Compulsive Disorders List
Traditionally it has been thought that there are four main categories of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as numerous sub-types of the illness within each category. However, typically a person’s OCD will fall into one of the following four areas.
- Checking
- Contamination / Mental Contamination
- Hoarding
- Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts
This list categorises the most common forms of OCD and some of the fears associated with them. It is by no means an exhaustive list and there will always be forms of OCD that do not feature here, and obsessions or compulsions that are not listed either. However this does not mean it is definitely not OCD. Remember - if you are experiencing distressing and unwanted obsessions and compulsions, that impact significantly on your everyday functioning, this could represent a principal component in the clinical diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is diagnosed when the Obsessions and Compulsions:
- Consume excessive amounts of time (approximately an hour or more).
- Cause significant distress and anguish.
- Interfere with daily functioning at home, school, or work; or interfere with social activities/ family life/relationships.
Types of OCD: Checking - the need to check is the compulsion, the obsessive fear might be to prevent damage, fire, leaks or harm. Common checking includes:
