Types of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD shows up in different ways, called themes or subtypes. They are not separate illnesses, and one person may have more than one.

Common themes

• Contamination: fear of germs, dirt or illness, with washing and cleaning
• Checking: repeated checking of locks, appliances or safety
• Symmetry and order: need for things to be exact, with arranging and counting
• Harm obsessions: unwanted thoughts of hurting oneself or others, often with mental rituals and avoidance
• Unwanted sexual or taboo thoughts
• Religious or moral (scrupulosity): fear of sin or blasphemy, with prayer rituals and confession
• Hoarding-related: fear of throwing things away
• Relationship OCD: constant doubts about a partner or one's feelings
• "Pure O" (mainly mental rituals): obsessions with hidden mental compulsions, such as reviewing or praying

Related conditions

Body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), skin picking and tic disorders are in the same family and are treated by a mental health team.

By age of onset

• Early-onset: in childhood, more common in boys, often with tics
• Adult-onset: often after stress or life change
• Pregnancy and postpartum OCD: with fears of harming the baby

By insight

Most people know their fears are excessive. Some have little insight, which needs careful care.

Why the type matters

Therapy targets the specific fears and rituals of the person.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts do not describe OCD as a separate group. This is an interpretive framework.

Remember

All themes are treatable with the same core methods.