What is obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a complex condition consisting of recurrent intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and related repeated or ritualized behaviors (compulsions) used to temporarily decrease feelings of anxiety related to the unwanted thoughts or images.
In order for a diagnosis of OCD to be made, these symptoms must take up at least hour of time per day and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Obsessions
The content of obsessions can range from cleanliness to religion to sexuality. Some people categorize "types" of OCD based on the content of obsessions; you can see examples of these below.
Compulsions
The compulsive behavior depends on the obsession to which it is responding. Compulsive behaviors can include counting, praying, reciting, excessive checking, research, avoidance, and more. Compulsions can be physical (an observable behavior, such as repetitive tapping) or mental (an invisible behavior, such as counting).
Insight
Most people with OCD are aware that their obsessive-compulsive cycles are irrational, but this is not always the case. In some cases, an individual with OCD may have poor or moderate insight (they aren't sure whether they are being irrational or not) or lack insight altogether (they are convinced that they are being rational).
"Types" of OCD
Harm OCD
Harm OCD refers to a manifestation of OCD consisting of intrusive thoughts or images about experiencing harm or perpetrating harm against others. This can also include obsessions that one has committed harmful or violent acts without knowing it.
Sexual Orientation OCD
Sexual Orientation OCD refers to obsessions about one's sexual orientation. This is not the same as questioning one's sexuality, which is a natural phase to go through.
Pedophilia OCD
Pedophilia OCD refers to intrusive thoughts about pedophilic acts, the fear that one is or may become a pedophile, or the fear that one is secretly a pedophile without knowing it.
Religious OCD
Religious OCD refers to manifestations of OCD around sin, religious observance, morality and ethics, or salvation.
Contamination OCD
Contamination OCD is the most common subtype of OCD and includes intrusive thoughts surround exposure to germs or illness.
Existential OCD
Existential OCD is a subtype of OCD which includes obsessions surrounding the meaning of life, the existence of God, the ability to perceive reality, and other philosophical questions. These questions are normal ones to consider, but in the case of OCD these obsessions can become overwhelming and cause impairment in functioning.
Superstitious OCD/ Magical Thinking
Superstitious or Magical Thinking OCD often involves intrusive thoughts that if they do not perform a certain compulsion or ritual that something bad will happen. Often, the ritual is unrelated to be perceived consequence.
Relationship OCD
Relationship OCD revolves around the fear that one does not love their partner, that they have cheated on their partner without knowing it, or that they will betray a loved one. Compulsions might include rituals around seeking reassurance from loved ones.
Responsibility OCD
Responsibility OCD involved intrusive thoughts around the fear of how one's actions affect other people or the fear that you will inadvertently put others in danger. Compulsions might include rituals revolving around prayer, cleaning, or avoidance.