Health and contamination
Contamination OCD
Fear of picking up or spreading contamination can lead to washing, barriers, avoidance and strict divisions between clean and contaminated zones. Contamination OCD is broader than fear of germs and handwashing. Doubt may centre on picking up contamination, spreading one's own bodily traces or protecting clean zones. Washing, barriers and rules about touching can then play an increasing part in everyday life. The rules may gradually spread from particular situations to the home, relationships and freedom of movement as the person tries to maintain safety at every step.