Subtypes of OCD: It’s Not Just Cleaning & Checking
If you’ve heard the term “OCD” and your brain immediately jumps to someone scrubbing their kitchen counters or lining up pencils perfectly, you're definitely not alone. But that stereotype barely scratches the surface of what OCD actually is.
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is not a personality quirk or a preference for cleanliness. It’s a brain disorder rooted in doubt and anxiety, and it can show up in all sorts of unexpected and distressing ways. Some people have very visible compulsions, like handwashing or checking doors. Others have completely internal compulsions, like reviewing memories or mentally neutralizing thoughts.
These different “themes” or “subtypes” don’t change the diagnosis, OCD is still OCD, but they help explain how it plays out. Most people with OCD experience more than one subtype over time. It morphs, shifts, and adapts, which makes it all the more frustrating.
Let’s break down some of the more common (and often misunderstood) subtypes of OCD. Not every single person fits neatly into one category, but you’ll likely recognize some of your own experiences if OCD is something you struggle with.
Checking OCD
This is one of the classics. People with this subtype feel the need to check things over and over again to prevent harm.
Did I lock the door?
Did I turn off the stove?
Did I send that email to the right person?
And yes, even after checking... sometimes they check again. And again.
Contamination OCD
Often seen just talking about germs or illnesses. Sure, it might include handwashing, but it can also involve emotional contamination, fear of certain people, places, or energies “rubbing off” on you.
I touched something dirty. Now I’m dirty.
That person is toxic. If I talk to them, I’ll absorb their bad energy.
People might avoid public places, touch things only with certain hands, or follow rituals to “cleanse” themselves.
Counting and Symmetry OCD
Numbers and balance matter here. There’s often a magical belief that doing something a certain number of times or in a symmetrical way will prevent something bad from happening.
Turn the light switch on and off five times.
Touch this hand because I touched that one.
Keep walking until it feels "even."
This is more about warding off distress or harm and goes beyond just feeling uncomfortable when something doesn’t line up perfectly.
Existential OCD
Also called “philosophical OCD.” It’s when your brain gets stuck on deep, unanswerable questions.
What’s the point of anything?
What if we’re all in a simulation?
Do I actually exist?
These thoughts spiral into hours of rumination and panic. Sadly, you won’t find the answers, and OCD loves to chase them anyway.
False Memory OCD
This one convinces you that something terrible happened, even when it didn’t.
Did I say something awful to that person?
What if I cheated on my partner and blocked it out?
The person may review memories, ask for reassurance, or spiral into guilt over events that probably never happened.
Harm OCD
One of the most terrifying subtypes. People with this fear worry they will hurt someone, even though they have no desire to.
What if I push someone off a ledge?
What if I stab someone while cooking?
This is a fear of being dangerous.
Hoarding OCD
This isn’t the same as hoarding disorder, though they can overlap. Hoarding OCD often looks like:
I can’t throw this away, what if I need it?
This has sentimental value. What if I regret it?
There’s a ton of guilt and indecision involved.
“Just Right” OCD
The feeling that something has to be done until it feels right. Not necessarily to prevent harm, but to get rid of that awful internal tension.
That doesn’t feel complete.
I have to reread this sentence until it feels right.
This subtype is often underrecognized because it’s not tied to clear fears, just intense discomfort.
Magical Thinking OCD
Belief that unrelated things are connected in a cause-and-effect way.
If I don’t say this word, my family will die.
If I don’t tap this three times, something bad will happen.
It sounds irrational out loud, but OCD doesn’t care about logic.
Pedophilia OCD (POCD)
This one causes a ton of shame and fear. People worry they are attracted to children when they’re not.
What if I looked at that kid too long?
What if I’m secretly a pedophile?
It’s not about desire, it’s the exact opposite. This causes pure panic and disgust over even having the thought.
Perinatal/Postpartum OCD
Intrusive thoughts during or after pregnancy. Often deeply disturbing.
What if I drop the baby?
What if I snap and hurt my child?
These thoughts are unwanted and terrifying. The person is usually loving and nurturing, and horrified by their brain.
Pure O / Mental Compulsions
“Purely Obsessional” OCD isn’t truly pure. There are compulsions, but they’re mental.
Silently praying, counting, reviewing
Trying to “figure it out” through logic
You may look calm on the outside but be mentally exhausted inside.
Real Event OCD
This one fixates on something that did happen, often years ago. But OCD makes it into a moral crisis.
I lied when I was 13. What if that means I’m a horrible person?
I said something awkward in college. I can’t stop thinking about it.
OCD gives meaning to it when there really isn’t any there.
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Constant doubt about romantic relationships.
Do I really love them?
Are they attractive enough?
What if they’re not “the one”?
Even good relationships can feel unbearable when OCD starts nitpicking every thought and feeling.
Scrupulosity (Religious OCD)
Fear of doing something morally or spiritually wrong.
Did I sin without realizing it?
What if God is mad at me?
I need to pray just right or something bad will happen.
This can happen with any religion or even with moral values in general.
Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)
Not the same as exploring sexuality. This is intense, unwanted doubt.
What if I’m not really straight/gay?
What if I’ve been lying to myself?
It often comes with panic, checking, and fear of “living a lie.”
Suicidal OCD
Fear of becoming suicidal or harming yourself, even when you don't want to.
What if I jump off this bridge?
What if I lose control and hurt myself?
Again, these are not actual urges, they are unwanted thoughts causing distress.
Sensorimotor / Somatic OCD
You become hyperaware of automatic bodily processes.
I can’t stop thinking about swallowing/blinking/breathing.
I feel my heartbeat constantly and it’s freaking me out.
Your body becomes the obsession and there’s no off switch.
Sexual Intrusive Thoughts
Not the same as sexual fantasy. These thoughts are disturbing and unwanted.
What if I’m attracted to a family member?
What if I touch someone inappropriately?
Like harm OCD, the thoughts cause panic, not pleasure.
Health Anxiety / Hypochondria OCD
OCD latches onto health fears and won’t let go.
What if this headache is a brain tumor?
I felt a lump. It must be cancer.
Even after doctor reassurance, the doubt sticks around.
Emotional Contamination
Not just germs; feelings or energies feel contagious.
If I touch this item that belonged to a bad person, will I become like them?
I need to avoid people who are “impure” emotionally or morally.
The goal is often to feel clean, pure, or untouched.
Confessing
OCD tells you to confess things, even things you didn’t do, to get relief.
I need to tell my partner every single thing I’ve ever done wrong.
I need to tell my therapist I had a bad thought, or I’m being dishonest.
It feels like hiding something will eat you alive, even if it’s completely irrational.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a start. OCD is diverse, sneaky, and often invisible. If you recognized yourself in multiple subtypes, that’s completely normal. OCD isn’t confined to a box. It’s a shapeshifter, and treatment needs to be flexible, too.
If you’re living with any of these types of OCD, you’re not broken. You’re not dangerous. You’re not alone. And you can get better!
