As someone who has been working with people struggling with OCD and anxiety for over 15 years (and someone who has personally navigated life with OCD), I want to address whether or not you need to know your OCD subtype on the blog today. One common misconception I hear is that knowing your specific OCD subtype is important for effective treatment (often to the point where it can be easy to start to “obsess” over what subtype you are). Let’s talk about that today!

While knowing your subtype can provide some clarity, the reality is that the core principles of managing OCD are pretty consistent across different subtypes. In this blog post, I’m breaking down the different subtypes of OCD, but I’m also going to share why in my experience the underlying mechanisms of OCD are more important than focusing solely on the specific subtype. Ready to get started?

What Are The OCD Subtypes?

Below, I’m going to share 6 common OCD subtypes. As you read through them, consider which one(s) resonate with what you are experiencing. One of the reasons I don’t believe it’s that important to know your subtype is because OFTEN people will experience more than one. So if part of the reason you can’t commit to believing you fall under a certain subtype is because you feel like you can identify with several, just know that’s incredibly common too!

Contamination OCD

One of the most recognized subtypes, contamination OCD, involves an intense fear of germs, dirt, or other contaminants. I would say that this is often the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of OCD, to the point where they might not identify with having OCD if they don’t identify with this subtype (just one of the many reasons OCD is underdiagnosed).

Individuals with this subtype may feel compelled to wash their hands excessively, clean their surroundings obsessively, or avoid situations they perceive as unclean. Ultimately, this fear of contamination often stems from a deeper anxiety about possibly harming myself or others, which turns into these compulsive actions to try and prevent that imagined threat.

Harm OCD

Next, let’s talk about the Harm OCD subtype. This one is characterized by intrusive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others, even though the person has no intention or desire to act on these thoughts. These obsessions can be incredibly distressing and lead to compulsive behaviors such as checking, seeking reassurance, or avoiding situations that might trigger the harmful thoughts. 

With Harm OCD, it can quickly get to the point where the fear of losing control and harming someone can take over your life, and it can also be one of the hardest subtypes to seek support since you may not want to open up about your intrusive thoughts.

Symmetry and Ordering OCD

This subtype involves an overwhelming need for symmetry, order, and precision. If you fall under this subtype, you may spend excessive time arranging objects, aligning items, or ensuring that things are “just right.” The compulsion to maintain order can extend to a variety of places in your life, from rearranging books, clothes, or even performing daily routines in a specific sequence. In this case, the anxiety stems from the fear that something bad will happen if things are not in perfect order.

Checking OCD

Checking OCD is driven by a fear of causing harm through negligence or making mistakes. People with this subtype frequently check things like locks, appliances, or even their own actions to ensure that nothing is amiss. This can lead to repeated checking of doors, stoves, or other items to prevent perceived dangers, such as fires or break-ins. Compulsive checking is an attempt to relieve the anxiety associated with the fear of causing harm.

Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O)

Pure Obsessional OCD, often referred to as “Pure O,” involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts without the accompanying visible compulsions. These obsessions can include fears of acting inappropriately, harming others, or questioning one’s own morality or identity. Although the compulsions are not overt, when you are struggling with Pure Obsessional OCD you may engage in mental rituals such as excessive reassurance-seeking, rumination, or even an excessive avoidance of triggers. Naturally, the mental struggle with these thoughts can be exhausting and disruptive.

Relationship OCD (ROCD)

Lastly, relationship OCD involves obsessive doubts and fears about your romantic relationship. Individuals with ROCD may constantly question their feelings for their partner, the partner’s feelings for them, or the suitability of the relationship. These doubts can lead to compulsive behaviors like seeking reassurance, analyzing the relationship’s details, or comparing their relationship to others. As you can imagine, these obsessions can create significant strain in relationships (and in some ways can be a self-fulfilling prophecy)..

Do You Need To Know Your OCD Subtype?

If you’re familiar with me and my work already, you know I’m not afraid to go against the grain. As a licensed professional counselor, I often find clients are insistent on identifying their specific subtype of OCD, thinking that knowing their exact subtype will significantly change their treatment approach. In my experience, that really isn’t the case though!

While understanding your subtype can provide clarity and validation, it’s important to recognize that the core principles of effective treatment remain largely consistent across different subtypes. Whether you’re dealing with contamination fears, intrusive thoughts, or a need for symmetry, evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are designed to address the underlying mechanisms of OCD. These therapies focus on reducing compulsions and learning to accept and live with uncertainty, which are crucial steps in managing any form of OCD. So, while knowing your subtype can be helpful, the essential strategies for overcoming OCD are universally applicable.

Put simply? It’s my job to help you stop living your life based on your obsessions and compulsions, regardless of exactly how it manifests itself in your life right now.

Misconceptions About OCD Subtypes

I mentioned this earlier but I want to say this again: Many people mistakenly believe that OCD is simply about cleanliness or orderliness,  but the truth is, not all OCD looks the same. This misunderstanding can lead to minimizing the experiences of those with less visible subtypes, such as harm OCD or pure obsessional OCD (Pure O), where the distressing obsessions and mental rituals are not outwardly apparent. 

The reason that this matters (and why I’m so passionate about this) is because these misconceptions can prevent individuals from seeking help or being taken seriously by others. If we can increase the awareness around what OCD really looks like, together we can break down these stigmas and encourage a more supportive environment for everyone.

Treating Your OCD Subtype

In a nutshell, getting a handle on the different types of OCD helps you see all the ways it can show up. But the real game-changer is tackling the core of your anxiety, no matter how it looks. My OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint gives you the tools and strategies to do just that. While I do have 17 subtype-specific videos, that’s not a majority of the course. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing OCD, I’d love to welcome you inside. Let’s work together to beat these challenges and create a healthier, more badass life.