Common Subtypes of OCD

OCD can show up in different ways for different people. Here are some of the most common subtypes that individuals experience:

Contamination OCD

You may feel terrified of germs, illness, or toxic substances, leading to compulsive cleaning, handwashing, or avoiding anything you believe might be "contaminated". This can make everyday tasks—like touching a doorknob or shaking someone’s hand—feel impossible.

Harm OCD

Intrusive fears of accidentally or intentionally hurting yourself or someone else can take over your mind. You might avoid sharp objects, driving, or even certain people, fearing you’ll lose control, even though you never want to cause harm.

Checking OCD

The fear of making a mistake or failing to prevent a disaster can lead to constant checking—whether it’s making sure the door is locked, the stove is off, or that you didn’t send the wrong email. No matter how many times you check, the doubt remains.

Symmetry & Order OCD

You may feel an overwhelming urge for things to be aligned, balanced, or arranged "just right." You might spend hours adjusting, counting, or organizing until things "feel correct" to relieve the intense discomfort.

Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure-O)

Even without visible compulsions, you may experience relentless mental rituals. You might overanalyze your thoughts, seek reassurance, or mentally "undo" perceived wrongs to neutralize distressing thoughts or images.

Relationship OCD (ROCD)

Constant doubts about relationships, leading to excessive reassurance-seeking and overanalyzing interactions.

Scrupulosity (Religious or Moral OCD)

You may obsess over whether you’re being a good person or adhering to religious rules perfectly. This can lead to compulsive praying, confessing, or avoiding situations where you fear you might sin or make a moral mistake.

Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)

Distressing thoughts about your sexual orientation can cause overwhelming anxiety. You might find yourself questioning your identity, mentally comparing yourself to others, or avoiding situations that trigger doubt.

Existential OCD

You may feel trapped by obsessive thoughts about the meaning of life, the nature of reality, or whether life is real at all. This can lead to a spiral of deep rumination and feelings of detachment from the world around you.

Health Anxiety OCD

You may constantly worry that you’re sick or have a serious illness. Small bodily sensations—like a headache or stomachache—can feel catastrophic, leading to compulsive self-checks, internet searches, or frequent doctor visits.

Perinatal/Postpartum OCD

If you’ve recently had a baby or are expecting, you might be experiencing intrusive, distressing thoughts about something terrible happening to your baby—or even about harming them yourself. These thoughts can feel terrifying and isolating, often leaving parents consumed with guilt and fear.

Hyperawareness/Sensorimotor OCD

You might find yourself hyperfocused on normal bodily functions, like thinking, breathing, blinking, or swallowing, or sensory experiences, like background noises. The more you notice these sensations, the more uncomfortable they feel, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Effective Treatments for OCD

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to know that you don’t have to fight OCD alone. There are effective treatments that can help you reclaim your life:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you reframe unhelpful thought patterns that fuel OCD. A specialized form of CBT, called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the most effective therapy for OCD.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

CBT helps you reframe unhelpful thought patterns that fuel OCD. A ERP involves gradually facing your fears (exposures) while resisting the urge to perform compulsions (response prevention). Over time, this process can reduce the anxiety associated with obsessions, helping you to regain control and confidence.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT teaches you how to accept intrusive thoughts without fighting or neutralizing them. It focuses on mindfulness, allowing you to notice your thoughts without judgment and live according to your values rather than fear.

Lifestyle Support

Incorporating regular exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, and reducing stress can strengthen your resilience and improve your overall well-being alongside therapy.