How to Get Rid of Contamination OCD: Expert Tips and Tricks

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental illness that affects many people. One of the most common symptoms of OCD is contamination OCD, which is the fear of getting sick or being in contact with germs and other contaminants.

If you are struggling with contamination OCD, don’t worry – there are ways to get rid of it! This blog post will discuss some expert tips and tricks for overcoming OCD contamination fears. People with contamination OCD might feel driven to clean constantly, even if they’re not sick. They often have a fear of dirt and germs that leads them into excessive cleaning rituals where anything from hand-washing all the way up to bleach injections are used on personal items like toothbrushes or dishes in order for those who suffer from this form of mental illness can live comfortably without feeling too terrorized by their thoughts every day.

The person’s room will be spotless at any given time because there is always more potential space available than what exists, like this making sure everything remains safe away.

Is the fear of contamination a symptom of OCD?

Contamination OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people have terrible thoughts about contracting illnesses or spreading germs. These obsessive-compulsive behaviors include excessive washing, avoiding crowded spaces, and checking locks multiple times a day to ensure they’re clean!

Can you overcome contamination OCD?

Yes! Programs such as Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) help people with contamination anxiety by allowing them to overcome their fears through very brief exposure exercises. The individual is encouraged, for example, in the middle of an intense fear response which could include washing or cleaning something that’s contaminated so it does not spread any further than just being mindful about what they’re doing at all times when around these objects/ situations which have been associated positively cue-reactivity behaviors because nothing happens beyond this point other than maybe some visual imagery but no physical action taken.

How do you treat contamination OCD?

Like all types of OCD, Contamination OCD can be treated with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically with treatment approaches called Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Mindful-Based CBT teaches patients that everyone experiences intrusive thoughts.

Is contamination OCD common?

01 Contamination OCD is a well-known subset of OCD whereby sufferers are terrified that they might become contaminated by germs or get sick. 25% of OCD sufferers in the U.S. have it, and it’s the most common subset of OCD in the world.

How do I get over my fear of contamination?

One of the most successful treatments for phobias is exposure therapy. This technique involves a gradual, systematic introduction to feared situations and objects over time to reduce anxiety caused by germs or other contamination sources like dirt that could cause illness if mishandled.

In a study conducted at Ohio State University Medical Center, researchers found patients who were treated using CBT had much better outcomes than those receiving traditional psychiatric care alone. One reason may be because CBT encourages reopenings up discussions around challenges you’re facing while also providing opportunities for learned responses, which can help normalize frightening imagery OCD is a complex disorder that manifests itself in many different ways. If you are struggling with contamination OCD, know that you are not alone.

Here at the New Brain Institute, we specialize in treating all forms of OCD and have had success helping people just like you overcome their fears and lead productive lives.

Contact us today to see how we can help you break free from contamination OCD and start living your life to the fullest. (424) 363-6234