Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Common Subtypes of OCD
OCD can manifest in hundreds of unique ways.
Here are some of the most common themes, although this is not an exhaustive list:
People suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often have the following symptoms:
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Constant feelings of anxiety, panic, worry, fear, or disgust
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High levels of uncertainty, anticipation, and dread
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Feeling “stuck” in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
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Feeling like the brain is "broken” and that something is wrong with them
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Lack of motivation to engage in daily activities - even things that they used to enjoy
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Extreme difficulty with attempting to stop compulsive behaviors, despite desperately wanting to stop
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Feelings of shame and frustration with the self for being stuck in these tortuous patterns and cycles
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Some people question their diagnosis of OCD and worry, “What if my thoughts are true?”
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Many people with OCD also suffer from depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and significant self-criticism
"Just Right" OCD
Obsessions and compulsions relating to organization, perfection, or an unexplainable "just right" feeling
Contamination OCD
Fixations on cleanliness and extreme fear of germs, sickness, and contagion
Symmetry OCD
Extreme discomfort with asymmetry and an intense need for balance and evenness
Sexual Orientation OCD
(SO-OCD or H-OCD)
Obsessions about one's sexual orientation, usually with frequent checking and reassurance
Gender Identity OCD
Obsessions about one's own gender identity, with extreme anxiety when feeling uncertain about it
Relationship OCD
(R-OCD)
Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and constant questioning of a romantic relationship
Harm OCD
Intrusive and disturbing thoughts about harming other people or animals
Self-Harm and Suicidal OCD
Unwanted and terrifying thoughts and images about harming or killing oneself
P-OCD
Intrusive thoughts about being sexually attracted to children
Scrupulocity
Religious and moral obsessions, often involving purity rituals and seeking reassurance from others
Mental Contamination OCD
Obsessions about coming into contact with something deemed emotionally dirty, bad, or wrong
Existential OCD
Agonizing over unanswerable philosophical questions, including the nature of life death
Meta-OCD
Obsessions about one's own OCD symptoms, treatment, and whether they even have OCD
Somatic OCD
Obsessions about autonomic body processes and functions, like breathing or digesting food
False Memory OCD
Distressing urges to internally "prove" whether a certain memory actually happened