Understanding the Different Types of OCD (It's More Than Just Being Neat!)

When people hear “OCD,” they often think of someone who loves cleaning or organizing. But OCD is so much more than that. It’s a mental health condition that brings unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that feel impossible to ignore.

OCD can show up in many ways, and no two people experience it exactly the same. Some people fear germs, while others worry endlessly about relationships, morality, or even blinking too much! Let’s break down some of the most common types of OCD.

1. Fear of Germs and Contamination

This is one of the most well-known types of OCD. People with contamination OCD worry about getting sick, spreading illness, or touching “unclean” objects.

🔹 Common compulsions: Excessive handwashing, avoiding certain places (like public bathrooms), or constantly sanitizing everything.
🔹 What it feels like: Even after washing their hands, they might still feel “dirty” or like they didn’t clean well enough.

2. Fear of Harming Others or Themselves (Harm OCD)

Some people with OCD experience terrifying thoughts about hurting someone they love—or even themselves. These thoughts are completely unwanted, but they can feel real and scary.

🔹 Common compulsions: Avoiding sharp objects, avoiding being alone with loved ones, or constantly seeking reassurance (“I would never hurt anyone, right?”).
🔹 What it feels like: A loving parent might fear they could snap and harm their child, even though they never would.

3. Checking OCD

What if I left the stove on? What if I didn’t lock the door? What if I made a mistake in that email? People with checking OCD feel an overwhelming need to double (or triple) check things to prevent disaster.

🔹 Common compulsions: Checking doors, appliances, emails, or even their own memories over and over.
🔹 What it feels like: Even after checking, they still feel that nagging doubt—so they check again.

4. Perfectionism (Symmetry OCD)

This type of OCD is all about balance, order, and a deep discomfort when things aren’t “perfect.” It’s not just about liking things neat—it’s about feeling like something bad will happen if they aren’t.

🔹 Common compulsions: Rearranging objects, touching things a certain number of times, or repeating actions until it feels “right.”
🔹 What it feels like: If one hand brushes against a table, they might need the other hand to do the same to feel okay.

5. Relationship OCD (ROCD)

People with ROCD experience constant doubts about their relationships, even when everything is fine. They may ask themselves: Do I really love my partner? What if I’m making a mistake? These thoughts can be exhausting and stressful.

🔹 Common compulsions: Overanalyzing feelings, comparing their relationship to others, or repeatedly asking their partner for reassurance.
🔹 What it feels like: Even in a happy relationship, their brain keeps saying, What if this isn’t right?

6. Religious or Moral OCD (Scrupulosity)

This form of OCD makes people worry that they’ve sinned, done something morally wrong, or offended their faith in some way.

🔹 Common compulsions: Excessive praying, seeking reassurance from religious leaders, confessing “sins” repeatedly.
🔹 What it feels like: They may feel like they’re constantly failing or that they’ll be punished, even when they haven’t done anything wrong.

7. Existential OCD

Ever had a deep thought about life that stuck with you for days? People with existential OCD take these thoughts to the extreme, obsessing over big, unanswerable questions like What if none of this is real? What if life has no meaning?

🔹 Common compulsions: Researching philosophical ideas, asking others for reassurance, or mentally debating these thoughts for hours.
🔹 What it feels like: Their brain won’t let them stop questioning, even when they desperately want to.

8. Somatic OCD (Hyper-awareness of Body Functions)

Most of the time, we don’t think about blinking or breathing—it just happens. But for someone with somatic OCD, these everyday functions become all they can focus on.

🔹 Common compulsions: Trying to stop noticing, avoiding triggers, or mentally obsessing over bodily functions.
🔹 What it feels like: “What if I can never stop noticing my breathing?” It becomes impossible to ignore.

So, What Can Help?

OCD is tough, but the good news is help is available! One of the best treatments is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which helps people gradually face their fears without relying on compulsions. It takes practice, but it works!

If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, you’re not alone. I’d love to support you on your journey to feeling better. Schedule a free consultation here.