OCD Subtypes
In OCD, there are recurring themes for different types of OCD.
They all have a similar concept but different content — like contamination, responsibility for harm, taboo/unacceptable thoughts, or “just-right” symmetry.
Clinicians and clients often call these themes subtypes.
They are not separate diagnoses. They’re content clusters that describe what the obsession is about, while the process of OCD (doubt → anxiety → compulsion → short-term relief → stronger doubt) stays the same.
Examples
Contamination
Contamination OCD involves anxiety and disgust from feeling “dirty/tainted,” and pushes you to do washing, cleaning, or avoidance rituals to feel clean.
Checking
Checking OCD involves anxiety about accidental harm or mistakes, and pushes you to do repeated checks, reviews, or reassurance to feel certain.
Just Right / Perfectionism
Just-Right / Perfectionism OCD centers on the sense that things must be exact, complete, or symmetrical to finally feel “okay.” OCD pushes repeating, arranging, aligning, editing, or redoing to feel perfect.
Moral / Ethical / Harm
Moral/Ethical OCD is about fears of being immoral, dishonest, harmful, offensive, or “a bad person.” OCD pushes you to do confessions, reassurance, rule‑checking, and avoidance to feel morally pure or ethically certain.
Although not all subtypes are listed here, There are many other types that I can talk about with you.
Let's Talk
The first step in OCD therapy is talking. Let's find a time where we can meet and talk about what's on your mind. I am based in Hamilton, Ontario.