What are the different types of OCD and some of it’s subtypes? OCD can take many different forms, and people with the disorder may have different types of obsessions and compulsions. Some common types of this disorder are cleaning/washing, repition, checking, counting, mental compulsions and last but not least, hoarding. Some of the subtypes are Schizo, Tourette, Symmetrical, Time and Violent OCD’s. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder that is characterized by recurrent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors, rituals, or mental acts (compulsions).
Types Of Compulsions
Some common types of compulsions associated with OCD include:
Cleaning and washing: Excessive washing of hands, or cleaning of objects such as doorknobs, electronic devices, or countertops.
Checking: Repeatedly checking things like locks, electrical appliances or switches, or gas burners to prevent harm or damage.
Counting and arranging: Symmetrical arranging or lining up objects so they “feel right” or counting or tapping thing over and over again.
Hoarding: Inability to throw away old and unnecessary items, leading to extreme clutter.
Repetition: Repeating certain words, phrases, or prayers or doing some actions over and over again.
Symmetry: Often aligning things symmetrically because it “seems” right.
Mental compulsions: Mentally reviewing events, or rewriting sentences or phrases repeatedly in one’s head to the point of making physical action.
Yale Brown OCD
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a widely used clinical assessment tool for evaluating the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. The Y-BOCS consists of 10 questions that assess the degree of distress caused by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Each question is rated on a scale from 0 to 4, with a total possible score of 40. The higher the score, the more severe the symptoms.
The Y-BOCS distinguishes between obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive, ritualistic behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions). It also assesses insight, or the degree to which the person recognizes that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.
Schizo OCD
Schizophrenia OCD, also known as relationship-type obsessive-compulsive disorder (R-OCD), is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that is characterized by obsessive and intrusive thoughts about one’s relationship with another person. It is not a form of schizophrenia.
People with R-OCD may have unwanted obsessions and compulsions related to their fears of harming their partner, cheating on their partner, or not being in love with their partner. They might obsessively check their partner’s social media or follow them around to make sure they are not cheating, or repeatedly confess their love or ask for reassurance from their partner.
People with R-OCD might also have thoughts that their partner is not the “right” person for them or that they are too different, leading to attempts to end the relationship. These behaviors may put a strain on their relationships and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life.
R-OCD is treated similarly to other OCD subtypes with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medication. CBT may involve exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a type of behavioral therapy where the person is gradually exposed to their obsessions in a safe and controlled manner to reduce their anxiety and compulsive behaviors. In some cases, medication such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed in conjunction with CBT to help manage symptoms.
Tourette OCD
Tourette OCD, also known as Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorder, is a neurological disorder that is characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements, sounds, or vocalizations known as tics. Tourette Syndrome also usually co-occurs with a variety of other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
When Tourette Syndrome and OCD coexist, it is called Tourette OCD. People with Tourette OCD experience obsessive and intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety and engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to alleviate the anxiety. They might also have a range of tics, including simple tics such as eye blinking and nose twitching, or complex tics such as touching objects repeatedly and repeating words.
The OCD symptoms may involve compulsive checking, excessive hygiene routines, intrusive thoughts, and fears of harm, loss, or contamination. These symptoms can further cause social isolation, anxiety, and distress for individuals with Tourette Syndrome.
Symmetrical OCD
Symmetry OCD, also known as ordering and arranging OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that involves excessive concern with symmetry, exactness, and arrangement of objects or situations. People with symmetry OCD may feel a strong need to arrange objects in a particular way or to have things perfectly aligned or balanced. They may feel very anxious or distressed if things are not arranged symmetrically or according to a specific system.
Symmetry OCD can manifest in a variety of ways. For example, some people with symmetry OCD may feel compelled to arrange objects according to size, color, shape, or type, while others may need to have everything lined up at right angles or equal distances apart. In some cases, individuals may have certain “magical thinking” associated with their compulsions, believing that their actions will prevent harm or bring good luck.
Violent OCD
Violent OCD, also known as aggressive obsessions in OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder where individuals experience distressing and intrusive thoughts that involve harming or killing themselves or others. These thoughts are called “intrusive thoughts” and they are different from actual actions or intentions to harm oneself or others. The thoughts are often graphic, violent, and may involve people that are close to them, strangers, or loved ones.
People with violent OCD might engage in compulsive behaviors such as checking or avoidance behaviors to prevent or reduce the possibility that the thoughts will become a reality. They might avoid certain places or people that trigger their thoughts, or repeatedly perform certain rituals such as counting or praying to prevent harm or to reduce their anxiety associated with the thoughts.
Time OCD
Time OCD, also known as clock OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder where individuals have intrusive and distressing thoughts and obsessions related to time and a fear of losing track of it. People with this subtype are preoccupied with the idea of lost time and may constantly check the time or repetitively count the time in their heads. They might also experience extreme anxiety or panic when they think about the consequences of being late for an appointment or missing an important event.
Individuals with Time OCD may develop compulsive behaviors to cope with their obsessions, such as checking clocks frequently, setting an excessive number of alarms, or frequently making lists or schedules. These behaviors can be time-consuming and significantly disrupt daily life, causing distress and limiting their ability to engage in other activities.
Superstitious OCD
Superstitious OCD, also known as magical thinking OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that involves irrational beliefs and fears that certain actions, words, or thoughts can cause harm to oneself or others. Examples of superstitious beliefs that people with this type of OCD may experience include fearing that failing to perform certain rituals will result in harm or misfortune, such as avoiding walking on cracks on a sidewalk.
People with superstitious OCD may experience intense anxiety or fear when they engage in actions that they believe will result in harm and may believe that they have the power to prevent harm by performing certain rituals. These compulsive behaviors can manifest in a variety of ways, such as repeated handwashing, counting, tapping, or checking locks and switches.
Solipsism OCD
Solipsism OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that involves intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and fears that one’s own consciousness is the only reality. People with Solipsism OCD may struggle with the belief that they are the only ones who exist or that everything around them is just a figment of their imagination. This belief can lead to intense fear, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnection from the world around them.
Individuals with Solipsism OCD may experience intrusive thoughts or mental images that revolve around their fears and obsessions. They may also engage in compulsive behaviors such as seeking reassurance from others, checking their environment for signs that they are connected to reality, or avoiding situations or activities that trigger their obsessions.
Conclusion
OCD is typically treated with a combination of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which helps individuals learn to manage and reduce their anxiety and compulsions through exposure to situations that trigger their OCD symptoms and the development of coping strategies.
Articles
-Common Types of OCD: Subtypes, Their Symptoms and the Best Treatment
-Symptom Checker- Child Mind Institute
-Advances in Pediatric Psychiatry (OCD)
https://www.nyp.org/advances-pediatrics/examining-the-neural-pathways-in-pediatric-ocd
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable
“You’re not alone !”
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