctor. With no other symptoms, it is more likely to be just an earworm.
If someone is experiencing SSS, which is when a song plays repeatedly in their mind, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition if it elevates. While it’s normal to experience SSS occasionally, if it is strong and causing significant distress, it’s worth pursuing and looking for other symptoms. If your earworm just won’t quit, you may benefit from seeking medical help to address any underlying OCD that was unrecognized.
Earworm is often harmless but not always. It’s never harmless if the song stuck in your head is “It’s a Small World,” the Nagasaki bomb of earworms. But seriously, is your earworm persisting? If so, it is crucial to be aware of potential warning signs. Seek help at your earliest availability.
Source:
Stuck song syndrome: musical obsessions — when to look for OCD, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information
