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).
You may worry that intrusive thoughts like these mean that you could act on them—but experts say that's not the case.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
During my most intense episodes of intrusive thoughts, I figured I must be a horrible, disgusting person. Here's how I eventually got better.
By Elle Warren
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
Repetitive fear about saying the wrong thing may be a sign of OCD, in which a person obsessively worries about saying something inappropriate.
Reviewed by Nicholas Farrell, Ph.D
It’s normal to want to feel safe when we’re at home. For you, however, the idea of being home alone stirs up an intense fear. Here's what you can do.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Discover how OCD can cause fears of being a bad person, and how to identify symptoms and triggers. Learn more about effective treatment options.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Drawing from my experience both as an OCD specialist and someone who's struggled with these very same thoughts, here's what you should know.
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
This is a common experience—but that doesn't mean that it's not distressing. Learn when it may be a mental health concern, and how you can get help.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
This experience is extremely common, but it may sometimes signify a serious mental health condition that can disrupt your life.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC