Contamination OCD: What It Is and How to Overcome It

Contamination OCD is a sub-type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that statistically involves a high degree of obsessional fear and worry about being contaminated-whether by germs and dirt or emotional and moral purity. To most people, this fear is not based on practical hygiene, it is an endless and uncomfortable set of obsessive thoughts and habits which also affects normal living to a great extent.

So, what is Meant by Contamination?

Contamination is not only related to germs or pathogens as many people may think. It may cover an extensive spectrum of the perceived attack vectors: body fluids such as blood or saliva; tacky residues; rotten food; newsprint; even soap. Such sources may elicit great anxiety to the victims.

Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions refer to invasive thoughts or images that people do not want to receive and may include phobias about getting ill or contaminating something. They may also take the form of emotional or mental contamination--feeling contaminated inside, without physical touch.

The compulsions follow. Typical behaviours are:

• Over washing arms, showering or cleaning
• Avoiding contact in public areas, or any physical contact
• Offensive obsession with cleanliness of things that are clean
• Disposal or separation of items that appear to be contaminated

Rituals on the mental level: counting, seeking reassurance, or repetitive thoughts of trying to neutralize contamination

The compulsions can provide a momentary sensation of relief- but in the long run will only emphasize the OCD cycle and inhibit normal functioning.

Daily Difficulties and Triggers

Events that other diagnoses do not cause panic and routinized reactions can be frightening. In the long-run, this may contribute to social withdrawal, soured relations and a sense of shame or loneliness. Most people tend to conceal their problems and this only complicates it even more emotionally.

What Causes It?

Contamination OCD does not have one cause. It involves genetics, brain chemistry, and the personal experience. It can also be due to stressful life events or chronic worry. One thing is, however, certain and that is this situation is not a matter of being overly fastidious or liking all things tidy it is an actual mental disorder that must be understood and treated.

Treatments to Contamination OCD

The positive news would lie in the fact that the OCD in Contamination is extremely curable. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a kind of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is one of the most efficient methods. ERP aids one to confront fear step by step, and avoid the temptation to carry out compulsions. This over time interrupts this vicious cycle of fear and avoidance.

There are other beneficial treatments such as:

Mindfulness and Acceptance Approaches: How to learn to sit with the uncomfortable yet not judge it.

Treatment: The medication: Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the medication that will help diminish the symptoms making treatment more effective.

People with Contamination OCD usually improve greatly with the help of timely treatment.

Moving Forward

In case you are affected by fears of contamination or emotions regarding fears of contamination are experienced by someone you know well, do not feel alone. Contamination OCD may seem impossible to manage, but it should not be what you are.

It is our purpose at OCD & Anxiety Online to assist people in dealing with OCD through qualified advice and effective techniques. You can begin the first steps to reclaim your life with comprehensive self-directed programs, as well as experienced therapy.