If you, or someone you know, suspects they have OCD there are some ways of getting a professional diagnosis. There are a few tests that will be performed. Your medical doctor will likely do a physical examination, which can include things like taking a blood sample to rule out any physical health problems that might be triggering your symptoms. A therapist or psychiatric provider will ask you a series of questions to better understand your symptoms and may also administer psychometric instruments designed to clarify both type and intensity of symptoms.
It is important that you seek treatment from a mental health professional who is trained in the evaluation and treatment of OCD symptoms specifically, as these symptoms can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed by practitioners who do not understand the condition.
There are a few categories of symptoms that are common subtypes of OCD,
although it is important to note that OCD can assume many forms and is not limited to
the list presented below.
These are:
- People who are afraid of contamination from germs, dirt, or toxins
- Those who need to repeatedly check that they and others are safe, such as checking that items such as appliances are switched off or that things are in the right position
- Those who are concerned that they might have made a legal or moral mistake, for which they will be punished or who those fear that they could harm someone else despite not wanting to do so
- Those who require a certain order or symmetry in order to feel safe or to achieve a ‘just right’ feeling
- Those who are preoccupied with religious, existential, sor superstitious fears or worries
It should be noted that those with OCD may also suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression and other anxiety disorders. Sometimes, people with OCD may also engage in substance abuse problems in an effort to self-medicate and decrease their anxiety and distress.