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.
Several mental conditions can cause episodes of feeling as if you're losing your mind. As a therapist, I've seen most of them—here's what you should know.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
If you feel like your aversion to being touched is intense, it’s natural to wonder what the underlying cause might be—especially if it's interfering with your life.
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Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Having dreams about your teeth falling out can be disturbing. Find out what therapists have to say about what it might mean.
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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
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
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
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
Do you think you might have Health and Contamination OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
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.
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