Systems thinking indicates that mindfulness
could be useful in treating Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD). Effective
systemic intervention often consists in weakening or breaking links in feedback
loops that could worsen or perpetuate an undesirable situation or in
strengthening links in feedback loops that have beneficial effects. This simple
model illustrates the dynamic that could drive compulsive washing of hands and
shows how mindfulness could plausibly be used to weaken some of the links that produce the compulsive behaviour, and thus have a beneficial effect on this disorder.
Please note that psychological treatment for
this disorder already exists. Therefore this model is primarily intended to
promote discussion and investigation of mindfulness as an additional tool for
treating OCD. Here is information on OCD that describes the vicious circle that can affect sufferes.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm
