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Contamination OCD: How to Know If You Have It

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Are you a germophobe? Typically, a fear of germs is actually not a phobia. Often, it’s is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder known informally as “contamination OCD.”

A fear of germs often causes temptation to avoid people, places, or things thought to be contaminated. Sometimes the concern is about a specific disease like HIV or hepatitis or just general germs. Other times the contamination is less well-defined.

The impact of this type of OCD can vary widely. If severe and untreated, contamination OCD can even result in people feeling that their homes are too contaminated to continue living in.

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Excessive Hand Washing: How Much Is Too Much?

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It used to be easier to determine how much hand washing was excessive — but the COVID pandemic changed that. So what makes sense now?

girl engaging in excessive hand washing at school

In the early months of COVID in the United States, health authorities constantly reminded the public to wash their hands often, and well. Indeed, the CDC still reminds us that “Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.” Given the fear of the deadly virus, most Americans were eager to comply. But many wondered at times, “am I overdoing it?”

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5 Myths You Need to Know About Intrusive Thoughts

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Intrusive thoughts about violence, one’s sexual orientation, gender, and other topics can lead to severe anxiety. Learn about common myths that can actually make intrusive thoughts worse.

“Intrusive thoughts” are thoughts or images that a person experiences as unwanted. Intrusive thoughts are normal and unproblematic for most people. However, when experienced frequently, these thoughts can cause significant distress.

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Avoidance: There’s No Escaping Its Importance to Anxiety

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Sometimes we all skip out on things we don’t like. How is that relevant to anxiety? Very! Learn why avoidance may be the most important thing you’re overlooking to improve your anxiety.

avoidance image

Why Is Avoidance So Important?

We all try to get more of the things we like and less of the things we don’t. People of any age do this, and so do animals — it’s universal.

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OCD and Depression: How Are They Connected?

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Many people with OCD also suffer from depression. Dealing with both can be very challenging. Learning how to manage these conditions is important.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

There are a lot of misconceptions about what OCD is. OCD is not simply a term for a preference that things be organized or clean. It is a potentially serious disorder that can become disabling for some people.

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Copyright © 2021 Manhattan Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/Psychology, PLLC, d.b.a. the Manhattan Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy & Paul B. Greene, Ph.D. except where otherwise noted.

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