What is OCD?

Diagram of the OCD cycle showing four stages: 1. Obsession (fears, worries, intrusive thoughts), 2. Anxiety (distress, fear, guilt, disgust, discomfort), 3. Compulsions (actions to alleviate distress), 4. Relief (temporary relief from compulsion). Arrows indicate a circular progression.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts that create significant distress. These thoughts are often relieved through compulsions, which may involve overt physical behaviors or covert mental rituals. Once temporary relief is experienced, the obsession can begin again. Obsessions can be triggered by internal or external stimuli. Some common obsessions include:

  • Thoughts concerning health or contamination.

  • Fear that you will harm others because you’re not careful enough (e.g. hit/run).

  • Concerns about right/wrong and morality.

Some common compulsions include:

  • Repeating routines until they feel “just right.”

  • Feeling a strong urge to count or add items.

  • Frequently asking for reassurance from others.

  • Repeatedly checking to ensure you didn’t make a mistake.

  • Frequently checking locks or other checking routines.

  • Performing routines, mental rituals, or superstitious actions to prevent harm or reduce anxiety.

  • Repeatedly washing or cleaning your hands.

Selection of various ice cream flavors in a display case that represent the types of OCD which are very different but are the same diagnosis.

Types of OCD

There are many types of OCD just like there are many flavors of ice cream, but they are all OCD. Here are a few of the types:

  • Contamination OCD - the fear of being contaminated by something that is either consumed or touched

  • Harm OCD - the fear that you will harm someone else or yourself

  • Religious Scrupulosity OCD - excessive anxiety and guilt about religious and moral issues

  • Relationship OCD - worry about whether your partner is “the one” or doubting your partner’s love or fidelity

  • Body-focused OCD - excessive worry about bodily functions such as bowel movements and nausea

  • Sexual OCD - the fear that you will be sexually inappropriate with someone when you don’t intend to or you compulsively engage in sexual behavior despite relationship status

  • Checking OCD - the fear that something important has been overlooked or was not done correctly

  • Race OCD - the fear that you will say a racial slur or are inherently racist

  • Sexual Orientation OCD - the fear that you haven’t discovered your sexuality or sexual orientation, resulting in spending a lot of time in introspection

  • Gender Identity OCD - questioning your gender identity or that you are doing it for attention or as a phase

  • Pedophilia OCD - experiencing unwanted harmful or sexual thoughts about children or having an excessive fear that you will accidentally engage in sexual contact with a child

While the examples given are common representations of the types of OCD, this is not a comprehensive list and the best way to identify your specific OCD, is to be assessed by a clinician.

A man sitting with eyes closed, holding his head, surrounded by colorful, blurry lights depicting depression which is a common co-occurring disorder with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

It’s normal to occasionally have unusual thoughts or worries. However, when these thoughts become so intense that they disrupt your daily life, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. Intrusive thoughts can cause overwhelming anxiety, leaving you feeling stuck and unable to find lasting relief.

While certain behaviors might provide temporary comfort, they can also reinforce the cycle of OCD, causing the intrusive thoughts and compulsions to persist.

If this sounds familiar, reaching out to a mental health professional can make a difference. OCD is treatable, and with the right support, you can break the cycle and regain confidence.

Woman in gray shirt looking contemplative, holding a strand of her hair, sitting indoors representing someone who struggles with Body-focused repetitive behavior which is a common co-occurring disorder with OCD.

  • Yes, in fact, research indicates that as many as 80% of all mothers and 66% of all new fathers experience unwanted negative thoughts about their infants. Those thoughts can become intrusive and lead to distress.

  • Yes, OCD can start at any time from preschool to adulthood, but is common between the ages of 8 and 12 or late teen years into early adulthood.

  • Not necessarily. These are referred to as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and have some similarities to OCD but they are a separate disorder. Many of the same treatment modalities used with OCD are effective in treating BFRBs.

  • NO! This misconception is invalidating for those who have an OCD diagnosis. OCD can be incredibly distressing and have significant impact on how someone functions in their life.

  • There are a several questionnaires that can help us determine a diagnosis, however, meeting with a clinician is the only way to have an official diagnosis. Our clinicians can promptly schedule an appointment and do the proper assessments for diagnosis.

  • We may still be able to help. Many disorders are similar or co-occur with OCD and can be treated with the same or similar treatment modalities. Reach out to talk with an intake specialist today!

We are here to help.