Homosexual OCD Test & Symptoms

Homosexual OCD, also known as hOCD, is the fear of being gay or lesbian, or persistently questioning one’s sexual identity. Often times these individuals will get flooded with intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) about the same sex. These thoughts, mental images, or fears (obsessions) can even be sexual in nature. These obsessions can even happen with friends, coworkers, or acquaintances. These intrusive thoughts can be extremely overwhelming to those suffering from hOCD and can cause them to question their sexual identity even if they are married, have children, or are in a happy, committed relationship. This can cause them to question and ponder (ruminate) about who they are, what they are capable of, or why they are having these sexually inappropriate thoughts. Common compulsive behaviors of Homosexual OCD include checking to verify if they are sexually attracted to the same sex, analyzing physical sensations to test for signs of arousal, avoiding physical contact (i.e., hugging or shaking hands) with others, avoiding eye contact, or feeling the need to avoid the same sex altogether. Occasionally other compulsions can include avoiding gay people, places associated with gay people, or gay characters on TV. For some people suffering from severe HOCD, they will feel the need to stop spending time with friends, going to the gym, or other give up on other social or relational contact for fear that their thoughts will return.