Health and Contamination OCD
Health concern/contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and fears about becoming sick or contaminated, or spreading contaminants or disease. Compulsions may be obvious to others, like repetitive hand washing, or invisible, like compulsive prayer.
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Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
My first experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) came at the age of 7 years old, with severe intrusive thoughts. As I got older, my OCD
By Rebecca Horsfall
Having dreams about your teeth falling out can be disturbing. Find out what therapists have to say about what it might mean.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you’re experiencing recurring fears about drinking water in general or drinking tap water due to concerns about becoming ill, this can be a sign of Contamination OCD. If you are experiencing fears that you may ingest too much water or not enough, this may also be related to Health OCD fears.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Excessive fears related to vomiting that cause high levels of distress could be a symptom of a Specific Phobia known as “Emetophobia.”
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by Tracie Ibrahim
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Phobias, anxiety, and OCD can all be involved in this very real fear—whether you're getting your blood drawn or getting a flu shot.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Let’s take a look at what an intense fear of blood can look like, how it can impact people’s lives, and how they can learn to overcome it.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you’re wondering why medications trigger such a big fear and want to know if there’s anything that can be done, you're not alone.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Fear of pooping can include fears of going in public, fear of feces somewhere on your body, or worrying that it will lead to a health issue.
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Someone with OCD fear of food poisoning may struggle with obsessions related to whether their food has been contaminated or poisoned.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you feel a persistent need to be clean, you might have a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder called contamination OCD. Learn about it and how to get help here.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you spend a significant amount of time researching psychosis and schizophrenia, then read on for what to do about your fears.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC