Sexual/Gender OCD
Sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors around a person’s sexual orientation. It has been referred to as homosexual OCD (H-OCD); however, this term is increasingly discouraged due to its lack of sensitivity. People with SO-OCD experience intrusive thoughts and urges around denial of or confusion about their true sexual orientation. Someone with SO-OCD may experience fears around being perceived as having a certain sexual orientation, such as gay or straight. They might wonder if they have a sexual orientation other than the one they thought. They may fear they are in denial of their “true” sexual orientation. Or, they might fear that their sexual orientation could abruptly change (e.g., “turn” gay or straight) and what this change will mean for their life. (Will they have to leave their family? Will their relationship end when they discover they are not who they think they are?)
Common OCD Fears
Fears about Bestiality
Repeated thoughts or fears about sexual attraction or actions involving animals may be a sign of bestiality-themed OCD.
Learn moreFear of being a bad person
OCD focused on fear of being a bad person involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images about being a bad person.
Learn moreFears about magical impregnation
Magical impregnation fears in OCD involve concerns about getting pregnant or getting someone else pregnant despite lack of sexual intercourse.
Learn moreFears about polygamy
If you’re experiencing recurrent intrusive fears about intentionally or unintentionally engaging in acts of polygamy, it may be OCD.
Learn moreWhat if I’m really a child predator?
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.
Learn moreI can’t stop thinking about molesting a child family member
If you're experiencing thoughts about molesting a child family member, it may be a sign that you have OCD.
Learn moreI have images of sexually assaulting my child and others
If you’re having intrusive thoughts or images of child sexual assault, it may be a sign that you have POCD, a subtype of OCD.
Learn moreFears about being transgender
Trans OCD, fear of being transgender, causes people to fixate and obsess on any thoughts or feelings that cause doubt about gender identity.
Learn moreFear of becoming a pedophile
If you have obsessive fear of becoming a pedophile or rapist, it may be a sign that you have Pedophilia OCD or POCD.
Learn moreFears about incest
Incest OCD involves intrusive and unwanted sexual thoughts, images, or urges about family members that cause distress or anxiety, as well as compulsions to manage or eliminate this anxiety.
Learn moreFear of Sexual Perversion
Fear of sexual perversion, common in OCD, is recurrent unwanted thoughts/images pertaining to sexual behaviors outside of societal norms.
Learn moreFears about homosexuality
Homosexual OCD includes having obsessions surrounding the uncertainty of attraction or potential attraction to people of the same gender.
Learn moreFears about being straight
It can be Straight OCD if you don't identify as heterosexual, but experience intrusive thoughts about attraction towards the opposite gender.
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