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
If you’re persistently afraid of acid rain, germs in rain, floods, or other dangers, it can impact your mental health.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
The need for cleanliness and tidiness is sometimes the sign of a mental health condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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.
Several mental conditions can cause episodes of feeling as if you're losing your mind. As a therapist, I've seen most of them—here's what you should know.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
If you feel like your aversion to being touched is intense, it’s natural to wonder what the underlying cause might be—especially if it's interfering with your life.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Having dreams about your teeth falling out can be disturbing. Find out what therapists have to say about what it might mean.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
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
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
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
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.