Do I have OCD, anxiety, or paranoia???

[jenna99]

Okay, so. Im a 18 year old girl, and when I was younger I HAD DEBILITATINg anxiety about death or getting hurt, possibly because when i was 3 both of my aunts died of cancer. I used to be afraid I would sleepwalk upstairs and gouge my eyes out with spoons. I was always diagnosing myself with various things, even diseases or disorders I knew I didnt even have. I went through a germaphobia phase where I wore plastic gloves into public places and wiped down everything with a wet wipe before I used it, and refused to touch doorknobs with bare hands. That went away in about a year, but then other anxiety symptoms came back in seventh grade, I started freaking out because I thought I had colon cancer (its just IBS) and I swore I felt a lump in my neck, which i was convinced was lymphoma. I begged my mom to take me to the doctor to get a MRI after many sleepless and anxiety ridden nights about that, and there wasnt even a lump, I was just imagining it, if that makes sense. Anyways, so the death anxiety left after a few months of therapy, but then I was riddled with depression for a while. As a freshman in HS it was so bad I almost attempted suicide. It didnt help that I grew up in Alaska where the sun never shines in the winter. Anyways, i started picking at the skin around my nails until they bled, and often times during class id have to find a tissue to soak the blood up so I wouldnt stain my clothes. It was compulsive but i felt like i couldnt stop. I also bang my head against the wall because I find that it calms me. Also i feel like i have to hold my breath when people walk by me in public ,i dont know why, but it makes me feel more safe. I have great grades, but tests give me super bad anxiety. the night before a final, ill study nearly 8 hours just to feel less anxious about acing it. I also have to let tap water run for about 5 seconds before I use any, and have to unroll a bunch of toilet paper before i use any to wipe. both of these are compulsions. I also have anorexia and so did my mom, and ive had a bad relationship with food for forever. I also write my name EVERYWHERE in cursive, which sometimes turns into a problem. I get obsessed with certain things but then interest leaves suddenly. I have a family history of addiction and OCD like symptoms. Im still a mega hypochondriac too and i constantly look up mental disorders and stuff. I also was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in eighth grade. I compulsively exersize and restrict foods. What do you think is the matter with me?????

[hypercat54]

Hi well this sounds like anxiety to me but I am no doctor nor are there any medical professionals on here. You need to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. x

[pink83737]

It sounds like anxiety..You are not alone, message me if you'd like x

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi jenna99 and welcome to this caring community. I am sorry to hear that things are so difficult for you. We are unable to provide a diagnosis on this forum and, as hypercat54 has posted, you need to see your doctor to receive a diagnosis. You will then receive any necessary treatment and support. Are you able to take a family member or friend with you to the appointment to give you some support? You will then receive any necessary treatment and support. You may also be able to receive support from the Pastoral Service at your college or school so this is worth asking about. Please stay on the forum where you will receive help from other members who understand what you are experiencing.

Thank you and best wishes.

[shaws]

Hi Jenna

I am sorry you've had much suffering all through your life so far.

I am not medically qualified but believe you should get a Full Thyroid Function Test. It has to be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and don't take medication until afterwards.

Request, TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. commonest cause of hypothyroidism is due to the antibodies attacking the gland and sometimes we feel 'hyper' and other times hypo (low).

It is not unusual to remain undiagnosed as doctors are very poorly trained these days in clinical symptoms.

If we are hypo-thyroid it means our thyroid gland cannot produce the hormones required to run our whole metabolism, and heart and brain need the most T3 (liothyronine) the only active thyroid hormone and T4 (Levothyroxine) is inactive and has to convert to T3.

I believe that nowadays because of doctors being unaware of clinical symptoms and only taking into account the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which usually rises to try to flag the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. In other countries we are diagnosed if the TSH goes above 3+ but in the UK it is a disgraceful 10 instead of considering the patient's symptoms too.

If your doctor or lab wont do all of these you can get a private one and you will get information on the Thyroiduk site on HU. Many people have been sent to hospitals when in fact they had hypothyroidism.

Your GP should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. All should be optimal.

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...