Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors and actions (compulsions). Obsessions cause significant anxiety and distress, driving people with OCD to perform repetitive, ritualistic actions for temporary relief.
Many people have the occasional obsession or compulsive behavior, but with OCD, the thoughts and behaviors are time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning. An estimated 2-3% of people in the U.S. live with OCD, which often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors play a role. Treatment options for OCD usually involve psychotherapy and medication to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Types of OCD
There are many subtypes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and symptoms can appear in various forms. However, OCD is generally categorized into four main types: contamination, checking, symmetry/order, and intrusive/taboo thoughts. It’s common for individuals with OCD to experience symptoms across more than one of these subtypes.
Contamination OCD
This type involves an intense fear of germs, illness, or being contaminated by people or objects. Individuals may engage in frequent handwashing, avoid touching certain items, or become overly concerned with cleanliness. Some may also obsess over ingredients in cleaning products or feel compelled to change clothes multiple times a day.
In addition to physical contamination fears, emotional contamination may occur—leading people to avoid specific individuals, places, or situations they perceive as “dirty” or emotionally threatening.
Checking OCD
Checking compulsions arise from a fear of causing harm or making a mistake. This can result in repeatedly checking if doors are locked, appliances are turned off, or vehicles are safe to drive. People with this subtype might also seek constant reassurance from others that they haven’t hurt someone or done something wrong.
Symmetry and Order OCD
This type is driven by the need for items to be arranged symmetrically, aligned perfectly, or kept in a particular order. Those with this form of OCD may spend a significant amount of time organizing their environment to achieve a sense of balance or "rightness."
Common behaviors include arranging objects repeatedly, performing tasks in a specific sequence, or tapping items a certain number of times. There may also be intense anxiety or beliefs that something bad will happen if things aren't perfectly ordered.
Intrusive/Taboo Thoughts OCD
This subtype involves unwanted, disturbing thoughts related to violence, sex, or religion. These intrusive thoughts can include graphic mental images, doubts about one’s moral or religious identity, or fears about sexual orientation.
These thoughts often cause guilt, shame, or anxiety. As a result, individuals may develop compulsive behaviors such as excessive praying, repeating words or actions, or mental rituals to try to "neutralize" or cancel out the disturbing thoughts.
