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Types of OCD: Common Themes & Subtypes

Written and clinically reviewed By Dr Elaine Ryan Chartered Psychologist specialising in OCD and anxiety disorders, with over 20 years’ clinical experience.

What are OCD sub-types?

OCD is one condition, but it can show up in many themes. People often describe these as “types of OCD”, but they aren’t separate diagnoses. In an assessment, we wouldn’t diagnose “checking OCD” or “contamination OCD” as different disorders—these are simply labels for common OCD themes (where obsessions tend to cluster). These labels can still be useful, because they help you recognise what you’re experiencing and find the most relevant guidance.

Contamination and cleaning

Harm, responsibility and checking

Symmetry, ‘just right’, ordering

Unwanted or taboo intrusive thoughts

Existential and ‘what-if’ doubt

Sensorimotor/ somatic focus

Life stage/context presentations

Mostly mental compulsions

Related Disorders

Hoarding Disorder DSM-5 distinguishes Hoarding Disorder as its own diagnosis, while also acknowledging “OCD-related hoarding” can exist when hoarding is driven by obsessions/compulsions

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Dr Elaine Ryan Psyhchologist and Founder of MoodSmith

Dr Elaine Ryan, PsychD, CPsychol, EuroPsy is a Chartered Psychologist specialising in OCD, intrusive thoughts and anxiety-related conditions. She has over 20 years’ clinical experience, including work in the NHS in the UK and in private practice.

Dr Ryan obtained her PsychD from the University of Surrey (UK) and is registered with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol), the UK Society for Behavioural Medicine, and EuroPsy. Her work has been featured on RTÉ Television, in the Wall Street Journal, the Irish Independent and Business Insider.