OCD Subtypes
Beyond Cleanliness: Understanding OCD Subtypes
When people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it’s common to hear phrases like, “Your house must be so clean!” or “I’m kind of OCD about keeping things tidy.” These comments, though often well-meaning, reflect a limited view of what OCD truly is.
While cleanliness and order can be part of some people’s OCD experience, they represent just one subtype. In reality, OCD is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can manifest in many different forms, known as subtypes. Educating ourselves about these subtypes can help us better understand ourselves or our loved ones, recognize when professional support may be helpful, and most importantly, reduce shame by showing that we’re not alone.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common OCD subtypes. Keep in mind - this isn’t an exhaustive list. OCD can attach itself to virtually any thought pattern. And remember: these thoughts are intrusive, unwanted, and deeply distressing. They do not reflect a person’s desires, intentions, or values.
Health/Contamination OCD - the one most people think of!
Fear of being harmed or harming others through exposure to dirt, germs, chemicals, or other contaminants. Fear can also present in regards to having an untreatable medical condition despite medical testing/reassurance to the contrary.
Common obsessions:
“What if I get an illness from touching that?”
“What if I spread an illness to someone I love?”
“What if I have cancer?”
“What if the environment I’m in is toxic?”
Common compulsions:
Excessive hand-washing or cleaning
Avoidance of trigger situations, places, or people
Excessive checking for physical symptoms of illness
Checking your home for contaminants
Harm OCD
Fears and unwanted, intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or others
Common obsessions:
“What if I lose control and hurt myself?”
“What if I accidentally poison someone?”
“What if I run over someone in my car?”
Common compulsions:
Avoiding objects or situations where yourself or someone else could be harmed
Mentally reviewing actions or behaviors
Seeking reassurance (“I didn’t/wouldn’t do that, right?”)
Self monitoring thoughts or feelings
Checking OCD
Repetitive behaviors or rituals aimed at preventing mistakes, harm, or catastrophes
These behaviors are often excessive and driven by doubt, rather than typical safety checks or forgetfulness
Common obsessions:
“What if I didn’t lock the door?”
“What if I don’t do my ritual and someone gets hurt?”
“What if I left a lit candle in my house?”
Common compulsions:
Repeated checking of locks, appliances, or hidden areas in the home
Mentally reviewing past actions, behaviors, or events
Seeking reassurance (“You’re sure I locked the door, right?”)
Counting OCD
Fear or obsessions related to specific numbers or completing counting rituals to prevent harm
Common obsessions:
“If I don’t touch this 8 times, something bad will happen”
“I can’t get this bus if it has the number 1 in it”
“I have to do this the right number of times”
Common compulsions:
Repeating rituals a specific number of times
Avoidance of specific numbers
Mental counting during daily tasks
Magical thinking OCD
Beliefs that your thoughts or actions can influence unrelated outcomes
Common obsessions:
“If I have this thought, something bad will happen”
“I have to remove this bad thought with a good thought”
“I have to do this 4 times or someone I love will die”
Common compulsions:
Mental rituals to “undo” “bad” thoughts
Utilizing counting rituals to prevent harm
Superstitious behaviors
Relationship OCD
Doubts or fears regarding your romantic relationship - even when it is healthy and loving
Common obsessions:
“Do I love my partner enough?”
“What if I’m not really attracted to them?”
“What if I’m not in the right relationship?”
“What if my partner cheats on me in the future?”
Common compulsions:
Comparing your relationship to others
Reassurance seeking through your partner, friends, or google/the internet
Mentally checking/reviewing how you feel
Religious OCD
Fears of moral or religious failure, sin, or punishment
Common obsessions:
“What if I didn’t pray the right way?”
“What if I offended God/a spirit/a higher power?”
“What if I go to hell?”
“What if that was a blasphemous thought?”
Common compulsions:
Excessive prayers or religious rituals
Repeating spiritual practices a certain number of times or until they feel “right”
Avoidance of religious content
Pedophilia OCD
Fear of having an attraction to children and unwanted, intrusive sexual thoughts regarding children - despite no desire or intent
Common obsessions:
“What if I’m attracted to children?”
“Am I a danger to children?”
“Did I interact with or look at that child wrong?”
Common compulsions:
Reassurance seeking through research and comparison to pedophiles
Mentally reviewing interactions
Checking physical responses
Sexual Orientation OCD
Obsessive doubts about your sexual orientation, often contrary to your identity. The fears are unwanted, intrusive, and not a part of healthy sexual identity exploration
Common obsessions:
“What if I’m secretly gay/straight/bi?”
“What if I’ve been lying to myself?”
“What if I’m in denial?”
“Do I find that person attractive?”
Common compulsions:
Mentally reviewing past attractions
Avoiding people or media
Testing physical/mental reactions or reassurance seeking
No matter the subtype, OCD is treatable. Evidence-based therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches are highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
If any of these experiences resonate with you, or someone you care about, know that you're not alone. Reach out to Health in Tandem today to connect with a therapist who specializes in OCD treatment and take the first step toward relief.