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.
Health and Contamination OCD
Health Concern/Contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person experiences obsessive thoughts around fears of becoming contaminated, contaminating others, or contracting and spreading a disease. These obsessive thoughts drive people to engage in various compulsions aimed at alleviating their anxieties about contamination (e.g., showering for hours or until they feel clean).
There’s nothing like worrying about your health to keep you up at night. You feel an abdominal cramp and fear your appendix is bursting. You hear about a
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
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
Contamination OCD is a common OCD subtype in which a person obsesses over contracting an illness or spreading germs. Intrusive thoughts, fears, or images
Contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person experiences obsessive thoughts around fears of becoming contaminated,
When a friend, family or loved one is struggling with contamination OCD, it can be difficult to know how to help them. Of course you want to support them,
Contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person experiences obsessive thoughts around fears of becoming contaminated,
My first experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) came at the age of 7 years old, with severe intrusive thoughts. As I got older, my OCD
By Rebecca Horsfall
Having dreams about your teeth falling out can be disturbing. Find out what therapists have to say about what it might mean.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you’re experiencing recurring fears about drinking water in general or drinking tap water due to concerns about becoming ill, this can be a sign of Contamination OCD. If you are experiencing fears that you may ingest too much water or not enough, this may also be related to Health OCD fears.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Excessive fears related to vomiting that cause high levels of distress could be a symptom of a Specific Phobia known as “Emetophobia.”
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by Tracie Ibrahim
Phobias, anxiety, and OCD can all be involved in this very real fear—whether you're getting your blood drawn or getting a flu shot.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It may be the result of a number of different anxieties, but avoiding the doctor can be harmful for your long-term health. Here's how you can ease your worries.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
While cleaning habits are far from the only symptoms of OCD, they are central to many people’s experience of OCD. Here's how the condition works.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Let’s take a look at what an intense fear of blood can look like, how it can impact people’s lives, and how they can learn to overcome it.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you’re wondering why medications trigger such a big fear and want to know if there’s anything that can be done, you're not alone.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Fear of pooping can include fears of going in public, fear of feces somewhere on your body, or worrying that it will lead to a health issue.
Someone with OCD fear of food poisoning may struggle with obsessions related to whether their food has been contaminated or poisoned.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD