Can I self-diagnose OCD?
There are specific self-rating scales for OCD. But this has to be advised and given by the psychiatrist. You should never self-diagnose any condition, even if you are a doctor yourself. You must avoid searching the internet for your symptoms or tools for self-diagnosis. You must seek help from a psychiatrist and explain only the symptoms rather than suggesting you have this and that. The reason is that psychiatrists have extensive training in teasing out various symptoms and conditions and will be able to differentiate between multiple mental health conditions and give you a proper diagnosis.
How do I know if I have anxiety, depression or OCD?
Typically, anxiety may present with worries about the present and future, which are excessive and out of proportion to the issues facing. Depression presents with ruminations (similar to a cow chewing cud). Thoughts keep circulating in the mind and are usually negative. OCD thoughts are repetitive and intrusive and cannot be resisted. It can cause anxiety in resisting. You may sometimes have a combination of several mental health conditions along with OCD. It is best to let a psychiatrist diagnose your condition.
How does a psychiatrist assess for OCD?
A psychiatrist would assess you in the clinic for 30-40 minutes. Diagnosis will be based on a combination of clinical assessment and mental state examination, which will diagnose OCD based on scores obtained; reports may be requested from your family or colleagues if you consent. Several questions will be asked about your symptoms to differentiate it from other mental health symptoms. Sometimes, you may be diagnosed with more than one mental health condition. If required, you may also be requested to take some blood and other tests. This will rule out medical conditions and also start and monitor medications.
What criteria does the psychiatrist use for diagnosing OCD?
Psychiatrists commonly use criteria from either the ICD 11 or DSM 5, which are classificatory systems to diagnose OCD. They use criteria such as the requirement of an obsession or compulsion to be present for at least two weeks and on most days. Obsessions are described as thoughts that originate in the mind, unpleasant and repetitive. It causes distress to carry out the thought and unsuccessfully tries to resist them. It is also required for the symptoms to interfere with functioning.
Are there tests available for OCD diagnosis?
Some diagnostic questionnaires are available to score for OCD symptoms, diagnose and track treatment, etc. These questionnaires cover all aspects of obsessions, types, and compulsions. They are used in conjunction with clinical assessment to diagnose OCD if required.
What questions will I be asked at the assessment?
Questions will be asked about your symptoms, duration and nature. Questions will be asked to ascertain if these are, in fact, obsessions and compulsions. Additional questions will be asked about other symptoms to rule out other mental illnesses.
Questions on Family history, medical problems, alcohol intake, past psychiatric issues and developmental issues are asked. Chennai Minds, the Best Psychiatrist in Chennai, offers OCD Treatment in Chennai.
