L is for Lesser-Known Types of OCD
Did you know that there are sub-types of OCD? Here are just a couple. They are not rare at all, but they don’t get talked about because some of them sound scary and have a stigma. But tons of people have these because OCD takes many forms.
Relationship OCD (ROCD): When you’re in a relationship, your OCD may take the form of worrying if your love isn’t sincere/real, worrying about either your partner or you cheating, or worrying about other things pertaining to your life together.
Pedophilia OCD (POCD): The intense fear that you are a pedophile. May lead to avoidance of children, avoidance of media involving children, or constantly reassuring yourself that you are not attracted to children. Since it’s impossible to prove a negative, this is a terrible spiral.
Obsessional or “Pure O” OCD: This form does not have any visible compulsions; it’s all obsessional and the compulsions are also in your head. This makes it harder to spot, but it’s still possible to treat!
Scrupulosity or Religious OCD: Stay tuned for a post on this later. Boy, I had this one bad in my teen years.
Contamination OCD: Can also be called “germaphobia,” but it’s not just a fear of germs, it’s compulsions of cleaning things to “make sure” you don’t get sick.
Sexual Orientation OCD: The constant doubt of your sexuality. A straight man might obsess over whether or not he’s actually gay, checking whether or not he is attracted to other men. Or a lesbian might obsess over whether or not she’s actually straight.
Harm OCD: Worrying that you might want to hurt yourself or others, or struggling with intrusive thoughts about it.
I’m sure there are more subtypes of OCD, but these are the most common. And when I say “common,” I mean that so many people experience either some or all of these. It’s scary to talk about. It’s scary to write about. But it’s so, so important that word gets out there about this disorder, so people can realize what OCD really is.