Common Fears & OCD Subtypes
OCD subtypes can help people to find community with others who share similar experiences, and they can assist therapists in designing targeted treatment plans, but they don't tell the whole story. If you can't find your subtype, that doesn't mean you don't have OCD—everyone's experience is unique, and many people's OCD symptoms don't fit neatly into any specific theme.
Harm OCD
Harm OCD is a common subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that causes intrusive unwanted thoughts, images or urges to harm oneself or others. Thoughts of harm should always be taken seriously, which can make symptoms of harm OCD especially frightening. People with harm OCD are not more likely to harm themselves or others than people with other OCD subtypes. However, they may view their intrusive and unwanted thoughts as an indication of a desire to act. This fuels their anxiety and drives them to engage in various compulsions aimed at eliminating this fear (e.g., removing all sharp objects from their kitchen).
If crossing bridges causes you severe distress, you’re not alone. Here’s what to know about this phobia.
By Taylor Haught
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
These thoughts may make you worry that you’re a bad person. Here’s what really may be going on.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
As a therapist, I've worked with many people who search for meaning in their dreams, including those about car accidents.
Sexual assault is among the most immoral behaviors one can think of—but be wary of interpreting disturbing dreams as significant.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
You may worry that intrusive thoughts like these mean that you could act on them—but experts say that's not the case.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
During my most intense episodes of intrusive thoughts, I figured I must be a horrible, disgusting person. Here's how I eventually got better.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
These disturbing thoughts can become completely overwhelming. You're not alone, and you don't have to live in fear of your own thoughts.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Repetitive fear about saying the wrong thing may be a sign of OCD, in which a person obsessively worries about saying something inappropriate.
Reviewed by Nicholas Farrell, Ph.D
It’s normal to want to feel safe when we’re at home. For you, however, the idea of being home alone stirs up an intense fear. Here's what you can do.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Discover how OCD can cause fears of being a bad person, and how to identify symptoms and triggers. Learn more about effective treatment options.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD