Are there different types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Yes there are. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, OCD is the "Disorder with a Thousand Faces". Despite this, however, there some categories of obsessions and compulsions that are frequently seen. The most common obsessions involve contamination, safety concerns, pathological doubt, aggressive and sexual thoughts, somatic concerns and the need for symmetry and precision. The most common compulsions (or "rituals" as they are also called) are checking, cleaning, and counting. Though it is not a type of OCD, depression frequently accompanies OCD. Depression is often secondary to the OCD and usually clears up once the OCD is under control. Sometimes, however, the depression is severe enough to interfere with the treatment process for the OCD or it persists beyond the resolution of the OCD and requires treatment above and beyond that provided for the OCD.