Should I tell my psychiatrist I think I have OCD?

If you think you might have OCD, it's important to tell a doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor can determine if what you are experiencing is due to OCD, another anxiety disorder, or a different medical issue.

Can I tell my therapist I think I have OCD?

Whatever is bothering you, tell your therapist. That's the whole point of working with them. It might also help you to know that your therapist can't tell anyone what you tell them, unless they think you're going to harm yourself or someone else.

Can a psychiatrist diagnose me with OCD?

You may start by seeing your primary doctor. Because obsessive-compulsive disorder often requires specialized care, you may be referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for evaluation and treatment.

How do psychiatrists test for OCD?

Many healthcare professionals use a tool called a structured clinical interview to see if your symptoms are consistent with OCD. Structured clinical interviews contain standardized questions to ensure that each patient is interviewed in the same way.

Do psychiatrists know about OCD?

Generally speaking, the two classes of professionals you'll want to focus on are psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychiatrists have the training, experience, and, most critically, the authority to administer medical treatment of OCD.

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What should I do if I think I have OCD?

How do you tell someone you think you have OCD?

Remember to take your time. You can lead with your symptoms first and then explain that all these things add up to OCD, rather than leading with “I have OCD” and running the risk of immediate assumptions. You can tell them first about your experience obtaining a diagnosis and then about the diagnosis itself.

Can you self diagnose OCD?

Studies are now showing that millenials even tend to favor digital methods of self-diagnosing health problems rather than turning to a professional. This can be problematic as many Millenials Self-Diagnosing OCD themselves with problems they don't necessarily have.

How long does it take to get an OCD diagnosis?

In fact, it takes 14 to 17 years on average for people to receive an OCD diagnosis. That's why one of the biggest barriers to receiving treatment for OCD is being diagnosed with OCD in the first place.

Can you develop OCD from anxiety?

“Anxiety can easily lead to an OCD, episode therefore a person can learn to recognize when they are anxious and use coping skills for the anxiety.

Is it worth getting an OCD diagnosis?

Diagnosis. It is very important you visit your GP if you have symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The impact of OCD on your day-to-day life can be reduced if the condition is diagnosed and effectively treated.

Do all therapists know about OCD?

Not every therapist who claims to treat OCD actually knows how to do it. OCD treatment is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that requires a specialized protocol called Exposure and Ritual Prevention (ERP or EX/RP) or Cognitive Therapy.

Do all psychologists know about OCD?

All types of therapists, whether they have a doctorate or a masters, are trained to do this work and are qualified to help you. While there are many therapists to choose from, finding one who can diagnose and effectively treat OCD can be a challenge for many patients and families.

What you should never tell your therapist?

Do you have to tell your therapist your intrusive thoughts?

Additionally, therapeutic sessions are bound by confidentially so what you say in the context of therapy is completely private, unless your therapist has reason to believe that you are going to harm yourself or someone else.

Who should I talk to if I think I have OCD?

Diagnosis. If you think you might have OCD, see a doctor or a psychiatrist. The diagnosis process will likely include: A physical exam to see if your symptoms are due to a health condition.

Do I have OCD or just anxiety?

People with GAD tend to jump from one anxiety to another throughout their day (or have a general sense of being overwhelmed), whereas someone with OCD is more likely to obsess on a particular anxiety (or a few of them) and devote excessive attention to it.

What is OCD misdiagnosed as?

Similarities to other mental illnesses

These similarities often lead to a misdiagnosis of another mental illness. A wide range of other anxiety disorders, some tic disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are only a few of the disorders OCD is often mistaken for.

Is OCD an anxiety disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

What OCD feels like?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has two main parts: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, images, urges, worries or doubts that repeatedly appear in your mind. They can make you feel very anxious (although some people describe it as 'mental discomfort' rather than anxiety).

Can you have mild OCD?

People with obsessive compulsive disorder can have mild or severe symptoms. Those with mild obsessive compulsive disorder may be able to control their compulsive behaviors for certain periods of time (for example, at work) and may successfully hide their condition.

Do I have pure OCD?

Symptoms of Pure OCD vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include obsessive thoughts that are violent, sexual, or religious in nature. Examples include: Intrusive thoughts about intentionally causing self-harm and harm to others. Persistent fears over causing unintentional harm to themselves or others.

Should you share intrusive thoughts?

It's best to disclose in the context of a loving and trusting relationship with a person that you know well. Talking about intrusive thoughts can put strain on a relationship, especially if it's a new one. Keep these things in mind before you decide to tell someone.

How do you stop seeking reassurance in OCD?

How do I explain OCD to my family?

Talk openly about behaviours that impact on household routines and time. Plan ways in which family and friends can gradually reduce their participation in the person's rituals and explain the reasons for doing this. Encourage the person with OCD to be a part of decision making about how this is achieved.