Harm OCD
Harm OCD is a common subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges about harming oneself or others. People with harm OCD are not more likely to cause harm than anyone else, and they may respond to their fears with compulsive avoidance or reassurance-seeking.
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Do you think you might have Harm OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
All thoughts of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know has reported thoughts of self-harm, please call 911 or contact
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by Michaela McCloud
Because obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts—which by nature can be deeply frightening—there is a compelling intersection between horror films and OCD.
One minute, you’re performing a mundane activity—driving a car, playing with your kid, or taking a shower. The next minute, you are haunted by a fixation
As mass shootings continue to erupt in American schools and public places, many people are living in fear about their own safety, and the well-being of
By Olivia Rockeman
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Harm OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common condition where you experience intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or feelings (called obsessions), and
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder categorized by excessive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive — and
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Everyone has passing thoughts of hurting other people. It’s just part of being human. Once in a while, everybody thinks, “Ugh, I could just kill her,” or,
If you or a loved one are experiencing harm OCD, it can feel terrifying and overwhelming — it’s scary to have thoughts that make you feel like you may
Do you think you might have Harm OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
As a therapist, I've worked with many people who search for meaning in their dreams, including those about car accidents.
Sexual assault is among the most immoral behaviors one can think of—but be wary of interpreting disturbing dreams as significant.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
You may worry that intrusive thoughts like these mean that you could act on them—but experts say that's not the case.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Harm OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
During my most intense episodes of intrusive thoughts, I figured I must be a horrible, disgusting person. Here's how I eventually got better.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
These disturbing thoughts can become completely overwhelming. You're not alone, and you don't have to live in fear of your own thoughts.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Repetitive fear about saying the wrong thing may be a sign of OCD, in which a person obsessively worries about saying something inappropriate.
Reviewed by Nicholas Farrell, Ph.D
It’s normal to want to feel safe when we’re at home. For you, however, the idea of being home alone stirs up an intense fear. Here's what you can do.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Do you think you might have Harm OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Discover how OCD can cause fears of being a bad person, and how to identify symptoms and triggers. Learn more about effective treatment options.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Drawing from my experience both as an OCD specialist and someone who's struggled with these very same thoughts, here's what you should know.
Learn about how you can identify and find help for “pet anxiety,” persistent stress or fear about the wellbeing of your furry friend.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC