Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMain SubtypesSymptoms of EachOther SubtypesRelated ConditionsSubtypes in ChildrenTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Main Subtypes
Symptoms of Each
Other Subtypes
Related Conditions
Subtypes in Children
Treatment
Close
When you think about OCD, someone obsessively cleaning or double-checking the locks might come to mind. However, OCD can present in many different ways. Howsymptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) are experienced vary widely from person to person. Clinicians and researchers suggest that OCD can be divided into different types based on the nature of the symptoms experienced, resulting in several OCD subtypes.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5-TR) provides a broad definition of obsessive-compulsive disorder that includes thepresence of obsessions and/or compulsionsthat cause major distress or disruption to daily living. There are also other disorders that include elements of obsession orcompulsion.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Main OCD Subtypes
The five main subtypes of OCD are:
Symptoms of the Different OCD Subtypes
Although specific symptom types appear to be relatively stable over time, it is possible to experience a change in the nature and focus of your symptoms. Additionally, although the majority of your symptoms might be consistent with a particular symptom subtype, it is possible to experience symptoms of multiple OCD subtypes at the same time.
Contamination Obsessions With Washing/Cleaning Compulsion
If you struggle with the contamination subtype of OCD, then you may experience intense discomfort or anxiety about things being dirty or contaminated with germs. In order to cope with these obsessive feelings, you may then wash or clean excessively to find relief and alleviate feelings of anxiety.
For example, you might feel that your hands are dirty or contaminated after touching a doorknob or worry that you will contaminate others with your germs. To get rid of these feelings, you might wash your hands repeatedly for hours at a time.
Harm Obsessions With Checking Compulsions
If you experience this symptom subtype, you will often have intense thoughts related to possible harm to yourself or others. You use checking rituals to relieve your distress.
Obsessions Without Visible Compulsions
This symptom subtype, sometimes referred to as purely obsessional orpure O OCD, often relates to unwanted obsessions surrounding sexual, religious, or aggressive themes.For example, you could experience intrusive thoughts about being a rapist or that you will attack someone.
You may often use mental rituals such as reciting particular words, counting in your head, or praying to relieve the anxiety you experience when you have these involuntary thoughts. You will usually avoid riggers related to obsessions at all costs.
Symmetry Obsessions With Ordering, Arranging, and Counting Compulsions
This symptom subtype can also involve thinking or saying sentences or words over and over again until the task is accomplished perfectly. Sometimes these ordering, arranging, and counting compulsions are carried out to ward off potential danger. For example, you might think, “If I arrange my desk perfectly, my husband won’t die in a car accident.” However, having such thoughts isn’t always the case with this subtype.
Hoarding
Other OCD Subtypes
In addition to the main subtypes of OCD, a few others may also be commonly seen. Some of these include:
Relationship OCD
“Just Right” OCD
False Memory OCD
People with this OCD subtype experience frequent doubting thoughts. For example, they might worry about things they may have accidentally done in the past, such as whether they accidentally stole something or forgot to pay for something at the store.
Magical Thinking OCD
People with this type of OCD often engage inmagical thinking, believing that if they don’t engage in certain behaviors, completely unrelated events will occur. For example, they might believe something terrible will happen to a loved one if they don’t look at their phone at 8:15 every night.
There is no consensus as to how many OCD subtypes exist, or even what those subtypes are. For instance, some contend that there are seven types of OCD: contamination obsessions, violent obsessions, responsibility obsessions, perfectionism-related obsessions, sexual obsessions, religious/moral obsessions, and identity obsessions.
Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders
The latest edition of the DSM included new definitions of these disorders or moved them to this category.
In addition, although it is not uncommon for new mothers to experience a wide array of emotions following the arrival of a new child, the postpartum period has long been known to be a time of increased risk for the appearance, worsening, or recurrence of mood and anxiety disorders.
A number of studies have suggested that the postpartum period may also present arisk for the onset or worsening of OCD.
OCD Subtypes in Children
Although many people think of OCD as a disorder that affects only adults, a similar percentage of children are also affected. While there are many similarities between adult-onset andchildhood-onset OCD, there are also many important differences—particularly with respect to treatment and the nature of symptoms.
Children with PANDAS develop OCD or tic disorders suddenly after a strep infection (such as strep throat) or scarlet fever (or have a worsening of existing OCD symptoms). Studies at the National Institute of Mental Health have shown that a strep infection can produce cross-reactive “anti-brain” antibodies that produce the symptoms of PANDAS in children between the age of three and puberty.
Treatment for OCD Subtypes
Choosing a course oftreatment for OCDdepends on several factors, including:
In general, most OCD types respond to some combination ofcognitive-behavior therapy(CBT), exposure-response prevention, and medication.
An exception may be hoarding, which does not seem to improve with medication but does seem to respond to psychotherapy. Discuss with apsychologistor physician the ways in which ERP, CBT, and medication can be adjusted for maximum benefit based on your symptoms.
Takeaways
If you have symptoms of OCD or its related disorders, see your healthcare provider as there is treatment available. You are not the only person with one of these disorders. You will find support and get the help you need to relieve yourself of these symptoms.
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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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