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.
Sexuality and Gender OCD
Sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors around a person’s sexual orientation. It has been referred to as homosexual OCD (H-OCD); however, this term is increasingly discouraged due to its lack of sensitivity. People with SO-OCD experience intrusive thoughts and urges around denial of or confusion about their true sexual orientation. Someone with SO-OCD may experience fears around being perceived as having a certain sexual orientation, such as gay or straight. They might wonder if they have a sexual orientation other than the one they thought. They may fear they are in denial of their “true” sexual orientation. Or, they might fear that their sexual orientation could abruptly change (e.g., “turn” gay or straight) and what this change will mean for their life. (Will they have to leave their family? Will their relationship end when they discover they are not who they think they are?)
I’ve worked with plenty of patients who feel deep distress over doubts about their sexuality. Learn some of the reasons why, and what you can do about it.
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
Let’s explore the real nature of sexual dreams, and discuss how you can find relief in your waking and sleeping hours alike.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Discover why watching porn might be compulsive, how you can learn if your own behaviors are SO-OCD compulsions, and what you can do.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
As a therapist who treats OCD, I’ve learned that for some people, fears about masturbation can become overwhelming.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Repeated thoughts or fears about sexual attraction or actions involving animals may be a sign of bestiality-themed OCD.
OCD focused on fear of being a bad person involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images about being a bad person.
Magical impregnation fears in OCD involve concerns about getting pregnant or getting someone else pregnant despite lack of sexual intercourse.
If you’re experiencing recurrent intrusive fears about intentionally or unintentionally engaging in acts of polygamy, it may be OCD.
If you’re experiencing recurrent intrusive thoughts involving a worry or fear that you could be a child predator, it may be a sign of OCD.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD