OCD Themes & Subtypes: One diagnosis, infinite presentations

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often thought of either as an obsession with neatness, cleanliness, or symmetry. The reality is that OCD can show up in a myriad of different presentations. At first glance, they often look strikingly different from one another. However, a closer look reveals certain psychological processes that are common to all presentations.

Think of OCD like snow. Each individual snowflake looks different, but under a microscope, the same ingredients are always there.

Read on for more information on OCD subtypes and themes.

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Common OCD Themes and Subtypes

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Aggressive/Violent and Sexual Themes

  • Harm OCD - intrusive fears about causing harm to oneself or others, often through violent or aggressive means, but also through negligence.

  • Sexual OCD - distressing, unwanted thoughts of a sexual nature, often involving sexual taboos (incest, pedophilia, etc).

  • Perinatal OCD - intrusive thoughts and fears occurring during pregnancy or postpartum.

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Relationship and Sexual Orientation Themes

  • Relationship OCD - Obsessive doubts about a relationship, one’s partner, or one’s feelings. May also constitute fears about future or past relationships.

  • Sexual Orientation OCD - Doubts and fears about one’s sexual orientation.

  • Gender OCD / Transgender OCD - Distressing doubts and fears about gender identity (as distinct from gender dysphoria).

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Religious OCD, Scrupulosity, and Existential Obsessions

  • Religious OCD / Scrupulosity - excessive fear of sin, moral failure/harm, offending God, or violating ethical principles.

  • Existential OCD - persistent doubts and rumination about the nature of existence, reality, consciousness, or meaning.

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Perfectionism, Symmetry, and “Neutral” Obsessions

  • Just Right OCD - a need for things to feel exact, complete, symmetrical, balanced, or perfectly aligned.

  • Perfectionism and OCD - Rigid standards and fear of mistakes can fuel OCD symptoms.

  • Sensorimotor OCD - Obsessive focus on automatic bodily sensations, functions, or other sensory experiences.

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Other Themes and Topics

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Mental Health OCD / Suicidal OCD

  • Mental Health OCD - Obsessive fears about developing or having psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, or personality disorders like NPD or APD. May also be more general fears of going insane.

  • Suicidal / Suicide-Themed OCD - Persistent fears about losing control and attempting suicide.

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Contamination-Related Themes

  • Contamination OCD - fear of germs, dirt, bodily fluids, environmental contaminants, carcinogenic agents. Also includes fears of emotional contamination.

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I offer specialized treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) both in-person in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as well as online throughout Louisiana. Reach out now to schedule a free consultation.

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