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OCD Symptoms in Women:

What You Need to Know

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects millions of people, but the way it shows up in women can often be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. If you’re searching for clarity on OCD symptoms in women, this guide breaks down what you need to know—no fluff, just facts.

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What Is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by:

  • Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or fears

  • Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals done to reduce anxiety

While OCD can affect anyone, hormonal and societal factors often shape how symptoms appear in women.

 

Common OCD Symptoms in Women

Although all of the symptoms mentioned below present in all genders, these  are the most frequently reported OCD symptoms in women, often shaped by life stages and social expectations.

 

1. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

One of the most common OCD symptoms in women is an intense pressure to succeed—whether at work, parenting, or relationships. This can lead to:

  • Excessive checking (emails, locks, stoves)

  • Fear of making mistakes

  • Overplanning or rewriting tasks repeatedly

2. Contamination Obsessions

Again, although this OCD symptoms is not specific only to women, women tend to report higher symptoms of OCD related to contamination including:

  • Fear of harming loved ones through dirt, illness, or chemicals

  • Excessive cleaning rituals, even to the point of skin damage

  • Avoiding public places or physical contact

3. Relationship OCD (ROCD)

This involves obsessive doubts about:

  • Being in the “right” relationship

  • Whether they truly love their partner or vice versa

  • Comparing their relationship constantly to others

4. Harm Obsessions

These thoughts are not desires—they’re fears. Women may obsess over:

  • Accidentally hurting a child or pet

  • Losing control and causing harm

  • Fear of acting on violent thoughts (even if they never would)

5. Sexual or Religious Intrusive Thoughts

These thoughts are distressing and unwanted, such as:

  • Inappropriate sexual thoughts

  • Fears of offending a religious figure or breaking moral codes

Women often suffer in silence out of shame, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.

My therapist has been a crucial help in my management of my OCD.

Since working with her I've eliminated nearly all of my avoidance behaviors, while also decreasing my daily distress significantly, as well as improving my relationship dynamics. She's the first therapist I've worked with who always leaves me feeling hopeful and in good hands after every session.

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I just feel like a brand new person!

I look forward to the day now and i know that my therapist is still there- in my corner! If you need help with the challenges that life gives you, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment!

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No matter the reason why you or a loved one might seek therapy, I give my very highest recommendation.

My therapists wisdom, compassion and insights make her one of the best, most gifted therapists I've experienced.

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I know I'm growing emotionally & I feel stronger & better with each session. 

Simply the best, a stroke of luck to have stumbled upon this practice & Rebecca. I appreciate the empathy, dedication, directness & flexibility more than I can put into words.

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I’ve felt a marked difference in my overall emotional state since I started therapy.

I love working with my therapist. She really takes the time to listen to me and help me piece together my needs and coping strategies.

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My therapist is fantastic.

I am receiving wisdom and insight in a nurturing and judgment free setting.

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My baseline anxiety has significantly decreased since I started therapy.

I handle stressful situations with more grace than I previously did. I feel that I am able to be a better mother to my children and more confidence worker in my career.

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Therapy has helped me to feel more confidence in myself

... and my ability to regulate my own emotions. I have been better able to reflect on my own thoughts and feelings and use my own self-awareness to better handle stressful situations in the future.

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I have felt more confident in my abilities as a parent and a professional.

I was hoping to gain more self-confidence and build up my self-esteem, but I have also strengthened my abilities in other areas along the way

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Life Stages That Can Trigger or Worsen OCD Symptoms in Women

Certain times in life may intensify OCD symptoms due to hormonal shifts or stress:

 

• Pregnancy (Perinatal OCD)

  • Fear of harming the baby

  • Excessive cleaning or checking the baby’s safety

  • Intrusive thoughts about childbirth or infant health

• Postpartum Period

  • Disturbing thoughts of harming the newborn

  • Avoidance of the baby due to fear of acting on thoughts

  • Intense guilt and shame

• Menstruation and Menopause

  • Hormonal changes can trigger or worsen OCD

  • Increased anxiety, compulsions, and emotional sensitivity

 

Why OCD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Women

  • It’s misread as anxiety or depression

  • Cultural pressure to “keep it together”

  • Guilt over intrusive thoughts leads to silence

Many women mask symptoms to avoid being seen as unstable, which delays treatment.

 

What to Do If You Think You Have OCD

If these symptoms hit close to home, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Here’s what helps:

  • Get a professional evaluation (preferably from someone trained in OCD)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Medication (SSRIs are commonly prescribed)

  • Support groups or online communities

OCD is treatable. The earlier you get support, the better the outcome.

 

Final Thoughts on OCD Symptoms in Women

OCD symptoms in women can look different—and feel overwhelming—but they’re manageable with the right help. If you’re constantly battling unwanted thoughts and rituals, it’s not about being “too sensitive” or “perfectionist.” It might be OCD, and treatment can make a real difference.

FAQ About OCD Symptoms & Online Therapy in NJ

Where are you located? I need a therapist near me

We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services

How do I get started as a new client?

New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:

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Does my insurance cover my visits?

We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.

Our Insurance Page might answer your questions about your insurance information, cost and OON coverage.

What are out-of-network benefits?

Visits our FAQ About Insurance to learn more about OON coverage for mental health services. We can also check your benefits for you. When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement. 

Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?

Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.

How Should I Prepare for My First Session?

Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share. 

Do you offer traditional talk therapy?

of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information

Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?

Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.

Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?

Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.

How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?

You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:

  • Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
  • Your therapist respects boundaries
  • You’re moving towards your goals
  • You feel listened to
    You’re doing better in life
  • Your self-esteem is getting better

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.

What Geographic Areas Are Served?

Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.

Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?

Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection

What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?

Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:

  • How often will we meet?
  • What do you specialize in?
  • What experience do you have with my issue?
  • What outcomes can I expect?
  • How will I know I’m progressing?
  • How long do you usually work with clients?
  • How will we set my treatment goals?

What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?

Our Qualifications:

Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.

To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.

  • LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
  • LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
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