What Type Of OCD Do I Have?

This is one of the most common questions for people that just realized they have OCD or if their OCD has shifted from one subtype to another. Recovery starts by understanding what type of OCD you have. 

If you’re struggling with OCD, it can be difficult to understand what’s going on. You may feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that you can’t break free from. But there is hope.

One of the first steps to getting effective treatment is figuring out what type of OCD you have. That’s where this quiz comes in. By answering some questions about your symptoms and behaviors, we can give you a better idea of what type of OCD you may be dealing with.

Take the quiz now to get started on your journey to recovery.

About OCD and Types of OCD

OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. OCD is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, called obsessions, as well as repetitive behaviors, called compulsions. People with OCD often feel that they must perform their compulsions in order to ward off disaster or some other negative outcome. While there is no cure for OCD, it is possible to manage the condition with therapy and medication.

There are a variety of different types of OCD, each with its own unique set of obsessions and compulsions. Some of the most common types include:

 

 

    How Do I Figure Out What Type of OCD I Have?

    There are many different types of OCD, and it can be difficult to figure out which type you have. However, there are some commonalities that can help you to identify your particular form of OCD. For instance, a majority of people with OCD experience unwelcome and intrusive thoughts, known as “obsessions.” These obsessions can take the form of repetitive doubts, worries, or concerns. In order to relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, people with OCD often develop compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that they feel compelled to perform. Common compulsions include excessive hand-washing, counting, and checking. If you find yourself performing any of these activities frequently or obsessing over certain thoughts, you may have OCD.

    How Many Types Of OCD Are There?

    Here at The OCD Recovery Project, we have identified over 38 subtypes of OCD. Our tests will support you in identifying if any of these are present in your life. You can click on our tests to take one of the 38 individul subtypes of OCD tests. Each one will comprise of obsessions and compulsions that are common to that type of OCD. Although it is difficult to realize that you do have OCD and there is a specific type of OCD that falls under what you are dealing with, it is important to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible around the specific type of OCD that you have. This way you can start to come out of the OCD cyle. 

    Figure Out What Type Of OCD You Have

    OCD can take on almost any type but there are common types that most people with the condition will fall into. The easiest way to start to identify the type or types you have is to take OCD tests or quizes that will support you in getting clearer around certain obsessional and compulsive patterns that are common to specific types. This will give you the ability to start having clarity around how your OCD is showing up at this time. Additionally, taking OCD tests regularly can support you in ensuring that your OCD isn’t changing to a new type of OCD.

    Why Does My OCD Change?

    It is not uncommon for OCD to change from one type to another type over time. This happens to most people as they continue through life. This can happen as a result of time or it can happen because someone is in treatment and working on getting rid of one type and OCD creates a new type to remain relevant in their life. It is important to understand if your OCD has changed, and if it has, what type has it changed to? This way you can utilizie the tools and strategies you have learned in theapy or your OCD recovery program that will support you in not creating a new OCD cycle. 

    Signs and Symptoms of OCD Can Look Like

    In many cases, a lot of the symptoms of OCD can be seen in those with any type of OCD. In this section, you will get a closer look at some of the symptoms of the various subtypes to help you see if you suffer from any subtype of OCD.

    Common Signs & Symptoms of OCD

    • Contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions
    • Checking compulsions (e.g., double-checking that the stove is turned off)
    • Ordering and symmetry obsessions and arranging compulsions
    • Unwanted, intrusive, and taboo thoughts (e.g., aggressive, sexual, or religious thoughts)
    • Mental compulsions (e.g., counting, repeating words silently, avoiding numbers)
    • Physical compulsions (e.g., touching, tapping, rubbing)
    • Neutralizing with a compulsion (e.g., if you have an intrusive thought about harming someone, you may feel compelled to wash your hands as a way of making sure you won’t act on the thought

    Conclusion

    Taking an OCD test will support you in quickly understanding if a specific type(s) of OCD are showing up in your life at this time. This will support you in knowing that you are not alone and hopefully like many of us, you will see that your OCD isn’t one-of-a-kind like it feels prior to knowing that you have a specific type. Most of us feel like we are on a desserted island prior to identifying which type of OCD we have. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to knowing your specific type of OCD.Â