Podcast Summary

Podcast: Get to know OCD
Host: Dr. Patrick McGrath (NOCD Chief Clinical Officer)
Episode: The Types of OCD No One Talks About
Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this illuminating episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath debunks common myths about OCD, focusing particularly on the lesser-known, often hidden subtypes of the disorder that aren't discussed in pop culture or mainstream media. He shares real-life, often surprising examples drawn from clinical experience to show OCD’s wide-reaching impact and dispels the idea that OCD is helpful or only about neatness and handwashing. The episode aims to validate the experiences of those struggling in silence and to encourage seeking help.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Misconceptions About OCD

• Popular Myths: Many believe OCD is helpful or desirable—associating it only with cleanliness or organization.
  • “Wouldn't it be great to have a little OCD? I would get my house cleaned... That shows a level of lack of understanding of OCD...” (00:08)
• Reality: Dr. McGrath asserts that OCD is never “helpful” to sufferers and goes far beyond the stereotypes depicted in movies or TV.

2. Uncommon Types/Subtypes of OCD

• Beyond the Stereotypes:
  • Compulsively checking doors and hands isn’t the full story—Dr. McGrath shares examples of:
    • Repeatedly driving in circles to check for possible hit-and-run victims.
      • “...people with OCD might do things like drive around a block to look for a dead body because they don't know if they hit a pothole or if they ran over a person...” (01:02)
    • Obsessing over relationships and love—doubting one's feelings or their partner's love.
    • Fears around sexual orientation or attraction, leading to intrusive doubts about identity.
    • Worries about harming others through "emotional contamination" or indirect means.
    • Fears of committing taboo acts or sins and relentless ruminations over them.
    • Scrutinizing whether harm was caused unintentionally (e.g., a motorcyclist running off the road).
  • These obsessions are usually driven by the intrusive thought: “What if?” followed by catastrophic imaginings.

3. The OCD Playbook – How OCD Works

• The Cycle:
  • Obsessive “what if” thoughts → worst-case scenarios → urgent compulsions (behaviors) to neutralize distress.
  • Quote:
    • “They all start with two words, which is what if? And then are followed by the worst case scenario. And then that's followed by this overwhelming need to do something to neutralize that.” (03:51)
• Paradox of Thought Suppression:
  • Attempting not to think of something makes the obsession stronger.
    • “If we could get people to just stop thinking things, I'd have a job that I'd meet with people for one session... that's just not how it works, is it?” (11:09)
  • The more you avoid or suppress a thought, the more persistent it becomes.

4. Recognizing Hidden OCD

• Many listeners may realize, through these examples, that they experience such hidden subtypes—often keeping them secret in shame.
  • Quote:
    • “You may also think, wait a minute, I do that all the time. But I didn't know that was obsessive compulsive disorder, and I never told anybody about that. How do you know about that?” (15:12)
  • Dr. McGrath normalizes these experiences; they're more common than people think.

5. No One is 'Terminally Unique' with OCD

• Commonality is Comfort:
  • Dr. McGrath frequently tells clients:
    • “If you tell me something I've never heard in relationship to OCD, I'll give you a dollar. I haven’t given out a dollar in over 10 years.” (17:28)
  • This shared experience means there is evidence-based treatment for all types.
  • “OCD has one very simple playbook. And that's why in reality, I think it's actually something that's very, very treatable. Because OCD is a one trick pony.” (18:16)

6. Hope and Treatment

• Treatment is highly effective; the predictability of OCD’s thinking patterns makes it treatable.
  • “You’re just like everybody else with OCD, and there's one cool thing about being just like everybody else... you can get treatment just like everybody else can.” (19:55)
• NOCD offers therapy for a variety of related conditions and encourages reaching out.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Misconceptions:

  • “Not one person with OCD would ever say that OCD has ever been helpful to them in their entire life.” (00:28)

• On Relationship OCD:

  • “Or is there ever a way to truly 100%...know that your spouse is the absolute right person for you and there will never be anyone else that you will ever be attracted to or interested in whatsoever? I don't think so.” (08:29)

• On Paradoxical Thinking:

  • “The more we hope not to think of something, the more likely we are to actually think of it.” (13:15)

• On Community and Treatment:

  • “The best part of OCD being predictable...no topic is off the table...it doesn't mean that you're unique, you're just like everybody else with OCD. And there's one cool thing about being just like everybody else with OCD, and that is you can get treatment just like everybody else with OCD can.” (20:19)

Important Timestamps

• [00:08] — Debunking the “desirable” stereotype of OCD
• [01:02] — Examples of non-traditional OCD compulsions
• [03:51] — Explanation of the “what if-worst case” OCD pattern
• [11:09] — Why telling someone to “just stop” doesn’t work
• [15:12] — Listeners recognizing themselves in lesser-known OCD subtypes
• [17:28] — “If you tell me something I’ve never heard…” anecdote
• [18:16] — The ‘OCD playbook’ and why it’s treatable
• [20:19] — Assurance that treatment is available and effective for all subtypes

Episode Tone

Dr. McGrath’s tone is empathetic, validating, and gently humorous at times. He provides both clinical insight and real-world encouragement, reducing stigma and offering hope.

Key Takeaways

• OCD is much more complex and varied than popular culture suggests.
• Obsessive and compulsive patterns often focus on taboo, hidden, or deeply personal fears—typically driven by “what if?” thinking.
• No one suffering from OCD is truly alone; these symptoms are widespread and well-understood within clinical practice.
• Treatment is available, effective, and everyone with OCD deserves support and relief.

For more information about treatment and support, visit NOCD.com.