Harm OCD

OCD Subtype

What is Harm OCD?

Harm OCD is a common subtype of OCD where the individual fears harming themselves or someone else. The person often experiences intrusive thoughts and images which elicit an intensive anxiety response. These thoughts are unwanted, and the OCD sufferer does anything they can to eliminate these taboo thoughts. Often, the target for these thoughts is someone close to the individual such as a significant other or their child. Some individuals fear they will accidentally harm others by not being careful enough in their day-to-day actions. While some may fear they are horrible people and could be capable of caring out a violent act on another.

Harm OCD

Common Obsessions

Fear of accidently dropping a baby or doing so on purpose
Fear of being a sociopath and having an intent to harm others
Fear of acting on impulse and ‘snapping’ or ‘going crazy’
Fear of causing a car accident when driving
Fear of stabbing someone
Fear of taking the wrong medication and overdosing
Fear of jumping from high surface to commit suicide
Fear of using medication, guns, or knives, to harm themselves or someone else
Fear of being poisoned or poisoning others
Fear of feeling depressed because this may increase intrusive self-harm thoughts

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Harm OCD

Common Compulsions

Providing themselves with reassurance they will not harm themselves or others
Asking others for reassurance they will not act in accordance with their thoughts
Mental reviewing of the past to analyze behaviors
Online researching
Avoiding anything that may trigger these intrusive thoughts and images
Avoiding all music and tv shows with topics around harm or suicide
Making sure they are either alone or always with someone
No longer using sharp kitchen utensils
Replacing intrusive thoughts and images with more pleasing thoughts and images
Keeping their bodies inward and hands in pockets so they do not harm others
Praying rituals