hospitals), Avoidance of intimacy and sexual behavior for fear of catching or spreading blood-borne diseases, Excessive avoidance of sharp objects, Band-Aids, or anything that could be perceived as causing or having come in contact with exposed blood, Excessive washing to ensure there is no blood on the skin or clothes, Excessive cleaning of items feared to have come in contact with blood (i.e. On the surface, the contamination fears associated with OCD dont seem to be a very complicated subject. This doubt can be hurtful, but there are ways around it. This could include: You might also benefit from using an OCD workbook, such as Getting Over OCD: A 10- Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life or The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD. DOI: Vidal-Ribas P, et al. In fact, some people might experience one OCD theme or multiple themes, and those themes can change over time. Jalal B, et al. You may have heard that all people with OCD are focused on cleaning and organizing. For more general information, please visit our "About OCD" section. Anything could make you sick, so everything should be treated as a possible source of contamination. Williams MT, et al. While OCD isnt curable, it is treatable. Outside of the body, it is gross (for many people anyway). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 71 Dorset Author Posted March 4, 2017 Thanks both of you for the replies. If I am sitting with someone (usually my wife) at t. Microphobia: Fear of small things. Hockey player Corey Hirsch shares his story on this podcast episode. Discomfort related to contamination and infection is universal and has deep roots in human evolutionary psychology. OCD produces serious anxiety. DOI: Moreira PS, et al. In mainstream media, people with OCD are often depicted as strict cleaners who wash their hands excessively and have extreme fears of dirt. They could also include doubt about whether something is really clean. Obsessions can revolve. It might be that anxiety and stress can affect your digestive system because stress prompts your body to enter flight or fight mode, during which your body doesnt prioritize digestion. Can Stanley Cup-Winning Goaltenders Have Anxiety and OCD? For example, you might experience intrusive thoughts about having diarrhea in public. Eventually, your anxiety will decrease. Although a few different kinds of therapy can be used to treat OCD, a kind of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), called exposure and response prevention (ERP), is particularly effective. The Nature and Moral Significance of Disgust. OCD can be managed with treatment. Theres a good outlook for people who seek treatment for their OCD. It is what it is. OCD can revolve around one or more themes, or major areas of focus. (2017). However, contamination OCD can be a bit more complex than that. Both treatments together are often more effective than either one alone. Research says inflammation and life stress may connect these conditions. Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review and new directions. In the next installment, I will go over another area of contamination OCD that many find difficult to talk about, yet many OCD sufferers struggle with fear of contact with semen. There is also a whole category of fears of contamination of a stranger and more magical type, which could include: Obviously, logic has little to do with these fears. The obsessions in contamination OCD revolve around exposure to potentially harmful substances, Rosen said. St. Martins, New York, NY, 2007. Exposure and response prevention (ERP). The new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is an authoritative guide to psychological conditions. Finding a therapist can be a great first step in learning to manage your symptoms. Other common compulsions include repeating mantras, prayers, or safety words to ward off danger or reduce anxiety. Generally, contamination OCD is associated with things like dirt, bacteria, or viruses, but any substance can become the focus of contamination fearsincluding bodily fluids, chemicals, or other . Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. People with contamination OCD may fear getting diseases, touching bodily fluids, spreading germs, and more. This remains the most widely used and accepted form of behavioral treatment for OCD. You only need to be infected once to get sick, so you always need to be actively protecting yourself. . OCD is well researched. Obsessions can revolve around the fear of: These obsessions might center on the feeling of uncleanliness. For example, someone who has a contamination obsession fear of germs or bodily fluids may avoid public restrooms. In the end, only acceptance of some level of uncertainty will allow the OCD to be diminished. OCD is not so much an amusement as it is a private hell. By staying with the anxiety, sufferers come to learn the truth of the matterthat nothing really happens when they face their fears, and that their efforts at taking precautions serve no real purpose. spending a significant proportion of your day cleaning, washing your hands or showering in excess, worrying excessively about illness, germs, or dirt, experiencing intrusive thoughts about becoming ill or getting dirty, throwing away items that you think are contaminated or dirty, engaging in specific washing rituals (e.g. Theres no way to be sure. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For example, one 2017 study found that in people with OCD, theres greater connectivity and activity in parts of the brain associated with habit formation and in parts that process emotions especially fear. (2020). Contamination Someone may fear coming into contact with bodily fluids, such as urine or feces; germs or diseases, such as HIV; or environmental contaminants, such as asbestos, radiation, or household chemicals. When you live with OCD, some people don't believe you because you don't fit the stereotype. It says there is no line at which you could accept a tragedy befalling you. Challenging distorted beliefs and ideas about blood can help reduce the reliance on compulsions, so long as these challenges are not used as a ritualized form of a reassurance. The Center for OCD and Anxiety. And it only takes one bad experience to leave you permanently disgusted by somethinga phenomenon Kelly calls one-shot learning. Finally, once weve established a trigger for disgust, its very easy for that disgust to transfer to other objects, through physical contact, or even just thinking about it. Basic self-care, like sleeping adequately and eating a balanced diet, can be helpful. It can also include such things as: This list is by no means complete. They may involve any protective act that an individual carries out to avoid becoming contaminated or to remove contamination that has somehow already occurred. It is common for people with OCD to experience guilt. Not everybody with contamination OCD will have the same obsessions and compulsions. All rights reserved. Not everyone with OCD needs SSRIs in order to improve, though. A 2021 study looked at the link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and OCD. There are many examples of obsessions that may affect people with OCD. avoiding handshakes in case someone has a cut on their finger), Avoidance of things that could be confused with blood (red paint, etc. (2015). People with OCD take comfort in repetitive, irrational thoughts and urges. By midlife, though, more women than men have symptoms of OCD. In ERP, you and your therapist work together to identify external and internal triggers that cause you stress and make you want to behave compulsively. As a result, stress can cause digestive issues. or call 410-927-5462. Morgan Rondinelli talks about growing up with OCD without knowing she had OCD. DOI: Whats the connection between cleaning and OCD? Hirschtritt ME, et al. Other times people need long-term treatment to keep symptoms in check. We avoid using tertiary references. The trick is that, while these are all good strategies for preventing disease, they dont solve the fundamental problem of diagnosing the cause. The best outcomes happen when people are diagnosed early and start a robust treatment program right away. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). All rights reserved. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can impact a person's relationships, work, and happiness. I checked, didnt see anything. Trying to squelch the thoughts can lead to even more anxiety, which tends to produce more unwanted thoughts resulting in an unhealthy cycle. It found that OCD was prevalent among people with IBS. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over. An obsession with contamination can lead to a cleaning compulsion. ERP helps you learn to stop engaging in compulsions. DOI: Sharma E, et al. Answering that question requires a deeper look into what OCD is and why some people with OCD are compelled to clean. OCD contamination with feces, bodily fluids, etc. They're normal, relatively benign and unharmful and no more dirty than getting some orange juice on your sheets and letting it dry. I should know I've lived it. So, despite there being nothing inherently dangerous about blood, somewhere in our genetic database is probably an urge to avoid being in its presence. If they get the disease, they will resent me for ruining their life and I will live in terrible shame knowing it was all my fault. In order to be diagnosed with OCD, you must fit the following criteria: Contamination OCD specifically can include the following symptoms: If you think you might have contamination OCD, its best to seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating OCD. As of now, scientists know that if your parent or sibling has OCD, youre more likely to develop the condition. Because the threat of contamination is so vague and. Sometimes the usual washing or showering may even be part of the magical ritual. Are stressful life events causally related to the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms? (2020). However, a common obsession is the idea that germs will infiltrate your immune system and make you ill. A common compulsion is to wash your hands excessively to avoid spreading germs. However, it might be more complex than that. Symptom dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Phenomenology and treatment outcomes with exposure and ritual prevention. Contamination OCD is simply one kind of OCD. What about shaking hands when you meet someone? I like to tell my patients that When everything is contaminated, nothing is contaminated.. The two worlds may exist side-by-side like parallel universes that are never allowed to meet. There are a few potential causes of OCD. Here are the best ones. Heres what we know about the risk factors, causes, and triggers of this disorder. Melli G. (2019). Yet it also includes the fear of being infected with them. A study of psychiatric comorbidities in irritable bowel syndrome. When contaminated they can move freely about their dirty world and touch and do anything, since everything in it is already contaminated. It can also entail fearing that you need to poop but having nowhere to use the restroom. Contamination OCD is a common form of OCD. The symptoms of OCD, as defined by the DSM-5, are obsessions and compulsions. (2020). DOI: Purty A, et al. Some people fear that these substances may cause harm or even death. You cant prevent OCD, though doctors say an early diagnosis and intervention may mean you spend less time dealing with the difficulties this disorder can present. . Give them space to talk about their feelings. Jalal B, et al. A 2020 study also found that OCD was associated with more inflammation in the gut. Mindfulness practice would entail noticing the feeling of contamination and allowing it to be there, as a feeling, without making compulsive attempt to eliminate it. Contamination OCD is simply one kind of OCD. So, having something get on a cut is not the threat your OCD is telling you it is. All kinds of OCD, including contamination OCD, are categorized as the same disorder as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Everybody has them because theyre fundamental to our psychology, and a major reason for our success as a species. A physical examination could help your doctor determine whether an underlying health condition is causing your symptoms. Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2021. They may also be able to live freely in their clean world as long as they themselves are clean when they enter it and also stay that way. Contamination OCD usually revolves around the fear of dirt, germs, and illnesses. If I say dont think about blood, it will have the same effect as me saying not to think about a tap-dancing giraffe! In this series on Contamination OCD, I will attempt to break down the symptoms and treatment for obsessive fear of contamination from three common triggers. This is a common misconception, though. OK, a reality check is all well and good, but if the OCD is in high gear, reality is no substitute for certainty and certainty doesnt exist. While symptoms of OCD may be grouped based on similarity or dimension, a diagnosis of OCD isn't generally divided by. Does that mean you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? As with all kinds of OCD, treatment can help you manage the symptoms of contamination OCD. Your obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and impact your day-to-day life. It is not a suction cup pulling contaminants into the body. This disorder can be treated with therapy, medications, and procedures that stimulate parts of your brain known to be affected by the disorder. With OCD, recurring and persistent obsessions result in significant anxiety and distress. You explain what you fear will happen if you dont follow through with a behavior or rituals. We include products we think are useful for our readers. People will also think I did something pretty awful to get the disease in the first place and that is the only story that will ever be told about me.. To break the cycle, the OCD sufferer has to remove the only removable element. OCD can affect your time management by making you overthink, strive for perfection, or have trouble focusing. People with mysophobia may also suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obviously, washers go through large amounts of soap and paper towels (used in preference to cloth towels which can only be used once and create laundry). Obsessions are persistent, distressing thoughts or images. You cant just not think something. Some people experience frequent intrusive thoughts about things that violate their own sense of morality and goodness. Psych Central only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. OCD symptoms are separated into two categories: obsessions and compulsions. Heres a brief look at the symptom dimensions as currently described in scientific literature: Some people have an extreme fear of becoming contaminated by germs, bodily fluids, or other substances including abstract contaminants like evil or bad luck. Author of Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (St. Martins Press), named one of Booklists Top 10 Science & Health Books of 2012.. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many people dealing with OCD. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? Domnech L, et al. As with other kinds of OCD, contamination OCD is treatable. Contamination OCD can also include the fear of more abstract contaminants like thoughts, words, or images that you perceive to be immoral or bad luck. Many people with OCD have obsessions with germs and dirt. Employing mindfulness skills can be an integral part of revealing distorted thinking and compulsive urges. American Psychiatric Association. For instance, there are some sufferers who fear to touch the floor, the ground, outdoors, or any public objects. Research suggests that it can affect up to 46% of people with OCD. OCD produces serious anxiety. However, research from 2019 disputes this link. This means that there is no cure. Contamination- or health-related OCD is associated with persistent worries about one's health or the health of loved ones. 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_516_18, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t13/, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438, nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/obsessive-compulsive-disorder, 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_518_18, 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_521_18, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4331096/, How to Manage and Treat Real Event Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Understanding the Impact of Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), No, Youre Not So OCD for Washing Your Hands More Often Now, Understanding the Connection Between Depression and OCD, Everything You Need to Know About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Glycemic Index: What It Is and How to Use It, feel disgust or fear over certain objects or substances, including dirt, illness, body secretions, trash, or chemicals, believe you or others can be contaminated by magical or spiritual means such as by saying certain names or numbers, have a strong urge to wash your hands or shower frequently, use a very specific process or ritual for washing yourself or your surroundings, avoid places or people that may have been infected, refuse to allow others into your safe spaces, damage your skin or body through excessive cleaning, experience serious anxiety if certain things are not arranged just right, feel an urge to repeat what happens to one side of your body on the other side of your body, fear that if something is unbalanced or uneven, a catastrophe could happen.