Contamination OCD

OCD Subtype

What is Contamination OCD?

Contamination OCD is what society often thinks of when they hear about obsessive - compulsive disorder. This type of OCD can lead a person to have fears around being contaminated, which then causes their brains to develop compulsive behaviors to cope with the anxiety.

Contamination OCD

Common Obsessions

An extreme fear dirt and germs
Sticky residues, grease, or oil
Obsessive fears about HIV, blood, cancer, bodily fluids, feces, semen, urine
Extreme fear of being coughed or sneezed on
Fear of wearing clothes that may have contaminants
Fears of spreading contaminants around house, car, personal belongings, bedroom, to their loved ones, strangers, or children
Fears that certain people are contaminated

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Contamination OCD

Common Compulsions

Repeatedly washing and cleaning oneself (washing hands, disinfecting, using hand sanitizers, showering, or bathing)
Having loved ones also take part in their own cleaning to ensure safety
Excessive cleaning
Avoiding public spaces or when in public take measures to reduce risk like wearing gloves
Avoiding touching of other people
Changing clothes frequently, discarding clothes or other items that have become “contaminated”
Seeking reassurance, they have not been “contaminated”