Health and Contamination OCD
Health concern/contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and fears about becoming sick or contaminated, or spreading contaminants or disease. Compulsions may be obvious to others, like repetitive hand washing, or invisible, like compulsive prayer.
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Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
A fear of feet (aka podophobia) may stem from trauma, genetics, or contamination OCD, but it can be treated with exposure and response prevention therapy.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Most people don’t feel particularly excited about a hospital visit. What if I receive bad news from the doctor—about myself or a loved one?
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Between the Covid-19 pandemic and regular seasonal viruses, we’ve all received a lot of messaging about the importance of washing our hands. But, what
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It’s not difficult to understand that while everyone needs to eat to survive, each individual’s relationship with food is quite different. We all have
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
“I’m terrified of black mold. How will I know if it’s spreading in my house and I just haven’t spotted it?” “What if I didn’t notice mold spores on the
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It’s normal to experience a bit of an “ick” about less-than-clean environments, but people with mysophobia—aka germophobia, sometimes spelled
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Picture this: You’re enjoying a nice brunch with friends, but you realize you need to excuse yourself for a moment—”nature calls.” It happens to everyone.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Everyone has a bit of health anxiety from time to time—like when they’re riding a crowded bus and everyone around them is coughing. But if you regularly
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
There’s nothing like worrying about your health to keep you up at night. You feel an abdominal cramp and fear your appendix is bursting. You hear about a
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder categorized by excessive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive — and
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Excessive fears related to vomiting that cause high levels of distress could be a symptom of a Specific Phobia known as “Emetophobia.”
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by Tracie Ibrahim
Phobias, anxiety, and OCD can all be involved in this very real fear—whether you're getting your blood drawn or getting a flu shot.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Let’s take a look at what an intense fear of blood can look like, how it can impact people’s lives, and how they can learn to overcome it.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you’re wondering why medications trigger such a big fear and want to know if there’s anything that can be done, you're not alone.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Fear of pooping can include fears of going in public, fear of feces somewhere on your body, or worrying that it will lead to a health issue.
Someone with OCD fear of food poisoning may struggle with obsessions related to whether their food has been contaminated or poisoned.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
If you feel a persistent need to be clean, you might have a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder called contamination OCD. Learn about it and how to get help here.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you spend a significant amount of time researching psychosis and schizophrenia, then read on for what to do about your fears.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Fear of Schizophrenia related OCD involves repetitive, unwanted thoughts or worries about losing your mind or developing Schizophrenia.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you find yourself obsessively taking COVID tests, even multiple times per week or per day, you’re certainly not alone. Here's what you can do.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC