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.
Harm OCD
Harm OCD is a common subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that causes intrusive unwanted thoughts, images or urges to harm oneself or others. Thoughts of harm should always be taken seriously, which can make symptoms of harm OCD especially frightening. People with harm OCD are not more likely to harm themselves or others than people with other OCD subtypes. However, they may view their intrusive and unwanted thoughts as an indication of a desire to act. This fuels their anxiety and drives them to engage in various compulsions aimed at eliminating this fear (e.g., removing all sharp objects from their kitchen).
One minute, you’re performing a mundane activity—driving a car, playing with your kid, or taking a shower. The next minute, you are haunted by a fixation
As mass shootings continue to erupt in American schools and public places, many people are living in fear about their own safety, and the well-being of
By Olivia Rockeman
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common condition where you experience intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or feelings (called obsessions), and
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
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
Perhaps one of the least talked about topics surrounding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is “unacceptable” or taboo thoughts. OCD involves repetitive,
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Everyone has passing thoughts of hurting other people. It’s just part of being human. Once in a while, everybody thinks, “Ugh, I could just kill her,” or,
If you or a loved one are experiencing harm OCD, it can feel terrifying and overwhelming — it’s scary to have thoughts that make you feel like you may
If you obsess over whether you could hurt people when you get angry, simply because of fleeting thoughts or urges, you're not alone.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
We'll explain why intrusive thoughts and obsessions about sexually harming children do not reflect OCD sufferers' true desires or values.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you might be grappling with a lesser-known aspect of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
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
When violent dreams become a pattern, it’s normal to feel concerned. In this article, we’ll explore why violent dreams occur and what you can do to cope.
By Erica Digap Burson
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
Learn about the differences between OCD, Agoraphobia, and Specific Phobias that can cause a fear of leaving the home and how they can be treated.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
OCD involving fears about faucets often involves fears about harm coming to loved ones or oneself, or damage from leaving the faucet running.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
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.