OCD Assessment process

[Jasper202]

Hi, I have been referred to a specialist for potential OCD and I am beginning to feel very anxious and overwhelmed as I cannot remember what the doctor told me so I do not know what to expect and what is going to happen, will I have tests, is there questions? I would be grateful if you have experience or can remember what the process after being referred to a specialist what happened and what led to the diagnosis of OCD.

[Hidden]

So, this is how I got referred to an OCD specialist: I spent literally decades bouncing around from therapist to therapist and job to job, because I kept assuming it was my job that was getting me all stressed. Finally, I told my 4th or 5th or 10th therapist that I thought I might need medication and got a referral to a psychiatrist. As I gave my history to the psychiatrist I mentioned almost in passing that I didn't drive because I was afraid I would hit someone and kill them. He looked at me and said, "I think you might have OCD." He referred me to a therapist in his office suite and finally, finally I was correctly diagnosed and started the right treatment. The treatment wasn't easy or instant, but it was a huge relief to learn that other people experienced things that I thought only I had. I won't say don't worry, because that's like someone saying, "Calm down!" when you're upset, or--my least favorite one from when I was a kid: "Don't be shy." Of course you will worry, but I will say it won't be as bad as you think and it may make you feel MUCH MUCH better.

[TheStars]

Hi. I can understand your being anxious. It's ok. The assessment part I have experienced has just been some questionnaires about 'have you experienced' this or that in the last week or 30 days or so. It may be on paper for you to complete or the therapist may talk you through the questions and write down your responses, which I think may be choices such as (very frequently, occasionally, not at all, etc.). It is not a 'test' ; there is not the 'right' answer. It is just to get an idea about how much distress you are experiencing and how much this is affecting your life. So just answer what feels true to your experience. It is for your benefit. I hope that helps. Let me know. Good luck!

[MothFir]

I will also not say, "Don't worry," because I know that worry is not something we can turn on or off -- but try not to let it dictate your actions. Accept that you'll be anxious but go ahead and get an assessment. They will just be trying to learn more about what you're experiencing so you can receive the best treatment. If you have been struggling with OCD-type anxiety, you are totally doing the right thing to get help for it. Letting it go undiagnosed and untreated is much harder in the long run. Best wishes on feeling better soon!

(Also, I'll just add that I find it really helpful to talk to someone about my OCD. It might be a bit awkward at first, but there's tremendous relief in knowing that someone else understands what you're going through and has tools to help you deal with it.)