When these thoughts hit, it’s natural to feel an urgent need to find an answer or to reassure yourself.
But the harder you push them away, the “stickier” they become.

Types of OCD

Understanding the different types of OCD helps in recognizing symptoms and finding the right support. Each type centers on specific obsessions and compulsions aimed at reducing distress. These symptoms can manifest differently at different ages.

Contamination OCD

Contamination OCD is marked by an intense fear of germs, dirt, or harmful substances, leading to compulsions like excessive cleaning or avoidance. For instance, an adult with contamination OCD might sanitize surfaces at home multiple times each day or avoid public places due to fear of contamination.

Harm OCD

Harm OCD can be one of the scariest types of OCD, yet it is common among people with OCD and is manageable with the right support and treatment. Effective interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help individuals manage these symptoms.

People with Harm OCD experience intrusive thoughts about causing harm to themselves or others, even though they do not want to harm anyone. These thoughts are persistent and cause significant anxiety, often leading to compulsions aimed at neutralizing or reducing their distress.

A young adult or adult with Harm OCD may engage in behaviors such as:

• Avoidance: Refraining from using sharp objects like knives or scissors, avoiding driving for fear of accidentally harming someone, or staying away from certain locations linked to “bad” thoughts.

• Checking and Asking for Reassurance: Repeatedly checking to make sure they haven’t harmed anyone (e.g., driving back to ensure they haven’t hit someone) or seeking reassurance from loved ones that everything is okay.

• Mental Rituals: Silently repeating "good thoughts," specific words, or counting to counteract "bad thoughts."

These compulsions are performed to alleviate anxiety and create a sense of control, even though the individual may be aware that their actions do not truly influence events.

Morality OCD (Scrupulosity)

Also known as scrupulosity, morality OCD involves fears of violating personal or moral beliefs, which may or may not be religious. Compulsions like confession or seeking reassurance are common. In adults, morality OCD might manifest as constant self-monitoring to ensure they haven’t unintentionally harmed anyone or violated their moral code. For example, someone who values environmental ethics may spend hours reviewing their actions to make sure they have followed sustainable practices, such as obsessively checking that they’ve recycled everything correctly.

“Just Right” OCD

“Just Right” OCD centers on a need for things to feel balanced or symmetrical. Compulsions include arranging objects or adjusting clothing until things “feel right.” For example, an adult might spend excessive time arranging items on their desk until everything feels "just right" or repeatedly adjust their clothing to achieve a specific feeling of symmetry or balance.

Symmetry, Checking, and Ordering OCD

Symmetry, checking, and ordering OCD often overlap with “just right” OCD but can also stand alone as distinct subtypes. Checking OCD centers on verifying tasks to prevent perceived harm or mistakes, such as an adult repeatedly ensuring that doors are locked or appliances are off. Symmetry OCD involves the need for perfect balance, such as ensuring items on a table are aligned symmetrically.

Relationship OCD (ROCD)

ROCD involves obsessive doubts about relationships. An adult may frequently analyze their feelings toward a partner, questioning if the relationship is truly “right” or whether they really love their partner. They might seek constant reassurance from friends or family or overanalyze their partner's behavior for signs that the relationship isn’t ideal.

Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)

SO-OCD is marked by intrusive doubts about one’s sexual orientation, leading to compulsive checking or reassurance-seeking. For instance, an adult might analyze their reactions or feelings when interacting with others to confirm their orientation, or they might avoid certain social situations to avoid triggering intrusive thoughts that could lead them to question their orientation.

Health Anxiety OCD (Hypochondriasis)

Health anxiety OCD involves fears of illness, leading to behaviors like checking symptoms or frequent doctor visits. An adult may spend hours researching symptoms online, convinced they have a serious condition, or seek multiple opinions from health professionals to reassure themselves that they are not sick.