Extinction Bursts

What are Extinction Bursts?

Extinction bursts are an increase in frequency, intensity, or duration of a behavior before it stops. For example, a child who is throwing a temper tantrum will escalate and cry even louder in an attempt to get what they want, before finally giving up and stop crying altogether.

Extinction Bursts in Contamination OCD Recovery

Exposure practice may cause extinction bursts. As you sit in discomfort and break the avoidance cycle, the frequency, intensity, and duration of discomfort may increase. As you push into new territory, contamination OCD may impact you in new ways. This is a natural response and should not be confused with failure, and in fact is a sign of growth. Remember that avoidance offers short term relief but long term discomfort, while exposure causes short term discomfort and long term relief.

Recovery Is Not A Straight Line

Your recovery from contamination OCD may have ups and downs. Exposure to new types of content and facing new experiences will bring new challenges and sensations. Do not be discouraged by these increased challenges. They are not setbacks, but signs of growth and opportunities to continue to apply your practice of accepting and sitting in discomfort.