Common Fears & OCD Subtypes
OCD subtypes can help people to find community with others who share similar experiences, and they can assist therapists in designing targeted treatment plans, but they don't tell the whole story. If you can't find your subtype, that doesn't mean you don't have OCD—everyone's experience is unique, and many people's OCD symptoms don't fit neatly into any specific theme.
False Memory and Real Event OCD
False Memory/Real Events obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an OCD subtype characterized by ongoing intrusive doubting thoughts and compulsive behavior around a past event.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder categorized by excessive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive — and
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Almost everyone doubts their memories from time to time. We don’t always remember things perfectly, and it’s normal to occasionally have concerns or
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
What are “false memories” in OCD? There’s a common misconception that memories are like video recordings that can be recalled and “played back” with
Nobody's memory is perfect. But if you're worries that some of your memories aren't real at all, it may be a sign of something else going on.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Rumination is often a normal activity, but when the habit starts causing distress or taking up a lot of time, you may want to seek help.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
The possibility of recovering "repressed memories" is quesetionable at best, but intense doubt about memory may be a sign of a serious condition.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
In certain circumstances, this might be a sign of Real Event OCD, a type of OCD that makes you doubt what occurred in your past.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Discover the link between OCD and the fear of being "canceled." Learn how to identify and manage obsessions and triggers in cancel culture.
Discover how Scrupulosity OCD or False Memory OCD can cause worry about committing sins you can't remember, and ways to overcome these fears.
Fear of concussions in OCD involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts related to head trauma/concussion.
Intense or persistent fears about doing something wrong may be a sign of OCD, falling under the OCD subtype of Responsibility OCD.
If you’re experiencing recurrent intrusive thoughts involving a worry or fear that you could be a child predator, it may be a sign of OCD.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Hit and Run OCD, related to the subtype of False Memory OCD, involves fears of being involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Reviewed by Taylor Newendorp