The most frequent types of OCD
Most people with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions. A small group will, however, only experience either obsessions or compulsions.
Below is a list of some of the most frequent types of OCD. The number of items on the list that are present in a given person with OCD is entirely individual.
A fear of harming one’s self or others. It must be stressed that even in cases of so-called “violent” obsessions, a person with OCD will never act on them in real life – even if there is a great fear of doing so.
Some people may fear that even a thought could cause harm – for example, thinking bad thoughts about others or thinking about illness and death. Others may fear that Nemesis will take revenge if they feel too sure that their obsessions can do no harm in real life. In some people this can make them take an extremely humble approach to life, and give them the idea that nothing can be taken for granted.
A fear of dirt, bacteria and chemicals. Fear of contagion is centered on a fear of getting sick from dangerous bacteria or chemicals. In connection with this, there may also be a fear of spreading contagion so that others will fall ill.
Fear of bacteria may be centered on foodstuffs (e.g. meat or eggs), bacteria in the environment or fear of blood, mucous, urine and feces. The latter will often cause extreme discomfort during the use of public toilets.
To avoid contagion, long and elaborate washing rituals (hands, body, surroundings) may be used. A fear of chemicals may be seen in connection with the use of strong cleaning agents or during laboratory work. There may also be a fear of the environmental pollution in the air or in poisonous waste.
A fear of losing things, or that things will break. For example, checking through a purse to make sure that wallet, keys, cell phone, etc. have not been lost or stolen. The fear of breaking something may relate to the more valuable items in the home, such as the television, stereo equipment and computer.
A need to collect things, or difficulty in discarding. The items that are collected may in the eyes of others seem to be without any great value. They might be old school projects, bus tickets, newspapers and magazines, old letters or official notifications.
A strong impulse to count things/thoughts/words. The numbers often take on “magical” significance, and there may be a tendency to act in accordance with lucky or unlucky numbers.
Sexual or religious obsessions. These thoughts can give rise to many speculations about morally correct thoughts and behavior. Religious obsessions can include a fear of thinking blasphemous thoughts, especially while in church. Sexual obsessions can be highly unpleasant, and they are never related to feelings of pleasure.