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Defining Contamination OCD

Defining Contamination OCD

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OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental condition that is characterized by recurrent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts and images (obsessions), to which as a response the affected individual practices compulsions and repetitive behaviors that aim to neutralize them. There are different types of OCD, and one of them is contamination OCD. We are here to discuss it and the recognizable contamination OCD symptoms. Let’s begin:

What is Contamination OCD?

Contamination OCD is essentially a subtype of OCD, or is one that is actually themed around the persistent fear of contamination and the compulsion to keep oneself (or the surrounding environment) as clean as possible.

Being a subtype of OCD does not mean that it is a separate diagnosis as it is just a theme that represents how some people suffering from OCD can have a tilt to. This means, all subtypes in OCD fall under the same diagnosis clinically.

Read More: Which Brain Region Is Believed to Play a Critical Role in OCD?

Contamination OCD Symptoms

As you know that there are two types of symptoms in OCD, relating to obsessions and compulsions, respectively.

Obsessions tend to be pervasive to mental stability, are persistent, highly intrusive, and extremely recurrent in nature. Compulsions tend to be the actions and behaviors that affected individuals engage in to get rid of the aforementioned obsessions. Affected people feel driven to repeat these actions to eliminate the emotional and mental baggage that comes with obsessions.

One of the greatest contamination ocd examples would be that one fears that they might have been exposed to viruses and bacteria. But contamination-related obsessions and compulsions are not limited to fears about viruses and bacteria and can, therefore, manifest in different ways, including:

  • Experiencing distress when encountering substances such as dirt, bacteria or viruses
  • Discarding anything that is perceived to be contaminated
  • Practicing excessive cleaning rituals
  • Avoidance of places where one might fear there is contamination
  • Avoidance of experiences or actions where one might fear contamination
  • Excessively researching new sources of contaminants and their cleaning methods

Read More: Do You Ever Wonder That Your OCD Thoughts Are Not Real?

These compulsions often reinforce obsessions, leading to the vicious cycle of OCD, which is what they call the “cycle of OCD.” Additionally, not everyone is going to have the same kind of contamination OCD symptoms, but the common theme between their obsessions and compulsions will be the same as proclaimed. Plus, it can revolve around things other than viruses, dirt, and bacteria, for example (International OCD Foundation, 2017):

  • bodily excretions (urine, feces)
  • bodily fluids (sweat, saliva, mucus, tears, etc.)
  • blood
  • semen
  • garbage
  • household chemicals
  • radioactivity
  • broken glass
  • or sticky substances
  • people who appear unwell, shabby or unclean
  • spoiled food
  • soap (really!)
  • lead
  • asbestos
  • pets
  • birds
  • dead animals
  • newsprint

Read More: Understanding The Different Types Of Trauma

OCD and Contamination Types

There are different ways affected individuals suffering from OCD think they would be contaminated: mentally, physically, and emotionally. Let’s shed light on each of these:

Emotional Contamination OCD

Emotional contamination OCD is all about energy. Positive and negative energy is associated with people, objects, or places. An affected individual might relentlessly think if a person or a place carries a negative energy or trait (that could somehow transfer onto the affected individual), so they proactively start to avoid that place or person and everything related to them, even feeling an overwhelming need to mentally “purify” oneself after an interaction with any of those things.

Mental Contamination OCD

This one obviously isn’t about physical contact as it is more about feeling “dirty” internally, even if there is no reason whatsoever. Certain types of thoughts, memories, or feelings that trigger compulsions are associated with this type of contamination OCD, which can only be washed off by doing an internal “cleanse.”

Physical Contamination OCD

This is the obvious subtype of contamination OCD. This one involves worrying about contamination when coming in contact with something, or someone, you believe could contaminate you. Due to this, you might avoid doing things like shaking hands, using public restrooms, or washing hands excessively.

Read More: OCD in relationships: Understanding, coping, and supporting each other

The Question of “Do I Have Contamination OCD?”: How Does It Affect Us?

When affected individuals are left untreated for a long time, like any type of OCD, contamination OCD starts to take hold of that individual’s everyday life and executive functioning. It actually starts to permeate every walk of your life and then essentially leads you to have episodes of obsession and compulsions (much like bipolar). Work, relationships, hobbies, everything suffers.

This type of OCD targets what matters to you the most, which is health. It will be a hindrance to everything good you already had, and you are going to take up for better health after a diagnosis. For example, things such as exercise or a balanced diet. It will lead you to have specific phobias and other anxiety disorders as co-occurrences. It can also affect your physical health; for example, excessive hand washing that comes as a result of contamination OCD often results in broken or dry skin.

How to Overcome Contamination OCD?

Contamination OCD treatment is the only way if you are asking questions like “How to deal with contamination OCD?”. There are certain treatment methods that can help you overcome contamination OCD, or at least give you relief from it.

Psychotherapy

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – itself a kind of psychotherapy (talk therapy) – that helps you confront your fears and learn to tolerate uncertainty without relying on compulsions, is the most efficient treatment for it. It works by gradually exposing you to situations that will trigger your fears around contamination.

Psychiatric Medication Management

For some, medication for OCD can also play a role. These are helpful for different reasons as they complement psychotherapy and provide relief over the severity of your OCD symptoms and also treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD, aka clinical depression), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A monitored version of medication such as SSRIs, called psychiatric medication management, can be extremely helpful in dealing with contamination OCD.

Read More: Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness? A Complete Understanding Of The Link

Wrapping Up

This is what defining contamination OCD looks like, plus we have answered questions like “How to overcome contamination OCD” or “How to deal with contamination OCD?”. If it is treatment that you want or their alternative version like telehealth psychiatry, then you can refer to Orange Coast Psychiatry for it. We are adept at treating different themes of OCD and also capable of treating other mental conditions such as ADHD and social anxiety disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have problems with mental contamination fears or worse, contamination OCD. 

OCD subtypes that relate to things such as hoarding or tics. 

OCDs are defined by relationship obsessions, somatic (body-focused) obsessions, existential thoughts, or need-to-know Obsessions. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. International OCD Foundation. (2017, October 10). International OCD Foundation | OCD and Contamination. https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-contamination/
  2. Ferguson, S. (2024, August 21). What is contamination OCD? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/contamination-ocd
  3. Mph, T. S. (2025, March 28). Medication for OCD. NOCD. https://www.treatmyocd.com/medication#h-how-can-medications-help-manage-ocd

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.