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Harm OCD

This type of OCD makes people feel like they cannot trust their own mind. They experience violent intrusive thoughts about harming somebody, or harming themselves. OCD tends to latch onto things that we care deeply about. Obsession around harm may include the fear that they are going to harm other people with intent or on accident. If a person sees a knife, they may get obsessive or intrusive thoughts about stabbing a person near them. A person with harm OCD related to harming somebody on accident could be a fear of a hit and run. A person might wash their hands excessively in fear of harming whomever they are serving food to. A parent may avoid hugging their child in fear of strangling them. Since we are instinctively wired to do something to feel better when we feel anxious, these people will engage in a compulsion. Compulsions may include hiding objects that trigger us, such as knife, forks, and sharp objects. They may engage in checking behaviors such as checking their past to make sure they aren’t capable of harming others. They may start mentally reviewing a memory to make sure they didn’t accidentally harm somebody. They may check the Internet for reassurance that these thoughts are normal. They may check old journals to see if they are capable of harming somebody. The may seek reassurance from others that they aren’t capable of harming others.

These disturbing thoughts or images manifest into the person feeling as if they are a bad person. HOCD is one of the most common subtypes of OCD that many individuals experience.

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Contamination OCD

Contamination OCD is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts, fears, or anxiety related to becoming contaminated or spreading contamination to others. Contamination OCD can manifest in various forms, such as excessive concerns about germs, dirt, chemicals, or even moral or mental contamination.

Contamination OCD is the most common form of OCD that we hear about in movies and TV shows. The most common fear with contamination OCD is touching certain things that can make them sick or the feeling of getting dirty. However, contamination isn’t just limited to dirt, germs, and viruses. Other things may be body excretions (urine, feces), bodily fluid (sweat, saliva, mucus), blood, garbage, semen, household chemicals, poisons, lead, spoiled food, soap, sticky substances, radioactivity, garbage, asbestos, dead animals, or newsprints. There are practically no limits to the things that people with OCD can perceive as contaminated. Individuals can also believe that thoughts, words, names, places where bad things have happened, mental images, or colors can be contaminated.

Just Right/Perfectionism OCD

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Relationship OCD

Relationship OCD, also known as ROCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts, doubts, and fears about one’s romantic relationships. Individuals with relationship OCD experience excessive worries and anxiety about various aspects of their relationships, such as their feelings for their partner, their partner’s feelings for them, or the overall “rightness” of the relationship.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with relationship OCD include:

1. Constantly questioning whether their feelings for their partner are genuine or strong enough.
2. Doubting their partner’s feelings or intentions, even when there is no evidence to support these doubts.
3. Repeatedly seeking reassurance from their partner, friends, or family about the relationship’s validity or stability.
4. Obsessively comparing their relationship to other relationships, such as those portrayed in media or observed among friends and acquaintances.
5. Checking and rechecking their own emotions or physical reactions to determine if they are truly in love with their partner.
6. Avoiding situations or activities that could trigger doubts or anxiety about the relationship.
7. Engaging in mental rituals, such as reviewing past conversations or interactions, to confirm their feelings or the relationship’s worthiness.

These obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can significantly impact an individual’s ability to maintain a healthy, stable relationship and negatively affect their overall quality of life.

Scrupulosity or Religious OCD

Sexual Orientation OCD, or SO-OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts, doubts, and fears about one’s sexual orientation. Individuals with sexual orientation OCD experience excessive anxiety and uncertainty about their sexual preferences, despite having a clear understanding of their orientation prior to the onset of the disorder.

It is important to note that sexual orientation OCD is not about an individual’s true sexual orientation but rather about the intrusive thoughts and anxiety that arise around the subject.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with sexual orientation OCD include:

1. 1. Repeatedly questioning whether their sexual orientation has changed or if they have been in denial about their true orientation.
   2. Continuously analyzing their past experiences, attractions, or relationships to “confirm” their sexual orientation.
   3. Experiencing intrusive, unwanted sexual thoughts or images involving individuals of the same or opposite sex, causing significant distress.
   4. Seeking reassurance from friends, family, or online forums about their sexual orientation.
   5. Avoiding situations, places, or people that might trigger doubts or anxiety about their sexual orientation.
   6. Engaging in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors, such as repeatedly affirming their sexual orientation or monitoring their physical reactions to certain stimuli, to counteract the intrusive thoughts.

Sexual orientation OCD

Sexual Orientation OCD, also known as SO-OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts, doubts, and fears about one’s sexual orientation. Individuals with sexual orientation OCD experience excessive anxiety and uncertainty about their sexual preferences, despite having a clear understanding of their orientation prior to the onset of the disorder.

It is important to note that sexual orientation OCD is not about an individual’s true sexual orientation but rather about the intrusive thoughts and anxiety that arise around the subject.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with sexual orientation OCD include:

1. 1. Repeatedly questioning whether their sexual orientation has changed or if they have been in denial about their true orientation.
   2. Continuously analyzing their past experiences, attractions, or relationships to “confirm” their sexual orientation.
   3. Experiencing intrusive, unwanted sexual thoughts or images involving individuals of the same or opposite sex, causing significant distress.
   4. Seeking reassurance from friends, family, or online forums about their sexual orientation.
   5. Avoiding situations, places, or people that might trigger doubts or anxiety about their sexual orientation.
   6. Engaging in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors, such as repeatedly affirming their sexual orientation or monitoring their physical reactions to certain stimuli, to counteract the intrusive thoughts.

Existential OCD

Existential OCD, also known as philosophical OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and anxiety related to existential or philosophical questions. Individuals with existential OCD experience excessive rumination and distress about topics such as the meaning of life, the nature of reality, the concept of time, or the existence of free will.

Do you ever find yourself questioning:

• What is the meaning of life?
• What if I never find my purpose?
• How do I know this is real of not?
• How do I know I’m not in a dream or a simulation?
• What if when I die, I’m completely forgotten?
• Why am I the person I am?
• What is my purpose in life?

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with existential OCD include:

1. Persistent questioning or ruminating about the meaning or purpose of life.
2. Experiencing intrusive thoughts about the nature of reality, such as questioning whether one’s experiences are real or part of a simulation.
3. Continuously contemplating the concept of time, its existence, and its implications on one’s life.
4. Obsessing over the existence of free will and whether one’s actions and choices are truly their own.
5. Seeking reassurance from others, books, or online forums to find answers or alleviate anxiety related to existential concerns.
6. Avoiding situations, conversations, or stimuli that might trigger existential thoughts or anxiety.
7. Engaging in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors to counteract or resolve the intrusive thoughts, such as repeatedly reviewing philosophical arguments or engaging in excessive research.

Sensorimotor OCD

Sensorimotor OCD, also known as somatic OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and heightened awareness of involuntary bodily processes or sensations. Individuals with sensorimotor OCD become excessively focused on and anxious about processes that typically occur automatically, such as breathing, blinking, swallowing, or heartbeat.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with sensorimotor OCD include:

1. Persistent and intrusive focus on a particular bodily process or sensation, such as the rhythm of one’s breathing or the sensation of swallowing.
2. Experiencing distress or anxiety when unable to control or regulate the focused-upon sensation or process.
3. Repeatedly checking or monitoring the sensation or process to ensure it is functioning correctly or to alleviate anxiety.
4. Engaging in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors to distract oneself from the focused-upon sensation or process.
5. Avoiding situations, activities, or stimuli that might trigger increased awareness of or anxiety about the sensation or process.

Individuals with Sensorimotor OCD commonly focus on:

• Breathing: Whether the breath is slow, fast, shallow, or deep.
• Floaters in their eyes.
• The positioning of their tongue
• Pulse and heartbeat
• Eye contact
• The sensation of moving body parts
• The shapes of muscles throughout the body

Common compulsions of Individuals with Sensorimotor OCD are:

• Holding the breath for a specific amount of times
• Excessive eye rubbing
• Excessive blinking
• Forcing themselves to repeatedly swallow
• Checking their heart rate throughout the day
• Continuously scheduling unwarranted medical appointments
• Avoiding eye contact or forcing excessive eye contact
• Wearing clothing that covers a certain body part

Pedophilia OCD

Pedophilia OCD, also known as POCD (Pedophilic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts or mental images related to pedophilia or harming children sexually. It is crucial to understand that individuals with POCD do not have any desire to act on these thoughts, nor do they experience any pleasure from them. In fact, they find these thoughts extremely disturbing and distressing.

People with POCD may engage in compulsive behaviors or mental rituals to alleviate the anxiety and distress caused by these intrusive thoughts. These compulsions can include:

1. Constantly seeking reassurance from others or themselves that they would never act on their thoughts.
2. Avoiding situations or places where children might be present, such as parks, schools, or family gatherings.
3. Excessively researching information about pedophilia to ensure they do not fit the criteria.
4. Engaging in mental rituals or checking to counteract the intrusive thoughts.
5. Monitoring their physical reactions or feelings when in the presence of children to make sure they are not sexually attracted to them.

Treatment for POCD typically involves Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. ERP focuses on helping individuals face their intrusive thoughts without engaging in compulsions or avoidance behaviors. This approach helps them learn that their thoughts are not dangerous and that they can tolerate the anxiety and distress without resorting to compulsive behaviors.

Suicidal OCD

Do you have a fear that you’ll commit suicide? Or perhaps you find yourself constantly thinking about ways you’ll commit suicide? Do you constantly reflect on your life trying to determine if you’ll act upon these thoughts? Do you struggle with the fear of becoming depressed which can lead to suicide? Do you have a fear of acting on an impulse to commit suicide? This could be jumping into traffic, jumping off a bridge, or crashing your car? Having these thoughts is normal and natural. A person can quickly dismiss that thought, however an individuals brain will naturally attach this to anxiety if they have OCD. When our brain attaches anxiety to something, it makes it a catastrophic. Your brain thinks that because you feel anxious, it’s telling you that you may be in danger. Since you are in danger, you must do something to get rid of it. Your brain takes a natural and normal thought and blows it up, making it a big deal. Individuals with Suicidal OCD don’t want to kill themselves; they live with the fear that they could potentially kill themselves.

Suicidal idealization is different than Suicidal OCD. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or intentions, please seek help immediately.

Health OCD

Health OCD is a type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by excessive worry and preoccupation with one’s health. Individuals with health OCD experience intrusive thoughts, fears, and anxiety about having or developing a serious illness.

Common health concerns that people with health anxiety experience are fear of:

• Cancer
• HIV
• Other mental health related disorders
• Dementia

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with health OCD include:

1. Constantly worrying about developing a specific illness or experiencing symptoms that might indicate a serious health condition.
2. Seeking reassurance from doctors, friends, or family members about their health, often resulting in frequent medical appointments or tests.
3. Engaging in excessive research about medical conditions, symptoms, or treatments, which may further exacerbate anxiety.
4. Repeatedly checking the body for signs of illness, such as monitoring vital signs, looking for rashes or lumps, or scrutinizing bodily sensations.
5. Avoiding situations, activities, or substances that might trigger health concerns or perceived risks, such as exercise, certain foods, or medication.
6. Engaging in mental rituals or compulsive behaviors to alleviate health-related anxiety, such as seeking reassurance or compulsively researching health information.

Hit & Run OCD

Hit and Run OCD, also known as driving-related OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and anxiety related to causing harm while driving. Individuals with hit and run OCD experience excessive worry and doubt about accidentally hitting someone or causing an accident while driving, even when there is no evidence to support these concerns.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with hit and run OCD include:

1. Persistent and intrusive thoughts about accidentally hitting a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle while driving.
2. Experiencing anxiety or distress after driving past a person or object, fearing that they may have hit them or caused damage.
3. Frequently checking mirrors, retracing the route driven, or returning to the scene of the perceived accident to ensure that no harm was caused.
4. Seeking reassurance from passengers, friends, or family members about their driving or whether they have caused an accident.
5. Engaging in excessive research about hit and run accidents, laws, or consequences, which may further exacerbate anxiety.
6. Avoiding driving altogether or avoiding specific routes, situations, or conditions that trigger driving-related anxiety.

Magical Thinking

People with this type of OCD fear that if they don’t do a certain behavior, then something bad will happen. People may believe or think that if they don’t tap something in a specific way or flip the light switch three times before leaving the house, then something bad might happen to a loved one.. This could also happen with colors. They may feel the need to wear the color blue on Tuesdays, or else their mother will get struck by a blue car. Logic may or may not be present, but there is always an overall feeling that something bad is going to happen, and it can be prevented by a specific behavior.

Think about the common saying “don’t step on the crack, you’ll break your mothers back.” This is how individuals with OCD think on a daily basis.

Other symptoms of Magical Thinking OCD may include:

• Touching certain things in a particular way or a certain number of times.
• Moving one’s body positioning in a particular way.
• Performing actions at special times or on certain dates.
• Performing physical actions, but in reverse.
• Stepping in particular ways or on particular spots while walking.
• Arranging objects or possessions in a certain order.
• Reciting or thinking of certain words, sounds, numbers, images, phrases, or names.
• Thinking thoughts in reverse.
• Repeating one’s own words, or the words of others.

Responsibility OCD

Responsibility OCD is a subset of OCD centered around anxiety and guilt. Sufferers are less concerned about their own welfare, and more concerned with the repercussions of their actions or non-actions.

You may want to take action to “fix” the problem or prevent it from happening again, even if it’s totally out of your control. An inflated sense of responsibility may also lead to other behaviors, such as:

• people-pleasing, which might be an attempt to control how others feel about you
• giving a lot of money or time to charitable causes, to your own detriment
• over-researching unlikely threats because you feel it’s your duty to prevent them from happening
• excessive worrying about family members
• the need to make sure everybody is having a “good time”
• excessive worry on making sure others are safe

False Memory OCD

False Memory OCD, also known as “real event” OCD, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and anxiety related to memories of past events. Individuals with false memory OCD experience excessive worry and doubt about whether their memories of certain events are accurate, often fearing that they may have done something wrong, harmful, or immoral, even when there is no evidence to support these concerns.

Common obsessions and compulsions associated with false memory OCD include:

1. Persistent and intrusive thoughts about past events, questioning whether the individual behaved inappropriately or caused harm.
2. Experiencing anxiety or distress about the possibility of having committed a transgression or offense.
3. Engaging in mental rituals, such as repeatedly reviewing the memory or seeking reassurance from others about the accuracy of their recollection.
4. Avoiding situations, people, or stimuli that might trigger memories or remind them of the perceived transgression.
5. Compulsively researching or seeking information about the event, laws, or consequences related to their perceived wrongdoing.
6. Confessing to others or excessively apologizing for the perceived transgression, even when there is no evidence to support the individual’s concerns.

PANDAS

PANDAS is characterized by an abrupt onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD) and/or motor or vocal tics in pre-pubescent children immediately following a group A Strep infection. These symptoms are extreme and interfere with a child’s daily life. Additionally, children experience concurrent psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. PANDAS is an acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection. It is an autoimmune condition initially triggered by strep which disrupts a child’s normal neurologic activity. PANDAS occurs when the immune system produces antibodies, intended to fight an infection, and instead mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the child’s brain, resulting in inflammation of the brain (basal ganglia section) and inducing a sudden onset of movement disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms and abnormal neurologic behaviors.

PANS

PANS is the acronym for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, a more recently defined disorder which encompasses the more familiar medical condition, PANDAS or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections. PANDAS is now considered a subset of the broader classification, PANS.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) acknowledged that PANS, a treatable autoimmune condition, could be triggered by any number of infections (other than strep), and that patients could be diagnosed with the condition even if the infectious trigger(s) was unknown.

PANS can be triggered by numerous infections

Published reports indicate that PANS can be triggered by numerous infections, including Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), mycoplasma pneumonia, herpes simplex, common cold, influenza and other viruses.

Symptoms of PANS/PANDAS:

• Presence of OCD, a tic disorder, or both
• Episodic course of symptoms
• History of strep, Scarlet fever, or other infections
• Association with neurological abnormalities such as physical hyperactivity or unusual, jerky movements that are not in the child’s control
• Very abrupt onset or worsening of symptoms
• Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as hyperactivity, inattention, or fidgeting
• Separation anxiety
• Mood changes, such as irritability, sadness, or emotional liability (i.e., tendency to laugh or cy unexpectedly at what might seem the wrong moment)
• Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
• Nighttime bed-wetting, frequent daytime urination, or both
• Changes in motor skills, such as handwriting
• Joint pains

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw or defect in one’s physical appearance. This preoccupation is often disproportionate to the actual severity of the flaw, and it can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Individuals with BDD may spend an excessive amount of time scrutinizing their appearance, comparing themselves to others, and engaging in repetitive behaviors to hide or fix their perceived flaws. These behaviors can include excessive grooming, skin picking, seeking reassurance from others, and avoiding situations where their perceived flaw might be exposed or noticed.

Common features of Body Dysmorphic Disorder include:

1. Persistent and intrusive thoughts about one’s physical appearance, focusing on a specific or multiple body parts.
2. Belief that the perceived flaw is noticeable, unattractive, or abnormal, despite reassurances from others.
3. Experiencing significant distress, anxiety, or depression related to the perceived flaw.
4. Engaging in repetitive behaviors or rituals to hide, check, or fix the perceived flaw, such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, or seeking reassurance.
5. Avoiding social situations, work, school, or other activities due to the fear of being judged or ridiculed for their appearance.

It is important to note that BDD is different from typical concerns about appearance, as it involves a level of distress and disruption to daily functioning that goes beyond normal self-consciousness or dissatisfaction.

BFRB stands for body focused repetitive behaviors. BFRB is a general term that refers to any repetitive self-grooming behavior (pulling, picking, biting or scraping of the hair, skin or nails) that results in damage to the body.

Examples of BFRB include:

• Trichotillomania (hair pulling)
• Dermatillomania Onychophagia (nail biting)
• Excoriation Disorder (skin picking) –
• Biting (Lip and cheek)
• Rubbing

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a type of personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency. It is important to note that OCPD is different from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Individuals with OCPD often have rigid adherence to rules and regulations, an excessive focus on details, and difficulty delegating tasks or making decisions. Their preoccupation with perfectionism and control can lead to interpersonal difficulties and reduced productivity.

Common features of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder include:

1. An excessive concern with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
2. A strong need for rules, lists, and organization to provide structure and predictability.
3. Difficulty delegating tasks or relinquishing control over projects or responsibilities.
4. A focus on details, often to the extent that it interferes with task completion or efficiency.
5. An inflexibility or rigidity in beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.
6. Difficulty expressing affection or showing emotions, often due to a preoccupation with control and perfectionism.
7. A tendency to be overly conscientious, scrupulous, and overly concerned with morality or ethics.
8. Hoarding behaviors, such as reluctance to discard items, even when they have no value.

Misophonia

Do certain daily sounds trigger an over-the-top emotional reaction, but yet don’t seem to bother anybody else?  This is the case with misophonia — a strong dislike or hatred of specific sounds.

Misophonia is a disorder in which certain sounds trigger emotional or physiological responses that some people might perceive as unreasonable given the circumstance. Those who have misophonia may describe it as when a sound “drives you crazy.” Their reactions can range from anger and annoyance to panic and the need to flee.  The disorder is sometimes called selective sound sensitivity syndrome.

Individuals with misophonia often report they are triggered by oral sounds  — the noise someone makes when they eat, breathe, or even chew. Other adverse sounds include. keyboard or finger tapping or the sound of windshield wipers. Sometimes a small repetitive motion is the cause — someone fidgets, jostles you, or wiggles their foot.

Below are a common list of emotions that individuals with misophonia experience

• Anxious
• Uncomfortable
• The urge to flee
• Disgust
• Rage
• Anger
• Hatred
• Panic
• Fear
• Emotional distress

A phobia is an irrational, persistent, and excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that can cause significant distress and interference with daily functioning. People with phobias often go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation they fear, even when the fear is disproportionate to the actual danger or threat it poses.

Phobias can be categorized into three main types:

1. Specific phobias: These are intense fears of specific objects or situations, such as spiders (arachnophobia), heights (acrophobia), or flying (aviophobia). Specific phobias are the most common type of phobia and can develop in response to a wide range of stimuli.
2. Social phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): This type of phobia involves a fear of social situations or interactions where an individual may be observed, judged, or evaluated by others. People with social phobia often fear embarrassing themselves or being humiliated in public and may avoid social situations as a result.
3. Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations or places where escape might be difficult or help may not be readily available if a panic attack or panic-like symptoms were to occur. This fear often leads to avoidance of crowded places, public transportation, and even leaving home in severe cases.

Social anxiety, also known as social anxiety disorder or social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations or interactions where an individual may be observed, judged, or evaluated by others. People with social anxiety often worry about embarrassing themselves, being criticized, or appearing incompetent in social settings.

Common symptoms and behaviors associated with social anxiety include:

1. Experiencing excessive fear or anxiety in social situations, such as parties, meetings, or public speaking events.
2. Worrying about being negatively evaluated or humiliated by others.
3. Avoiding or enduring social situations with significant distress, which can interfere with daily functioning, work, school, or relationships.
4. Experiencing physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or blushing, when in social situations.
5. Feeling self-conscious, insecure, or overly concerned about one’s appearance or behavior in social settings.
6. Having difficulty making or maintaining eye contact, initiating or maintaining conversations, or asserting oneself in social situations.

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves the fear of having a panic attack in a place or situation from which escape may be hard or embarrassing.

The anxiety of agoraphobia is so severe that panic attacks are not unusual. People with agoraphobia often try to avoid the location or cause of their fear. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations like the following:

• Being alone outside his or her home
• Being at home alone
• Being in a crowd
• Traveling in a vehicle
• Being in an elevator or on a bridge

People with agoraphobia typically avoid crowded places like streets, crowded stores, churches, and theaters.