Mental Health Notes

How Will Your Doctor Diagnosis Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes on February 29th, 2008

I Must Shave My Legs: The OCD Miniseries - Part 5

We’ve hit the halfway point and it’s all downhill from here. Feeling any more educated about obsessive-compulsive disorder? Sure you are.

Now that you know the signs, symptoms, causes of, and risk factors for OCD, how do you know when it’s time to talk to a doctor? And on that note, how will a doctor even determine whether or not you have OCD?

Sometimes people mistake perfectionism for OCD, and vice-versa. Sometimes people mistake little quirks or odd habits for OCD, and vice-versa. However, if your “perfectionism” or “little quirks or odd habits” are taking over your life, i.e. interfering with your ability to function, work, sleep, have relationships, etc., it’s best to see a doctor.

Very simply put, and in my very unprofessional opinion, it’s time to see a doctor whenever the symptoms of any mental illness are affecting your life in a negative way. Given how much control OCD can claim over a person’s life, anyone who thinks s/he has OCD should schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Period.

Doctors rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association when it comes to diagnosing mental illnesses. But let’s set the medical jargon aside and cut to the chase - your doctor will most likely diagnose you based on three main points:

1. You have either, or both, obsessions and compulsions that meet certain criteria (recurrent, persistent, intrusive, excessive, and, in the case of compulsions, being used as ways to alleviate stress and anxiety).
2. The obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with your life.
3. You recognize that your obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable and excessive.

And how will your doctor come to these conclusions? By talking to you and asking questions about your obsessions and compulsions; looking for any physical symptoms/consequences of your compulsions (such as skin irritation from frequently washing your hands or bald spots from pulling your hair); and maybe even talking to your family members and friends about your behavior.

Stay tuned for information about OCD treatment and management options! And, in the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences with being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or even perhaps what you thought was obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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