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.
Responsibility OCD
Responsibility OCD is characterized by ongoing intrusive thoughts, images or urges, and compulsive physical and/or mental behaviors around a person’s sense of responsibility for other people and animals around them.
Learn about how you can identify and find help for “pet anxiety,” persistent stress or fear about the wellbeing of your furry friend.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Most people will experience this from time to time, but if this is a persistent part of your life, it might be a sign that it’s time to seek help.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
A strong fear of doing something harmful to a member of an underrepresented group—and the resulting consequences—may be a sign of a deeper problem.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If spending money triggers anxiety, even if it’s for necessities that your family needs, there may be something else at play.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by Dr. Mia Nunez
As a therapist who specializes in treating OCD, I’m often asked about dreams. You're not alone if they disturb you—in fact, I've struggled with these fears myself.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
As an ERP-trained therapist, I have seen this fear come up for many of the people I work with to recover from OCD.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Discover the link between OCD and the fear of being "canceled." Learn how to identify and manage obsessions and triggers in cancel culture.
Fear of leaving the stove on resulting in damage or injury is highly common for people suffering from Responsibility OCD or Harm OCD.
OCD focused on fear of being a bad person involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images about being a bad person.
Fear of concussions in OCD involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts related to head trauma/concussion.