what are the different categories of OCD? I recently heard of one referred to as “contamination OCD” and I was curious what the differentiation between the types was
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OCD is only a partial diagnosis and describes a set of symptoms in behaviour. The specifics of the obsession or compulsive behaviour is as individual as the person. In it’s simplest form (ELI5) it is an uncontrollable urge to repeat actions. This may be washing hands, cutting and saving coupons (but not using them) going through the home locking doors, sorting books, records, or videos. Constant Eating when not hungry, self harm such as cutting, excessive alcohol abuse, pinching or scratching them selves, hoarding or collecting things such as old phone books, newspapers, magazines or pets.
The diagnosis as OCD relies on sever important points, first is that the actions interfere with the person’s ability to lead a normal life and form health relationships. Secondly is that the person does not enjoy the compulsive actions, but is unable to break the cycle. For example someone who collects stamps may appear to be compulsive about checking and saving stamps, but if they are able to put their hobby down and perform other daily tasks, and form relationships at their work place and in their personal life, then it is not OCD. The same with organising your wardrobe or sorting books, you may be demanding that things are put back in the correct order but it is not true OCD.
A lot of harm comes to people with OCD with people on social media joking about having OCD due to their pickiness over things like correct spelling or grammar. By minimising the condition, it gives a false impression that OCD sufferers can live an otherwise normal life.
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