The 12 Types Of Obsessions (Symptoms And Characteristics)
Obsessions are intrusive, recurring thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. They are a hallmark of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but can also appear in other contexts. These obsessions often compel individuals to perform specific behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate their discomfort. Below, we explore the 12 common types of obsessions, their symptoms, and their characteristics.
Obsessions are intrusive, irrational and recurring thoughts, ideas or images (that appear over and over again), and that feel out of the control of the person who suffers from them.
Generally, The obsessive person does not want to have these ideas or thoughts which usually cause anxiety or discomfort and you try to avoid them. The behaviors carried out to avoid obsessions are called compulsions. This obsession-compulsion routine is what is known as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
The irrational thoughts that can lead to compulsive acts can vary depending on the individual. Some people may have superstitious thoughts that cause anxiety, others may believe that everything is contaminated and must be cleansed to avoid illness, and Others can take order to a pathological extreme due to perfectionist thoughts.
Obsessive people have some characteristics in common. According to the Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group (OCCWG), the most important cognitive variables that affect this condition are:
1. Contamination Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Persistent fear of germs, dirt, or illness.
Compulsive cleaning or washing rituals to “decontaminate.”
Avoidance of perceived sources of contamination, such as public spaces or certain objects.
2. Harm Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Distressing thoughts about harming oneself or others, despite no intention to act on them.
Fear of losing control and causing harm.
Avoidance of situations or tools that could potentially be used for harm (e.g., knives, cars).
3. Symmetry and Order Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Intense need for items to be perfectly arranged or aligned.
Anxiety when things feel “out of place” or uneven.
Repeated rearranging or organizing until it feels “just right.”
4. Sexual Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Unwanted and intrusive sexual thoughts, often involving inappropriate or taboo scenarios.
Fear of acting on these thoughts, despite no desire to do so.
Significant guilt or shame about the content of these obsessions.
5. Religious or Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity)
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Fear of committing sins or violating religious/moral rules.
Excessive prayer or seeking reassurance about moral purity.
Avoidance of situations perceived as spiritually or morally compromising.
6. Relationship Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Constant doubt about the quality, authenticity, or future of a relationship.
Fear of being unfaithful or questioning a partner’s faithfulness.
Seeking repeated reassurance or overanalyzing interactions with a partner.
7. Health Obsessions (Hypochondriasis)
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Persistent fear of having or developing a serious illness.
Repeated self-checking for symptoms or excessive medical consultations.
Avoidance of medical information or triggers that heighten health fears.
8. Intrusive Aggressive Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Fear of violent or aggressive behavior toward others.
Disturbing mental images of committing acts of violence.
Avoidance of situations or individuals where harm could occur.
9. Magical Thinking Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Belief that certain actions or thoughts can influence unrelated events.
Performing rituals to prevent perceived negative outcomes.
Anxiety over breaking these self-imposed “rules.”
10. Existential Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Persistent questioning of life’s meaning, existence, or reality.
Anxiety about philosophical or metaphysical concepts.
Difficulty focusing on daily life due to obsessive thoughts about existence.
11. Hoarding Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Fear of discarding items, even those with no apparent value.
Anxiety about needing an item in the future.
Living spaces becoming cluttered and difficult to manage.
12. Perfectionism Obsessions
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Overwhelming need for flawlessness in tasks or outcomes.
Fear of failure or making mistakes.
Procrastination or avoidance due to fear of imperfection.
FAQs About Obsessions
What are obsessions?
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress or anxiety.
How are obsessions different from compulsions?
Obsessions are the thoughts or urges, while compulsions are the repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions.
Can obsessions be treated?
Yes, obsessions can be treated through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), and sometimes medication.
Are all intrusive thoughts obsessions?
No, many people experience intrusive thoughts occasionally. They become obsessions when they are persistent, distressing, and interfere with daily life.
How can I manage obsessions?
Seeking professional help, practicing mindfulness, and learning coping strategies such as identifying and challenging obsessive thoughts can help manage obsessions.
Understanding these types of obsessions helps identify the challenges they present and enables individuals to seek appropriate support and treatment.
