What Is Contamination OCD? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

There are several types and subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and one of the most common and widely known ones is contamination OCD. Contamination OCD is characterized by an irrational fear of being contaminated with germs and infections or spreading them. In this article, we explore contamination OCD in detail - what it is, how it can impact your daily life, as well as the road to recovery.

Contamination OCD is defined by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive, ritualistic behaviors) revolving around the fear of becoming contaminated or spreading contamination. Nearly 46% of OCD cases involve contamination OCD.

Dr. Ryan Peterson, a highly experienced physician at the NuView Treatment Center, says, “Contamination OCD is an intrusive, irrational fear of being contaminated or dirty with an item, person, or place that is feared to be infectious or dangerous. These fears - these obsessions - lead to compulsive behaviors of checking, washing, cleaning, and bathing in an attempt to get rid of the obsessive thoughts. Contamination OCD leads to significant distress and impedes day-to-day life and functioning.”

While there is no one definite cause of OCD, different factors like genetics, biology, and environment play a role.

• Genetic predispositions increase the chance of developing contamination OCD. For instance, having a first-degree relative with OCD makes it twice as likely to develop contamination OCD.
• Imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate levels can contribute to contamination OCD.
• A history of childhood trauma is common among those with contamination OCD.
• Gender plays a role, as women are more likely to develop contamination OCD than men.
• Environmental factors, like culture, can contribute to contamination OCD, especially where there is a greater emphasis on cleanliness.

Contamination OCD symptoms are characterized by contamination-related obsessions and compulsions.

The common contamination obsessions are:

• Persistent fear of catching or spreading illness (especially life-threatening illnesses).
• Excessive anxiety that objects, people, or places are contaminated.
• Fearing exposure to germs, dirt, poor air quality, chemicals, and toxins.
• Ongoing feelings of guilt and disgust.
• Fear of causing harm to yourself or others due to not being “careful enough.”

The common contamination compulsions are:

• Repeatedly washing hands, but still feeling unclean afterward.
• Constantly checking, disinfecting, and sterilizing objects and surfaces.
• Feeling the need to shower after being in public places.
• Avoiding stores or restaurants due to fear of contaminated food or drinks.
• Frequently changing clothes.
• Frequently throwing things away.

By keeping yourself informed and recognizing the contamination OCD symptoms can play a huge role in seeking early intervention for yourself or someone you care for.

Contamination OCD is treated with psychotherapy and medication:

• Psychotherapy: Therapy for contamination OCD involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
• CBT changes the underlying thinking patterns leading to contamination OCD, while ERP slowly exposes you to your fears under safe and controlled conditions to reduce your anxiety and fear responses. You begin to understand that you are safe even in conditions that you fear and break the obsessive-compulsive cycle.
• Medication Management: Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat contamination OCD, so as to treat the serotonin imbalances in the brain. They reduce the symptoms and alleviate the suffering.

Yes, contamination OCD treatments are highly effective. The first-line treatments are CBT, ERP, and SSRIs. The second-line treatments involve the use of tricyclic clomipramine and neuroleptic medications.

Dr. Peterson says, “More than 70% of our clients at NuView experience meaningful improvement with pharmacological treatment. When combined with evidence-based therapy, those with contamination OCD can go on to lead fulfilling, balanced lives.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with contamination OCD, we understand how challenging it can feel. But you do not have to navigate recovery on your own. At NuView, we provide integrated, holistic treatment options that meet you where you are for a whole person recovery.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our experts today!

1. How to help someone with contamination OCD?

If someone you know is struggling with contamination OCD, you can support them with empathy and understanding, and gently encourage them toward seeking professional help.

2. How to get over contamination OCD?

You cannot “get over” contamination OCD, but this condition is best managed with therapies like CBT and ERP and pharmacological interventions.

3. Is contamination OCD curable?

While contamination OCD does not have a permanent “cure,” it is highly treatable with therapy and medication management.

4. How long does it take to recover from contamination OCD?

While we cannot set a specific time limit for this, most begin to see meaningful improvements within two months of starting therapy and medication.

5. How much does contamination OCD treatment cost?

Contamination OCD treatment costs can vary depending on the treatment center and length of your treatment, but it is typically covered by your insurance policy.