Contamination ocd

Individuals experience obsessions about becoming contaminated or contaminating others by way of contracting an illness or spreading germs. The individual develops time consuming rituals that aim to decontaminate and provide temporary relief. 

Common obsessions for Contamination Theme OCD
  • Fear of receiving germs from touching doorknobs/ handles.
  • Fear of contaminated household products such as cleaning agents.
  • Fear of public spaces that could be contaminated with germs, such as grocery stores or public transportation.

Common compulsions for Contamination Theme OCD
  • Excessive hand washing or showering.
  • Excessive laundry and cleaning.
  • Decontaminating objects or changing clothes