Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often portrayed as an aversion to germs, an obsession with symmetry, or constant handwashing. However, many different types of OCD are often ignored or not discussed because they are taboo, not taken seriously, or simply not known. For example, an individual may face challenges with religious OCD, sexuality OCD, and harm OCD.
What Is OCD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD is a long-lasting, common, yet chronic mental health condition. An individual may experience reoccurring thoughts and behaviors and have difficulty controlling them. One may feel an intense urge to engage in compulsive behaviors and experience repetitive disturbing thoughts.
Every aspect of an individual’s life may be negatively affected. OCD can be severely distracting, making it difficult to perform in the workplace and academic environment. Relationships can also be negatively impacted as one may put their obsessions and compulsions before priorities.
Different Types of OCD: Greater Religiosity
As stated by the Psychopharmacology Bulletin, intense religiosity is clinically known to be a less common form of OCD. Based on recent findings, it was discovered that greater religiosity was affiliated with greater guilt in individuals who were diagnosed with OCD. Individuals with religious rituals and obsessions feel an intense urge to follow religious prayer, attend church, and confess to a perfect degree.
Different Types of OCD: Sexual OCD
Conforming to the Annals of Neurosciences, some individuals face challenges with sexual obsessions. An individual with sexual OCD may experience sexual thoughts that may be perceived as unrealistic, leading them to think they are a bad person for having them. Sexual ideation can be extremely distressing for an individual, leaving them with an intense guilt that can disrupt an individual’s mood. Intrusive sexual thoughts may include:
- Family members
- Child abuse
- Fears or thoughts related to sexual orientation
- Aggressive sexual behaviors
- Inappropriate sexual activity
Different Types of OCD: Harm OCD
Another common subtype of OCD is called harm OCD. An individual may experience unwanted graphic thoughts, intense urges to injure themselves or others, or see unwanted images related to harm. It is common for an individual to view their obsessions as an indication of an intention to act on them. Repetitive thoughts may drive one to engage in harmful compulsions, which often lead one to ultimately remove every sharp object from their kitchenette. Other fears may include:
- Fear of committing suicide
- Intense fear of committing a violent act
- Impulsive thoughts of harming others
- Thoughts or fears of self-harm
Moving Forward With Avalon Malibu
Overcoming OCD alone can be a major challenge for some individuals. The many different subtypes of OCD can be especially difficult to overcome as the intrusive thoughts may involve disturbing obsessions and compulsions. Many individuals may feel hesitant to seek help due to persistent fear of crude judgment from others. Some individuals may worry they will get into trouble after confessing their symptoms.
Surrendering to Avalon Malibu’s obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment center can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life. Avalon Malibu provides a wide range of treatment modalities that are proven to be effective for individuals facing problems with their OCD and co-occurring conditions.
OCD left untreated can negatively impact different aspects of an individual’s life. Several modern treatment modalities are available at Avalon Malibu to help individuals overcome their OCD. We believe that the issues we face do not define who we are. OCD is no exception. We invite many clients to permit our professional team to guide them in discovering a healthy way to a more fulfilling life, free from OCD. If you need professional support, call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992.
