Sexuality and Gender OCD
Sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and doubts about a person’s sexuality. Similarly, people with OCD may experience intrusive doubt about their gender identity. In both cases, uncertainty is the source of anxiety and fear—not any particular identity itself.
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Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Questioning your sexuality is a deeply personal experience, and it’s more common than you might think. If you feel alienated by traditional expectations
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
In spring of 2022, a story about Akihoko Kondo, a man who unofficially married a hologram of a fictional character, appeared in the New York Times. As the
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
In 1979, Eija-Riitta Eklöf, who was in love with structures, married the Berlin Wall. Yes, a wall. Eklöf made the case that objectophilia, the sexual or
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Although societal attitudes have shifted to being more open about sex, it still remains a topic surrounded by stigma, shame, and taboo. As a result, you
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
This is a guest post by Sarah Stanton, autistic/ADHD/OCD advocate and facilitator of the NOCD Autism and OCD support group for members in NOCD Therapy.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
“I don’t even care if I’m gay or straight — I just want to know for sure.”
Questioning your sexual orientation is incredibly common, and it’s a thought anyone can have. You might be watching a movie with your significant other
Disclaimer: This article deals with SO-OCD (also referred to as Homosexual OCD or Sexual Orientation OCD) and touches on potentially sensitive issues
By Caryn Gill
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Let’s dive into the difference between fantasy and true desire and the reason why you might be so worried about being turned on by violence.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
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
Fantasies are safe ways to explore your sexuality, but OCD has a way of twisting your thoughts in ways that are untrue and harmful.
By Jessica Migala
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
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Incest OCD involves intrusive and unwanted sexual thoughts, images, or urges about family members that cause distress or anxiety, as well as compulsions to manage or eliminate this anxiety.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Sexual fantasies do not necessarily indicate something you want to happen in real life—but some may be especially distressing. Here's what you can do.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Feeling anxious about an unwanted kink or fetish? Discover effective steps and expert guidance to address your concerns and find peace of mind.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
It's crucial to emphasize that fantasy remains distinct from action, or even from other kinds of desire.
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Intrusive thoughts are, by nature, out of alignment with one’s values—but nevertheless, they can feel extremely worrying and shameful.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
As a therapist, I’ve worked with many people who have this fear, and I’ve helped them uncover the reason behind it.