4 Major Types Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Treatment Options
There are many types of obsessive compulsive disorder. OCD is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People with OCD experience persistent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause them anxiety or distress, and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to reduce their discomfort. OCD can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
But not all OCD is the same. There are different types of obsessive compulsive disorder that have different themes, symptoms, and triggers. In this article, we will explore some of the 4 most common types of obsessive compulsive disorder, how they affect people, and how they can be treated.
4 Major Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
1) Checking OCD
One of the most prevalent types of obsessive compulsive disorder is checking OCD. People with this type of OCD have obsessions about safety, security, or accuracy, and compulsions to check things repeatedly to prevent harm or mistakes. For example, they may check that the stove is off, that the door is locked, or that they have not made any errors in their work.
Checking OCD can cause people to spend a lot of time and energy on their compulsions, which can affect their productivity, efficiency, and confidence. They may also experience doubt, guilt, or fear that they have overlooked something or caused harm to themselves or others.
2) Order and Symmetry OCD
Another common type of OCD is order and symmetry OCD. People with this type of OCD have obsessions about neatness, organization, or alignment, and compulsions to arrange things in a certain way or follow a specific routine. For example, they may arrange their books by color or size, align their utensils perfectly on the table, or follow a strict sequence of actions when getting ready in the morning.
Order and symmetry OCD can cause people to feel anxious or uncomfortable when things are out of place or disrupted. They may also feel a need for perfection or completion, which can lead to frustration or dissatisfaction.
3) Contamination OCD
Contamination OCD is a type of OCD that involves obsessions about germs, dirt, or illness, and compulsions to clean, wash, or avoid things that may be contaminated. For example, they may wash their hands excessively, sanitize their belongings frequently, or avoid touching certain objects or people.
Contamination OCD can cause people to fear getting sick or infecting others. They may also experience disgust, shame, or isolation.
4) Taboo Thoughts OCD
Taboo thoughts OCD is a type of OCD that involves obsessions about unacceptable or forbidden thoughts or impulses, such as violence, sexuality, religion, or morality. These thoughts are often contrary to the person’s values or beliefs. For example, they may have thoughts of harming themselves or others, doubts about their sexual orientation or identity, blasphemous thoughts about their faith, or intrusive thoughts about breaking rules or laws.
Taboo thoughts OCD can cause people to feel guilty, ashamed, or disgusted by their own mind. They may also fear acting on their thoughts or being judged by others.
Treatment for Different Types of Opessive Compulsive Disorder
The good news is that there are effective treatments for different types of obsessive compulsive disorder. The most recommended treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of psychotherapy that helps people identify and challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs, and change their behaviors accordingly. CBT often includes exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is a technique that exposes people to their feared stimuli (such as germs or violent images) and prevents them from engaging in their compulsions (such as washing or checking). This helps them learn to tolerate their anxiety and reduce their reliance on their compulsions.
Another treatment option is medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants that can help regulate the brain chemistry and reduce the symptoms of OCD. Medication can be used alone or in combination with CBT.
If you think you have any type of OCD, you are not alone. There are many resources and support groups available to help you cope with your condition and improve your well-being. You can also consult your doctor or a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
