Consultant Clinical Psychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy, CPsychol, CSci, AFBPsS

Harm and taboo OCD are forms of OCD where intrusive thoughts feel distressing, out of character, and urgent. These thoughts trigger anxiety and a strong urge to analyse or seek certainty, which keeps the cycle going.

OCD thoughts feel real because they pull your attention away from what you already know and into “what if” possibilities. Your mind starts treating hypothetical doubts as problems that need to be solved, which creates anxiety and urges to do compulsions. The more you engage with those doubts, the more convincing they feel - keeping the cycle going.

Do you find yourself asking things like: “Are you sure?” “Do you think that means something?” “What if I’ve missed something important?” Maybe you ask a partner, a friend, a family member, or even AI or Google. Maybe you go back over memories in your own mind, trying to prove to yourself that everything is okay. And maybe it works for a moment. You feel a small drop in anxiety and a bit of relief. But then the doubt comes back