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. |