Types of OCD: The Specifics of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be hard to identify and define.  In fact, there are different types of OCD symptoms, with clinicians and researchers suggesting that OCD is divided into different types, depending on the symptoms experienced. 
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Read on to find out the different types of OCD to help you learn more about the condition, so you can understand yourself or loved ones who may have this disorder.
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The Five Types of OCD

There are various types of OCD, which can impact any person, thought, fear, or subject.
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​1. Contamination Obsessions

This is the fear of being contaminated or dirty, worrying, and fearing that it would cause harm to themselves or those they love. Those affected with this type would most likely feel extreme discomfort with anything connected with contamination. One would clean or wash excessively as a way to reduce the distressful feeling, or even avoiding any area they feel is dirty or contaminated.
Cleaning and washing may also be done multiple times, with rituals of repetitive washing until the person feels clean. It’s done more compared to someone without OCD, to the point it impacts the person’s quality of life.
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​2. Hoarding

Hoarding is the inability to dispose of useless and/or worn-out items they own. Now, it is recognized as a distinct diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5)
One may collect various items that are seen as a limited value to those without OCD. It can be hoarding old magazines, receipts, clothes, notes, containers, among other things. The hoarding can get so intense that the living area is consumed with clutter, making it difficult to live in.
Hoarding may come with an obsessional fear of losing things that might be used in the future or being excessively attached to hoarded items.
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​3. Symmetry Obsessions

If someone experiences this obsession, you would feel a very strong need to arrange and/or rearrange items until they are “right” according to your standards. 
For instance, someone with OCD with symmetry obsessions may want to constantly arrange their clothes to organize it by color or other suitable categories.
Besides this, symmetry obsession may involve thinking or saying words over again until it is "perfect". These arranging, counting or ordering compulsions are done to avoid any potential consequences or dangers.
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​4. Obsessions With No Visible Compulsions

This is a type of OCD that’s usually related to unwanted obsessions of themes falling under those that are aggressive, religious, or sexual. For instance, one may have intrusive thoughts about being a criminal or attacking someone. 
People who experience this type of OCD would use mental rituals to relieve these kinds of involuntary thoughts. It can be through reciting specific words, counting, avoiding the triggers, or even praying to relieve any anxiety.
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​5. Harm Obsessions

If someone experiences this type of OCD, they most likely experience intense thoughts of harming themselves or other people. For instance, one may imagine their house burning down, going back to their place to ensure there isn't any fire and that all fire hazards are switched off.

Learning more about the different types of OCD can help you understand the disorder better, whether you or a loved one have this condition. If you do feel like you experience any of these symptoms, check with your health provider for the appropriate treatments and medication to start recovering.  If you are within Texas and do not have a current psychiatrist, give us a call at 281-849-4080 for a psychiatric consultation.