Unwanted thoughts about harming yourself or others

People with fear of losing control in OCD believe they can and must maintain perfect control of their actions to avoid negative consequences.

Fear of losing control

Drowning fears, characterized by the concern that the individual themselves or others might drown, may be a sign of Harm themes in OCD. 

Patrick McGrath, PhD

OCD focused on the fear of rape involves repeated intrusive, obsessive thoughts involving rape that cause intense anxiety or distress. 

OCD fears about harmful contamination involve obsessive thoughts of harming others by spreading a contaminant.

If you’re worried or have fears about drowning your baby in the bath, it may be a sign that you have OCD.

If you’re worried about or afraid of using your pencil or being harmed by it, that may be a sign that you have OCD. 

If you're experiencing thoughts about molesting a child family member, it may be a sign that you have OCD. 

If you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts about the idea that you may have harmed kids in the past, it may be a sign that you have Harm OCD

Harm OCD can include fear of becoming a serial killer or having a serial killer “personality” that leads to killing people. 

People with fear of spouse harm related OCD often experience recurrent and unwanted fears of harming their spouse or partner.