Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

By Alex Groberman, Wed, July 27, 2011

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a somewhat common, extremely uncomfortable mental condition that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although there was once a certain stigma associated with the disorder, a growing presence of admitted OCD sufferers in society has changed the norm and made people far more accepting of the obsessions and compulsions that become commonplace when dealing with OCD.

In order to understand the various types of OCD, it’s important to understand what the condition is actually made of.

Essentially, OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by an unpreventable process where unwanted thoughts pop into a person’s mind repeatedly over the course of a day. These thoughts, in turn, lead to the sufferer desiring to perform some sort of ritualized behaviors in a repetitive manner so as to free themselves of the uncomfortable feelings that the unwanted thoughts bring about. However, while performing the rituals is an adequate temporary fix, it ends up being just that – a short-term solution.

Even though the OCD sufferer is aware of the fact that they are dealing with this condition and that his or her thoughts and compulsions are irrational, the person is powerless to stop them without the right tools. As a means of coping with their OCD symptoms, sufferers typically turn to performing certain behaviors, known as rituals, which help make their obsessions go away. Generally speaking, the most popular groupings of people suffering from OCD tend to include the following categories: washers, checkers, doubters and sinners, counters and arrangers and hoarders.

Sometimes it ends up being specific fears that drive a given OCD sufferer to act a particular way. These fears could be anything ranging from fears of being contaminated by germs, to fear of causing harm, to fear of inappropriate sexual, religious or criminal ideas. A need to have order symmetry is also very common.

Anyone who is unsure of the type of OCD they are dealing with and looking to get help should contact their local mental health specialist as soon as possible and get a proper diagnosis.

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