Treating Contamination OCD | What is Contamination OCD
Jan 22, 2020
Understanding and Treating Contamination OCD: Part 1
What is Contamination OCD?
Contamination OCD is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by an intense fear of contamination from germs, blood, bodily fluids, environmental pollutants, or other substances. This fear is often irrational and leads to excessive and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety and avoiding contamination.
Key Components of Contamination OCD
Contamination OCD involves four main components:
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Obsessive Thoughts:
These are intrusive and distressing thoughts related to contamination. Common themes include fear of germs, bloodborne diseases like HIV or hepatitis, or environmental pollutants.
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Anxiety/Uncomfortable Sensations:
The obsessive thoughts trigger significant anxiety or an uncomfortable psychosomatic feeling of being contaminated or dirty.
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Compulsive Behaviors:
These behaviors are performed to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts. They include actions like excessive hand washing, avoiding certain places or objects, using an excessive amount of hand sanitizer, and frequently changing clothes.
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Temporary Relief:
The compulsive behaviors provide temporary relief, which reinforces the cycle of OCD and increases the frequency of the compulsions.
Common Symptoms of Contamination OCD
People with contamination OCD may display the following symptoms:
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Excessive hand washing, sometimes with boiling hot water until the skin blisters.
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Taking long showers, often lasting two hours or more.
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Avoiding touching door handles, elevator buttons, or other common surfaces.
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Using large amounts of antiseptic solutions or wipes.
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Extreme cleaning rituals, including washing clothes and wiping down surfaces multiple times a day.
The Fear Behind the Compulsion
It's essential to understand that the fear driving contamination OCD often extends beyond the immediate source of contamination. For instance, the fear of germs is usually linked to the fear of contracting a specific disease. A person might not fear blood itself but the possibility of contracting HIV or AIDS from blood exposure.
The Cycle of Contamination OCD
The cycle of contamination OCD involves repetitive behaviors that gradually become more excessive over time. Initially, a person might wash their hands briefly after feeling contaminated. However, as their tolerance for the compulsive behavior builds, they may need to wash longer and more frequently to achieve the same relief. This can escalate to the point where the compulsive behaviors significantly interfere with daily life.
Identifying Contamination OCD
To identify contamination OCD, look for the following indicators:
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Actual Fear:
Determine the specific fear driving the OCD. Is it fear of germs, blood, or another contaminant? Is there an underlying fear of contracting a particular disease?
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Compulsive Behaviors:
Identify the compulsions used to mitigate the fear. These can include washing hands, avoiding certain activities, seeking reassurance, or repeatedly getting tested for diseases like AIDS.
