My OCD doesn't seem to fit the stereotypes. Are there different types of OCD?

The most well known type of ocd is the person who cleans all the time and organizes all the time. this is known as Contamination OCD – the need to clean and wash is the compulsion, the obsessive fear is that something is contaminated and/or may cause illness, and ultimately death, to a loved one or oneself. Mental Contamination In addition to the more familiar type of contamination, that is commonly perceived to be the stereo-typical image of OCD, involving someone that washes their hands repeatedly after coming into contact with potentially dirty objects or environments, there is also a less obvious form called 'mental contamination'. Another well know one is someone who checks to make sure the doors locked fifty million times (like me) this is called "checking" ocd. The need to check is the compulsion, the obsessive fear might be to prevent damage, fire, leaks or harm other types that arent so well known include Hoarding - Another obsession long considered to be part of ‘OCD’ is the inability to discard useless or worn out possessions, commonly referred to as ‘hoarding’. Ruminations 'Rumination' is a term often used to describe all obsessional intrusive thoughts, but this is misleading. In the context of OCD a rumination is actually a train of prolonged thinking about a question or theme that is undirected and unproductive. Unlike obsessional thoughts, ruminations are not objectionable and are indulged rather than resisted. Many ruminations dwell on religious, philosophical, or metaphysical topics, such as the origins of the universe, life after death, the nature of morality, and so on. and the last one might surprise you but Intrusive Thoughts - Intrusive thoughts, in the spectrum of OCD, are where a person generally suffers with obsessional thoughts that are repetitive, disturbing and often horrific and repugnant in nature. For example, thoughts of causing violent or sexual harm to loved ones. (i actually suffer from this as well and we didnt know i had OCD until i told my therapist about the strong "urges" i had to self harm even though im not suicidal) you can read more about these OCDs and a few others here: http://ocduk.org/types-ocd

Yes there are different types of OCD or rather "brands of OCD" as I have heard it referred to as. The other thing I have heard OCD described as is "the doubting disease." Many people think that in order to have OCD you have to be contasntly washing your hands or checking the stove top burners. That is not true. Those two activities are what is known as compulsions. It is in fact possible to have OCD without any much if any noticeable compulsions. I have heard this refered to as "Pure O" which is to say the person has the obsession part of the disease, but not the actual compulsions. As wise as different "brands" of OCD some are more common than others and some more obscure. Some people may be obsessed with the fact that their clothes might be dirty and deep down they know it isn't, but the doubt is to hard to manage so they will go change and they will do this mulitple times a day or hour or what have you. Sometimes you have people who doubt if the wall near them is stable and will have to keep touching it. There is also a "brand" where people doubt their sexual orientation. The person KNOWS their sexual orientation they just keep doubting it. Also, not all compulsions and obsessions match up in logical ways. Still not sure why a person might wash their hands when they doubt if the wall might not stand up, but stranger things have been known to occur. The one common thing that all of them have in common is the doubting and the double guessing. As one man explained, the thing about O.C.D. is that the person keeps doubting something, but if a gun was pointed at their head and asked if the stove was on, the wall was going to fall, if they are or aren't straight..Ever single person with O.C.D. would answer the question correctly. They know the answer they just can't keep from doubting it.

Absolutely! There are 2 main forms of OCD (remember the "O" and "C" in OCD - Obsession and Compulsion). The first type of OCD is generally called 'bad thought' OCD; this is where the person has more intrusive thoughts, rumination (where they keep thinking of a certain thought over and over again), obsession with a certain thought, etc. Even though the thoughts may not be 'bad' per se, the thoughts are intrusive and are always interrupting the person's life. An example may be that a person constantly has thoughts of throwing things, even though they have never done this before. They may have repeating thoughts where they throw things, break things, or damage objects, despite never having been violent in their life at any point. Even though these thoughts are intrusive and distressing, and very real, the person never acts on the thoughts, they are merely 'there'. The second type of OCD is compulsive; this is where the person tries to do anything they can to reduce their anxiety related to a particular situation. This is the compulsive part of OCD. For example, a person who has persistent thoughts about breaking things may divert their attention to cleaning. They may clean everything they own from top to bottom, underneath, and disinfect everything. This is not necessarily because they are afraid of germs, but rather because cleaning allows them to stop the negative thoughts about breaking things. Although there are 2 main forms of OCD, there are countless ways that OCD can present itself. Every person is unique, and every person is a living story. You may not fit the mold of someone with OCD, and that's okay. There is nothing wrong with that. Just because you have OCD doesn't mean you are any different than anyone else; OCD is still distressing, regardless of how it manifests. A third type of mental disorder, not specific to OCD, is when a disorder is classified as NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). What this means is that a person shows many of the symptoms of having a particular disorder, but does not show 'enough' of the symptoms to meet full criteria for a clinical diagnosis. This is not a bad thing, and mental health professionals recognize that the symptoms are just as distressing as anyone else who meets criteria for a disorder. The difference may be that someone who meets criteria for a diagnosis of OCD may have 5 out of 9 symptoms, whereas someone who has OCD-NOS (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) may only have 4 out 9 symptoms. Often times people who have a -NOS diagnosis notice that their symptoms changes over time; the 4 symptoms they originally showed may not be the same symptoms they have in 6 months. To answer your question briefly: Yes, there are different types and forms of OCD. If you have any doubt, talk to a mental health professional or one of the licensed therapists here on 7 Cups. What is most important it not a diagnosis, but rather how you can manage your symptoms and lead a healthy lifestyle!

No condition is the same for each person, especially when it comes to mental health. Everyone thinks differently and just because you don't match the typical symptoms doesn't mean you're not suffering.

There are so many different types each compulsion is specific to the person and that persons fears don’t worry it’s nothing to be scared about a lot of people feel the same way as you

There aren’t different ‘types’ of OCD as much as there are different manifestations of OCD. One person may have an obsession that has to do with relationships, whereas another person’s obsessions could be related to contamination. The underlying illness is the same and manifestations of OCD can change over time. Something that a person has obsessed about for a long time can suddenly cease to be an issue for them. And on the same hand, something that has never been an issue can suddenly be an issue.

Absolutely. I have OCD, but I'm disorganized and I don't worry about germs. OCD can take many different forms, which can change in type and severity over the course of a lifetime.

Yes there are many very different types of OCD. Few types you can't even tell the person has it. Intrusive thoughts or images that greatly stress one out and interiors their day to day life is also a form. As well as unhealthy obsessions with anything.

There are many different types of OCD. The obsessions/ compulsions one may experience differ from person to person. Order, checking and fear of germs are common symptoms of OCD, but they do not apply to every individual. A diagnosis does not need one to meet stereotypes, only a set criteria (experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsions over a set amount of time). For example, one may experience instructive thoughts concerning their relationships, and may constantly check in with their partner for reassurance. Other people may experience OCD with 'hidden' or less observable compulsions. Instead of handwashing, for example, you may internally develop guilt over your thoughts or deliberately avoid experiences which are related to your thoughts. Remember, having intrusive thoughts is in no way representative of your 'true' self!

Yes there are multiple versions of OCD. It's just something you do over and over again sometimes. Here are some examples Counting, checking things over and over again, haveing to knock three times. It is just something you do over and over again or your brain will start to panic. Like a couple months ago for me I have OCD with counting and checking everything. I was with my friends and I start to count and one of my friends not knowing away better stop me and I shut down and had a panic attack. That can really happen with any version of OCD

Yes, there are different types of OCD. The 5 types are as follows: Checking, Contamination, Hoarding, Intrusive Thoughts/Ruminations, and Symmetry and Ordering. Most healthcare professionals feel that a persons OCD behaviors will fall into one of these five categories; however, there may also be instances where a person's behaviors overlap into more than one category. Checking is the compulsion to examine or check on items due to fear or worry...locks, possessions, water, etc. Feeling the need to check is usually repetitious and can last hours. Checking can cause serious problems in a person's life by causing them to be late or completely miss important events and scheduled responsibilities. It can also cause damage to the item which is being constantly checked. Contamination is the fear that something is unclean, whether it is the person, objects, or even environments. It causes the person to feel compelled to clean or avoid the "dirty" object or area. It can also be that the individual feels that he/she is contaminated because they have suffered mental/physical/emotional abuse from others and that he/she is somehow dirty or unfit to be treated as a human. Hoarding is an OCD type that involves gathering items out of an irrational fear or worry to be without them when the item might be needed. It is not simply an inability to get rid of useless things. Ruminations are long trains of thought which are without direction and unproductive. The themes may be religious, philosophical, or even metaphysical in nature. They are time-consuming and can preoccupy a person's thoughts for long periods of time, which may become problematic. Intrusive thoughts are repetitive, disturbing and often times terrifying involuntary thoughts or ideas. They might center around sex, death, violence, etc. Intrusive thoughts and ruminations cause the person a great deal of stress often time management issues. Finally, Symmetry/Orderliness issues cause the individual to feel compelled to have things "just right" to prevent discomfort or some imagined disastrous result. Again, this can cause time management issues as well as stress and missed social interactions. The compulsions and behaviors centered around an individual with OCD can by many and as stated before, they can overlap so that no one's OCD will fit into a specified mold.

Absolutely. Everyone’s OCD is different. There are 5 main categories of OCD: Checking. Contamination / Mental Contamination. Symmetry and ordering. Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts. Hoarding. These are just the most common types. There are many different combinations of these to form OCD. There also varying amounts of the obsessions and compulsions. There can be some people who have very few compulsions and many obsessions, where as many other people have fewer obsessions and more compulsions. The amount of differences in every single person’s OCD is part of what makes it so hard to identify and treat. It is a challenging disorder, but luckily, there are so many people willing to help.

Yes. Despite what you may see in the media, where OCD may be characterized through constant hand-washing or counting things over and over, there are actually four different types of OCD. The unofficial categories are, according to Healthline, “cleaning and contamination; symmetry and ordering; forbidden, harmful, or taboo thoughts and impulses; [and] hoarding, when the need to collect or keep certain items relates to obsessions or compulsions”. You may be able to relate to one of these four categories, but it’s okay if you don’t. Everyone with OCD, as well as other conditions, has a different experience. The important thing is to find healthy coping mechanisms and check in with yourself to see how you are doing.

OCD's have a wide range, and are contingent on person to person. Just because you behave in a certain manner in a scenario does not mean that someone else with OCD will behave in the same manner. Also, we usually tend to think of OCD behaviour as an obsession to clean due to what we often see in culture - such as TV shows, etc. however OCDs can range to almost anything. As long as your OCD does not harm anyone mentally or physically it is fine, and one should not have to worry about their OCD fitting the stereotypes.

There are actually a lot of subtypes of OCD, and they don't all have to do with cleanliness or neatness. The OCD foundation is a great resource if you think you might have obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Yes, far too many. No OCD is the same either. My OCD is completely different from stereo types too and it makes me feel a little alone sometimes. But you just have to be strong. You need to remember you are stronger than your OCD. I find that even though OCD that revolves around germs for example is still different between two people. No OCD is the same and it's a spectrum in a way. At the ends, the edges it's differed completely from the norm. It doesn't necessarily mean it's harder to treat though so try stay positive. You can do it!

100% yes! yes! yes! OCD can come in so many different forms, its not just about the organizing and having to have everything 100% perfect all the time, though that plays a role in most types of OCD. Our world is so full of stereotypes it can be hard to know what is "right or wrong". All forms of OCD are valid, even if they don't fit stereotypes, because all you beautiful people are valid as a human being

there absolutely are different types of OCD so even though you are saying that your experience doesn't seem to fit the stereotypes, if your obsessions and compulsions are interfering with your day to day life, and are negatively impacting your wellbeing, it is worth reaching out for support. because it is possible to break the OCD cycle and you are not alone even though it might feel that way with regards to the stereotypes that do exist and you deserve the support you need to live your life to the fullest, without your OCD getting in the way. your experience is valid and never forget that.

As someone with OCD who doesn't fit the stereotypes either, but there happens to be five main categories, with themes often overlapping between categories too, so in turn, you might not fit into the stereotype of what OCD is made out to be that doesn't mean you don't have it. If someone happens to say you don't have OCD you can always inform them too on the matter, but as I stated before there are many types of OCD yet everyone has different symptoms, but a lot of people have the same "Stereotype" associated with OCD. I hope this helped and gave you an answer.

Yes! OCD stands for 'Obsessive Compulsive Disorder'. The stereotype of OCD being only about cleaning or being a germaphobe is a harmful stereotype. OCD is a disorder that has many forms and types. Please consult the person that diagnosed you if you're wondering what type you have, and how to treat it. If you feel as if OCD is the wrong diagnosis, please talk to your care provider before going off medication, and trust your therapist. If anyone is telling you that your diagnosis is wrong because you don't display the stereotypical symptoms, they are wrong. Please listen to your care provider.

There might be different types of OCD as it is true with every kind of mental health issue (illness, disorder). As every person is different, every person can have different symptoms and it is what makes mental health issues hard to diagnose by psychiatrists and even harder to administer correct and appropriate meds to heal or treat it. It is why mental health issues are often misdiagnosed as something else - for example, someone with untypical depression can be diagnosed as someone with another mental health issue (anxiety disorder for example). In medicine nothing is 100 % certain. I hope that i explained it to you.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can manifest in many different ways. You must have obsessions OR compulsions (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th edition) that affect your daily life significantly. That includes a very broad range of symptoms that you can have. It can manifest in obsessive and intrusive thoughts, excessive checking and counting and repeating things aloud, etc. Lots of people believe that folks with OCD are just super tidy and clean, but that isn’t the case. It can be the case, but not every person with OCD has the specific compulsion to wash their hands more than once or keep their room spot free. It is very individualistic. For me, I have compulsions where I lock the door a certain amount of times before my brain is satisfied, make sure the light switch is in the position that I like it before leaving the room, checking that the sink is not on when I leave the bathroom, things like that. I will stand there and check and lock and count over and over and over. So don’t feel odd, OCD is very different for every person suffering.

Indeed there are! Having OCD means one tends to have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that makes one feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). Although people tend to think of OCD as a person repetitively washing their hands, or turning on and off a light switch, it can really be anything at all. In a sense, there's an infinite amount of different forms of OCD. It is vastly considered that different forms of OCD tend to fall into one of these 5 categories, namely checking, contamination, symmetry and order, rumination, or hoarding. So yes, your type of OCD can look nothing like the other person's, and vice versa.

Yes there are different types of OCD. A lot of people just seem to think that it's cleaning and liking things organised, when in reality it's a lot deeper than that. It can be irrational thoughts, obsessing over external things or obsessing over your health, body, family health. It can also present as a lot of physical symptoms rather than just things you think, such as fast heart beat, picking at skin, dizziness etc. If you're unsure, there are lots of self help guides that can help you to identify which type best fits your 'symptoms' and from there, whats the best path to find help on!

Yes. There are OCDs that aren't physical, but all in your thoughts. This OCD is normally called Pure O.

There are many different ways in which OCD manifests. The two main parts of the disorder are having obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviors, but the types of obsessive thoughts and rituals that follow can vary greatly.

Many. Everyone has different obsessions / compulsions too. Not everyone is alike when it comes to having OCD

Yes many. I experienced postnatal OCD which displayed as intrusive thoughts of harming my baby. I was so fearful of being the one to hurt him that it caused mental illness. Not all OCDs are obsessive cleaning.

OCD is very diverse, and most people with OCD don’t fit into the stereotypes persona. The main common trait is a cycle of feeling anxious about something minor, and then compulsively doing something to prevent this. You might feel like you have to do this compulsive action to stop feeling anxious. Usually, people will get relief from their action, however the feeling of relief doesn’t last very long, and you start to feel anxious again, restarting the cycle. I’m basic, the answer to your question is yes, OCD can affect people in lots of different ways, so don’t worry about not fitting the stereotype.

Yes! There are multiple types of OCD and OCPD! You can learn more about them right on google or find a variety of books on them as well. If you are in therapy for it, you could have them explain more about it too! I grew up with and around multiple kinds of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and personality disorders and there are things that go so beyond the “more common” stereotypes. There are intrusive thoughts, repetitive rituals, contamination fears, physical ticks, hoarding/collecting, number obsessions. It’s not all just wanting things to be insanely organized and/or spotless. There is just so much to it.