Understanding What Are the 4 Types of OCD & Its Symptoms
OCD is a mental health condition categorized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive, repetitive behaviors. OCD goes beyond washing hands. It affects daily life drastically. OCD has different dimensions, and we will be covering the subtypes of OCD in this blog. So, the question is, what are the four types of OCD? And which is the most common type of OCD?
If you or a family member is suffering from OCD, visit a mental health care provider and discuss your case with them. However, there is no permanent cure for OCD but OCD treatments are available, with different treatment options. OCD treatment consists of prescription medications and therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy to manage intrusive thoughts.
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OCD Symptoms
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental disorder. This long-lasting condition contains unwanted disruptive behaviors and thoughts. By obsessions, we mean worries, urges, or mental images, and compulsions mean repeated behaviors driven by the need to and fear.
People living with OCD don’t have control over these thoughts and behaviors. They feel stressed and anxious and participate in these behaviors to release that stress.
According to estimates, 1.2 % of the adults in the US meet the diagnostic criteria of OCD in a year. And OCD is more common in women. According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-5), a person has OCD if they fulfill the requirements mentioned below. Look out for the following symptoms of OCD.
- Someone has at least one obsession that consumes their time and leads to drastic emotional distress, plus interferes with their daily functioning.
- These behaviors or compulsions are caused by another mental condition like GAD- generalized anxiety disorder or binge eating disorder.
Studies show that some people with OCD do not know their condition is excessive. While others understand that these thoughts and behaviors are baseless, they have no control over them. OCD can cause significant distress in people. However hard they try, getting rid of these distressing thoughts is difficult. At times, it becomes mental rituals and mental acts. Visit mental health professionals if OCD is making your life challenging.
What Are the Four Types of OCD?
While some websites say there are seven OCD subtypes, most believe that it’s only 4. Before we look at what are the four types of OCD, let’s understand a little about OCD itself.
OCD is a complex mental condition affecting millions around the globe. As mentioned, it goes beyond intrusive thoughts and compelling behaviors; it becomes a ritual, a necessity for people with OCD. Although OCD can manifest differently for all, in general, there are four types, most commonly seen among people with OCD.
Type 1: Checking OCD
Checking OCD is the first on the list of the four types of OCD. People with this subtype constantly have the urge to keep checking things. It could be either;
- Checking if the appliances are off
- Or the doors are locked
- Or to check if something is not misplaced
This constant checking becomes a habit; if someone does not perform these rituals, they become fearful, anxious, and lose control. These people may perform all the above before leaving their house, but the constant urge to return home and recheck remains.
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Type 2: Symmetry & Ordering
People with this subtype want to keep their belongings in order. Constantly rearranging things again and again. Symmetry-related compulsion includes;
- Constantly rearranging furniture or decor up and again until it feels right.
- Lining things over and over
- Counting things again and again to check they are equally divided
People with this subtype become preoccupied with their body proportions, leading to eating disorders that will make them feel perfect. In contrast, others are compelled to keep planning, scheduling, organizing things, etc.
Type 3: Contamination
The next in line of, what are the four types of OCD is the contamination subtype. People in this subtype have a fear of contamination. It is one of the most common themes among OCD people. People living with this condition are;
- Constantly cleaning surfaces
- Washing their hand again and again
- Worrying about cleanliness in cooking habits
- Avoid touching surfaces others have touched
Contamination OCD can be devastating. The fear of germs and contamination is so severe that people confine themselves to their homes.
Type 4: Intrusive Thoughts
Rumination is the result of an underlying obsession with guilt. People with this OCD experience disturbing thoughts and, to prevent them, will attempt some rituals to neutralize the threat. These uncontrollable thoughts can be violent, sexual, etc.
For example, someone with forbidden thoughts around religion will pray excessively to protect themselves. These unwanted thoughts keep occurring about specific themes, like sexuality, religion, etc.
Some examples are;
- Questioning their religious beliefs over and over
- Worrying about them cheating on their spouses
- Worrying they might hurt themselves or others
- Unwanted violent thoughts
What Are the Causes of OCD?
Researchers can’t find the cause of OCD. However, it is believed that genetics and environment play a huge role.
- Genetics: Someone in the family with OCD increases the chances of you developing symptoms.
- Biology: Some experts say the brain’s structure also plays a role. Structural differences that are involved in controlling emotions and behaviors are different for people with OCD.
- Also, some childhood experiences play a role: Scientists believe that there’s a connection between childhood trauma and OCD.
At times, children who come into contact with streptococcal infections during childhood are more inclined to develop OCD. This infection causes pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. During this condition, OCD develops out of the blue or worsens the symptoms.
Even tics after contracting strep throat could be a reason. Women who recently gave birth are more at risk of developing OCD. It is called postpartum OCD. The obsessions are related to the well-being of the baby.
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Treatments for OCD
People notice improvements in their daily thoughts and behaviors with treatments. Some studies suggest that 50% of people with OCD experience total remission of the symptoms once the treatment is completed. In contrast, others say the treatment significantly improved their quality of life.
The first line of treatment for OCD is psychotherapy. If you know more about what are the four types of OCD, you might know how challenging it gets to manage the thoughts that drive these behaviors. With CBT, particularly exposure and response prevention therapy, EX/RP, individuals slowly learn to confront those behaviors while keeping that urge in check.
For some, antidepressants are prescribed along with psychotherapy. The most common ones are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which increase serotonin levels in the brain. Examples include Zoloft and Prozac.
The Bottom Line
OCD is a chronic mental health condition involving unwanted obsessions and unwanted thoughts ruminating in mind, combined with compulsive behaviors that the person keeps repeating. We covered what are the four types of OCD in this blog.
You should know that an OCD treatment plan is available. You don’t have to live your life with these obsessive and compulsive behaviors when help is just around the corner. Diagnosis of OCD is done via psychological evaluation and through a series of questions. Your doctor will work closely with you to rule out related disorders.
Medical Disclaimer:
At Therapy Fleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.
People facing mental health challenges show incredible resilience daily; understanding and compassion can make a world of difference in their journey.
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FAQs
1. Are there different types of OCD?
The DSM-5-TR does not specify OCD. However, it does recognize that compulsions and obsessions vary among all. Officially, there are no classifications or subtypes of OCD.
2. What are some examples of OCD?
Some common examples of OCD are washing hands over and over behaviors concerning an individual’s sexual orientation and or having intrusive thoughts without any solid base on whether they are true.
Additional Resources
Zoloft Vs Lexapro-Which Is More Effective?
Sources
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
- https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-mental-disorders-5th-edition-dsm
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#part_2229
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3932438/
