Use this brief screening measure to help you determine if you might need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of OCD. In mainstream media, people with OCD are often depicted as strict cleaners who wash their hands excessively and have extreme fears of dirt. Not only pointless, but they actually stoke your fear and make it worse. Contamination OCD is a type of OCD that is characterized by the fear of being dirty or contaminated. With education, understanding, and treatment, people can and do recover. These may also have an imposition on others as people with this type of OCD may also constantly be suspicious of others and make them do/say things to ease their anxieties. Avoiding shaking hands with people because you fear that you will contaminate them. So basically I am not afraid of falling ill or dying from germs but when I am in contact whether is by touching or by just being around . Professional help involves sitting with a mental health professional to talk about your thoughts, fears, and behaviors. This can. But, when it comes to OCD food contamination, there are ways to manage the fear and anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please reach out to Therapy Mantra for help. I've held a private practice for over 15 years, treating cases of anxiety and depression and seeing OCD come up as an underlying symptom. There are many different treatment options available for OCD, and the most effective one will vary from person to person. 1 McCay, Dean. Intrusive thoughts about germs and bacteria. There are also many resources available online and in your local community that can offer support and guidance. Checking to make sure you did not touch something that could've been contaminated. My graduate work is in mental health counseling, and I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy because its the gold standard of OCD treatment. The mission of TherapyMantra is to provide inexpensive, accessible, and professional online mental health care to the individuals all around the world. Common misconceptions about Contamination OCD: That everyone with OCD has Contamination OCD. TW Contamination Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a subtype of OCD in which a person has obsessive worries about becoming contaminated, contaminating others, or contracting and spreading a disease. Avoiding going in public places with a prominent presence of germs (example: public toilets). Contamination OCD Test 1. Or they may go to extreme lengths to cleanse their hands and surfaces after coming into contact with food. Fear of turning into someone you dislike, such as someone that is disabled or undesirable. ERP gets right to the problem, and once you've learned how to manage OCD, the joy of life can fully return. This type of OCD is characterized by the fear of being dirty or contaminated. More often, people with this OCD type are afraid of contaminating others. Mental or emotional contamination OCD is when one is triggered by gross or disturbing thoughts and they think they're mentally or emotionally contaminated from their pure state of mind. Even seeing others around you wearing yellow triggers this contaminated feeling. Now my whole week will be ruined. It is important to note that not all bad experiences with food will cause OCD food contamination. You might use certain washing or cleaning rituals to get rid of those thoughts. I know it's hard to understand, but the contamination you fear does not exist, except in your head. The lowdown. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that someone with OCD performs in response to an obsession or in an attempt to prevent or reduce anxiety. American Psychiatric Association. Sufferers may avoid situations or people. People are driven to participate in a variety of compulsions in order to alleviate their fears of contamination as a result of their obsessive thinking (ex: showering for hours or until they . Or contaminating others with ones own terms. I just washed them but they still feel unclean. Commonly identified contaminants the context of Contamination OCD include (but are not limited to): Dirt Germs Animals Insects Bodily excretions and fluids (urine, feces, vomit, sweat, tears, mucus, blood, semen, saliva) Bacteria and viruses Raw or spoiled foods Plants Chemicals Cleaning products Radioactivity Sticky substances High traffic areas I need advice : r/OCD. For people who do benefit from medication, their OCD symptoms can reduce by 40-60%. This means that if your parents or grandparents had the same fear, there is a possibility that you might develop it too. (2013). There are also many products on the market that can help you feel safer while eating, such as food covers and sanitizing wipes. Genetics. Avoiding touching door handles, doorknobs, or anything else that might be contaminated. One kind of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), called exposure and response prevention (ERP), is particularly effective. OCD, also popular by the name of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health disorder that involves intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings, or images that are disruptive and cause distress. In this blog post, we will discuss the fear of food contamination and its links to OCD. Here are some tips on how to deal with the fear of OCD food contamination: In order to get the proper treatment, it is prominent to first identify what is causing your fear of food contamination. The fear of becoming personally contaminated through one's own actions, being contaminated by others, contaminating others, or different combinations of any of these. Poor sleep and diet can worsen your mood, which can increase your stress levels and OCD symptoms. We include products we think are useful for our readers. I know by experience how effective ERP is in treating OCD symptoms. There are several effective treatment options available, and with the right help, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life. This can be a very distressing and debilitating fear as it can make it hard for people to eat and enjoy meals. This is because people with this disorder may have difficulty concentrating on tasks or may take longer to complete them. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. You can also book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app. I do it online since I am ashamed to talk about it with someone I know. Signs of having Contamination OCD is excessive hand washing, showering, and laundering routines that go beyond an everyday routine, and can hinder the person's work, and social life. Repeatedly washing your hands, taking prolonged showers or over grooming (i.e. This is a common misconception, though. ERP helps you learn to stop engaging in compulsions. (n.d.). Find someone who is supportive and understanding, and talk to them about your fear. Im worried Im going to get contaminated from trying on clothes in this store. It also includes the fear of catching a terminal illness such as cancer, and a fear that you or the people around you will die from germs. Theyll be best equipped to help you understand and manage your symptoms. If you have or think you may have this condition, consider looking for a therapist who is experienced in treating OCD. (e.g., I let my friend use my pen, and I touched the pen when she gave it back to me, and now everything I touched is dirty). Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with lifes everyday challenges. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, it is important to seek professional help. People with this condition often have intrusive thoughts about germs and bacteria and may also feel the need to constantly clean themselves or their surroundings. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to who knows what youre going through. Some researchers also say that people with this condition may have an overactive immune system which causes them to be more sensitive to germs and bacteria. We will also offer some tips for coping with this fear. Why is OCD more common in people with multiple sclerosis? Call us at 706-914-2327 today to learn more about what we have to offer. Nothing is ever clean enough. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD food contamination, there are treatment options available. By using ERP in our sessions, you can look forward to better days ahead. (2020). OCD includes two parts: obsessions and compulsions. OCD usually means that the affected person suffers from obsessions and compulsions. This is because people with this disorder may have difficulty. Food has sentimental value. From . There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for treating OCD, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The causes of this severe phobia are not really known. In the case of OCD food contamination, compulsions might include: These compulsions are the result of an attempt to reduce anxiety related to the obsessions. Being accidentally or deliberately poisoned by chemicals, including household items Consuming spoiled food and getting food poisoning Accidentally being cut by broken glass and getting infected Matter of fact there are cherry tomatoes I JUST bought in the fridge and I saw one tomato with mold on it. 2005-2022 Psych Central a Red Ventures Company. I know it feels real, but your mind is lying to you. Do you have OCD? Obsessive thinking. Learned behavior likely refers to the fact that people can develop the fear of food contamination from observing others. It often leads people to avoid contact with others and to obsess over germs and bacteria. Obsessions can revolve around the fear of: These obsessions might center on the feeling of uncleanliness. Some of the most observed possible causes include: It is important to keep in mind that these are only some of the possible causes of food contamination OCD. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. How can I be sure Im not sick? Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2021. I would do anything in my power not to touch things. I would hold my breath while walking by my family members, and eventually, I would hold my breath while . "Grossed out". and stopped cooking food. These obsessive thoughts drive people to engage in various compulsions aimed at alleviating their anxieties about contamination (e.g., showering for hours or until they feel clean). I do this all the time. People with OCD food contamination may avoid eating certain foods altogether. Are those coffee lids in that coffee shop clean? For example: All of these factors can lead to a decline in the quality of life. Ive been working in the mental health field for over 7 years, with experience treating OCD within crisis and anxiety management. Yes No 3. Typically, people with contamination OCD worry excessively that the things they come into contact with have given them germs or a disease. However, research from 2019 disputes this link. I have personally struggled with OCD and know what it's like to feel controlled by intrusive thoughts and compulsions, and to also overcome it using the proper therapy. Exposure and response prevention: This treatment involves exposing oneself to the things that trigger OCD, without engaging in compulsive behaviors. It is also speculated that the fear of food contamination can be passed down from one generation to the other. This can lead to problems such as malnutrition, weight loss, and social isolation. Mthecatlady. Theres no way I can take the bus. If you think youd benefit from talking with others who have OCD, you may want to check out the IOCDF OCD support groups list for local groups or the IOCDF online or telephone support groups list for remote support groups. This is because one may be too involved in cooking everything from scratch or buying special cleaning supplies. There are many different types of medications that can be used to treat OCD. Contamination OCD plays on "the fear of becoming personally contaminated through one's own actions, being contaminated by others, contaminating others, or different combinations of any of . For some people, contamination is a theme. There are many therapeutic approaches that can be helpful in understanding, assessing, and treating OCD. Additionally, stressful life events (such as the death of a loved one or a divorce) can trigger the onset of OCD. In conclusion of the above, food contamination OCD is a scary reality for many people. We love him. When I started treating OCD, I quickly realized how much this type of work means to me because I had to learn how to be okay with discomfort and uncertainty myself. They may also worry that they will contaminate others if they do not follow their strict rituals and routines. People with contamination OCD are driven to know whether something is contaminated with 100% certainty. Do you ever feel like everything around you is dirty and contaminated? Could I catch something by walking by someone who is sick? It often includes fears around dirt, germs, or illness, and it can involve excessive cleaning and washing rituals. This can include the fear of being contaminated by others emotions or contaminating others with their own emotions. Your personal temperament can also be a contributing factor for developing OCD. If youre afraid of meat, for example, start by eating a small amount of chicken. 2016. It can also affect relationships. You may be afraid to eat, cook, or even touch food. Take care. At Black Bear Lodge, we offer specialized therapies to help you regain control over your life. People with OCD often have very strict routines and rituals that they feel compelled to follow in order to avoid their feared objects or situations. What's going on? It is important to include your family member or friend in your treatment process. However, in most cases, they are actually ineffective and serve only to perpetuate the cycle of OCD. Contamination OCD is a common form of OCD. This can make daily life difficult and interfere with your ability to enjoy meals with friends and family. Speak With An Orlando OCD Therapist at GroundWork 407-378-3000 Book your free consultation today and visit the website for more information blogs. This doubt can be hurtful, but there are ways around it. But what do these look like, and how are they related? As long as even a tiny fraction of doubt remains, the obsessions and compulsions will continue. meat or dairy products) or to all food groups. It's not considered a separate disorder or diagnosis. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and also the available treatment options for contamination OCD. There are a few potential causes of OCD. Yes No That said, many people develop OCD for no clear reason. While this can be difficult in the short term, it eventually reduces the strength of the obsessions. For instance, if youre thinking this food is going to make me sick, remind yourself that youve eaten this food before without getting sick. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Advances in diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the symptoms that are present. These are some of the causes that can trigger OCD food contamination. Excessively researching the causes and contraction of serious diseases like HIV, cancer, etc. Christ defeated curses and contamination- with your life in His hands, you are also an overcomer. If you have OCD food contamination, you may feel like youre constantly in a state of anxiety. Infact, contamination OCD is one of the most known and prevalent subtypes of OCD. Fear of bodily fluids and coming in contact with them and contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually-transmitted infections. I started as a therapist over 14 years ago, working in different mental health environments. ERP goes beyond other methods and tackles the problem head-on. In fact, some research has shown that avoidance actually increases contamination fears. Finding support can also be helpful. Psych Central. OCD food contamination is marked by a fear of contamination. People . Contamination OCD and food. In blood obsessions, it typically presents as: Fear of contracting a disease from casual contact with blood This is considered one of the most effective ways to deal with any kind of OCD. It can also lead to problems at work or school. For example, a person may engage in mental compulsions around contamination (like repeating statements to themselves) as opposed to physical compulsions. What is emotional contamination OCD? I am constantly throwing this away or avoiding rooms or places or object because I do not want to become contaminated. It can include fears about illnesses, bodily fluids, and even more abstract contaminants like bad words, thoughts, or images. They will then conduct a thorough evaluation to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. Lets say you struggle with contamination OCD and feel that you cannot allow anyone to enter your living room for fear that a guest will contaminate the space. However, there are no specific studies or reports to support this claim. People with contamination OCD require therapy and medication, although managing the condition is challenging. Aug 15, 2014. If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from it. These consequences may include: There are several treatment options available for people with contamination OCD. However, there are ways to manage it and live a normal life. Is the air being properly ventilated in this space? Those with OCD food contamination may go to great lengths to avoid contact with feared foods, including avoiding restaurants, social gatherings, and even cooking at home. These include: These are some of the most prominent tell-all signs that someone may have food contamination OCD. Contamination OCD (also known as C-OCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person is excessively concerned about getting in contact with dirt, germs, or other contaminants (or perceived contaminants), and intrusive thoughts about potentially getting sick (or dying) as a result. 5. This is one of the most common symptoms of OCD and can be quite scary. I cant believe I agreed to bring food to the potluck. Yes No 2. This type of OCD can lead a person to have obsessive thoughts and fears about being "contaminated," with dirt or germs, which causes them to develop various compulsive behaviors in order to cope with and neutralize their fear and anxiety. However, when you realize your worst fears arent actualized through these actions, youll start to become more comfortable with the uncertainty and anxiety driving your compulsive behaviors. This is part of contamination OCD. This can be a very difficult fear to deal with, but there are steps that you can take to help manage it. What if one of the baristas laughed and their spit landed on the coffee top, and now I have an STI? With help, you can learn to control your OCD and lead a fulfilling life. This leads either to compulsive attempts to wash away perceived contamination or compulsive checking to ensure the absence of contamination. What Causes OCD Food Contamination? Idk if I have contamination OCD but I do have the urge to throw away food that seems contaminated and I do feel guilty about it and i hate it so much ugh. Additionally, you might also start to avoid certain foods or situations that trigger your fear. If so, you may be familiar with the fear of contamination. If so, you are not alone. Contamination OCD is a subtype of OCD, characterized by obsessions about their fear of becoming contaminated, contaminating others, or spreading germs. OCD. Positive. People with contamination OCD may also avoid places or objects that they perceive to be contaminated. It is important to seek professional help if you think you or someone you know may have food contamination OCD. Self-help can be one of the most effective and liberating ways to manage your OCD. The fear may be specific to certain types of food (e.g. #1. The side effects can be significantly impactful in a lot of negative ways. The fear of coming into contact with either real or magical things viewed as harmful. Ive been a licensed therapist since 2017. To conclude, OCD food contamination is a serious matter that can cause a great deal of fear and anxiety. Yes No 3. Online TherapyPhysiotherapyDiabetesHypertensionWeight Loss / GainPrimary Care, Employers / CorporatesHealth plansDoctors / ProvidersTherapists, Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Refund Policy | Our Locations. Food contamination OCD : ( I can't bring myself to eat anything because I'm afraid that it has been tampered with, poisoned, bugs, glass, expired etc. Here's why someone with, As someone living with OCD, I was afraid of the law of attraction and how I could be manifesting my negative thoughts and obsessions. The first step in getting help is to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Contamination OCD is the most common subtype of OCD that is marked by fear of getting sick or spreading illness. Source: Andrew Seaman / CC BY-ND 2.0. If you think you might have this phobia, it is important to seek professional help. In this role, he works closely with our clinical leadership team to provide a high-quality training and developmental experience for all of our therapists with the aim of maximizing treatment effectiveness and improving our members experience. Finding a therapist can be a great first step in learning to manage your symptoms. There is also a wealth of information and support available online and in your local community. Contamination OCD is a subtype of OCD, and is when a person becomes obsessed with not contracting an illness or spreading germs. The most common ones are: OCD can be a difficult disorder to live with, but there are many ways to manage it. It is also believed that people who have OCD are more likely to develop other phobias and anxiety disorders. They may bring up many of the fears youve been trying to alleviate with your compulsions (e.g., What if I bring an object into my space and my whole living room becomes contaminated?). In order to be diagnosed with OCD, you must fit the following criteria: Contamination OCD specifically can include the following symptoms: If you think you might have contamination OCD, its best to seek out a therapist who is experienced in treating OCD. Symptoms of contamination OCD can include: The exact cause of contamination OCD is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. excessive teeth brushing). Contact us today to learn more about our services or to further schedule an appointment. They may worry about contracting germs from doorknobs, shook hands, or toilet seats. The best course of treatment for contamination OCD, like all types of OCD, is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. These obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can feel impossible to stop. I can't eat canned food because I'm afraid it somehow was opened. For example, someone with this fear may avoid hugging or being around people who are sad, angry, or sick. 4. You have obsessions or compulsions that take up at least an hour of your day. Some people with OCD benefit from using medication, but some do not. Your mental health your psychological, emotional, and social well-being has an impact on every aspect of your life. The mental health professional will also ask about the thoughts, fears, and behaviors that are associated with the symptoms. This is because you might start to think that if they are afraid of food, then it must be dangerous. For example, people who have a family history of OCD or other anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop this condition. Once you choose a plan, youll work with your therapist on the emotions that come up during the exposures.