I Think I Have OCD: What Should I Do Next? A Guide to Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Have you ever had intrusive thoughts that continue to come back despite all efforts to keep them away? Do you find yourself compelled to engage in behavior, or need to check something, or look for reassurance because you are anxious about something? If any of these situations affect your life on a regular basis, then you may be thinking, "I think I have OCD. What should I do?"

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is an illness of the mind that consists of repeated unwanted thoughts, compulsions, urges, or images, and behaviors or mental acts.

The great thing is that there are ways to treat OCD. Understanding the symptoms and seeking help from a professional will allow you to take the next step toward addressing OCD.

What Is OCD?

The meaning of OCD is obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are two types of signs involved in OCD: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions refer to unwanted and intrusive thoughts, fears, urges, and mental images. Such thoughts may lead to anxiety or uneasiness. They involve worrying about the danger of being contaminated, making a grave mistake, hurting people, lack of control, and failure to do things in a perfect way.

Compulsions refer to rituals and behaviors that are repetitive. The sufferer feels a strong urge to engage in such activities. It includes washing hands continuously, checking the locks again, repeating phrases in one's mind, counting objects, and asking for reassurance from other people.

Common OCD Symptoms to Watch For

People with OCD have a range of symptoms. The symptoms don't necessarily involve any noticeable actions. Some individuals have mostly internalized compulsions that other people cannot notice.

Common Obsessions

You might have consistent fears or intrusive thoughts about contamination, sickness, danger, perfectionism, morality, relationships, religion, sexual behavior, or a loss of control. The fear itself might be terrifying or inappropriate, even if you try not to have them.

An intrusive thought doesn't necessarily mean that someone has OCD. Many individuals sometimes have intrusions. OCD is more problematic when the individual experiences them frequently, and it's distressing.

Common Compulsions

Some of the types of compulsions include over-cleaning, repeated checking, counting, arranging, re-doing tasks, seeking reassurance, researching fears on the Internet, and avoiding triggers for anxiety.

Mental compulsions can also happen. This includes going over conversations in your head, repeating words, analyzing memories, testing emotions, or questioning if something happened.

I Think I Have OCD—Does That Mean I Have OCD?

No, it isn't necessary. Being familiar with symptoms or feeling similar to them is not enough to diagnose this condition.

There are many anxiety and other psychological disorders, which might include such symptoms as intrusive thoughts, compulsive behavior, worries, or avoiding certain situations. You should ask a qualified mental health practitioner to evaluate your case and other possibilities.

Try not to self-diagnose yourself using an internet test or social media post. Use these insights to talk to a professional.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have OCD?

1. Consult a Mental Health Professional

The next practical thing to do would be to set an appointment with an appropriate mental health practitioner, who can conduct an evaluation. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other suitable healthcare provider.

2. Document Your Symptoms

It is recommended to create a symptom journal that would assist you in identifying patterns in your condition. You should document your triggers, thoughts, impulses, and the duration of time spent on rituals or intrusive thinking.

3. Look for OCD-Knowledgeable Professionals

To treat OCD, it may require certain expertise. While looking for a professional to consult, ask if he/she has experience in treating OCD and utilizes evidence-based techniques such as ERP.

How Is OCD Diagnosed?

Currently, there is no lab test or imaging study to diagnose OCD. A complete clinical assessment is required to diagnose OCD.

A mental health expert may question you about the nature of your obsessions and compulsions, avoidance, emotions, and the impact of the symptoms on your day-to-day functioning. Your provider may even look at your past medical and psychological history.

This assessment will enable your provider to differentiate OCD from other conditions that may give rise to symptoms like yours.

Contact us

If you suspect that you suffer from OCD or have intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior, get in touch with Minds That Matter right away to know more about your condition and the possible treatment plans for you. With the help of our experienced professionals, you will be able to understand your condition and its causes.

OCD Treatment Options

After being diagnosed correctly, your healthcare provider can then explain treatment options to you. OCD can be treated through psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a particular type of CBT that is used to treat OCD. In ERP, you will slowly come across situations, thoughts, or stimuli that cause you fear while teaching yourself how not to react the same way.

The procedure will normally take time and will be done by a trained professional. ERP can teach you to react differently to fears rather than performing compulsions. (International OCD Foundation)

OCD Medication

Medication may be used to treat your OCD as well. SSRI antidepressants are usually prescribed for OCD patients as first-line medications. Clomipramine may also be considered as another option. (International OCD Foundation)

The psychiatrist will consider all your symptoms, medical background, medications, possible side effects, and treatment goals before prescribing you any medication. Please note that you should never start/stop/change psychiatric medications on your own!

What You Can Do While Waiting for an Appointment

In case you think you may have OCD, do not beat yourself up over your intrusive thoughts; they do not say anything about you or your intentions.

Furthermore, you can educate yourself on OCD through trusted mental health sources and prepare some notes for the appointment. Finally, try to make sure that searching the internet constantly about OCD is not one more reassurance compulsive ritual.

In case OCD interferes too much with your job, social life, sleep, or regular obligations, consider seeking help.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Think about professional evaluation if you have difficulty managing intrusive thoughts or repetitive behavior that takes up considerable amounts of your time and causes serious distress.

You don’t necessarily have to wait for symptoms to become extreme to reach out for help. Professional support will allow you to figure out what is going on and choose the right treatment option.

In case you ever find yourself unable to stay safe, seek urgent help from your local emergency or crisis services.

How Minds That Matter Can Help

At Minds That Matter, mental illnesses must be considered with empathy, professionalism, and personalized attention. Should you be experiencing some of the symptoms of OCD, seeking out an initial assessment will allow you to better understand your symptoms and consider potential treatments for your condition.

There is no need to face constant intrusions or compulsions on your own. Assistance from professionals may enable you to develop more positive coping mechanisms.

Final Thoughts

In case you feel like you might have OCD, taking the first step in seeking professional assistance will allow you to know what is happening to you and help you find the proper course of action.

Living with OCD is not easy, but with the help of proper treatment, you can learn how to deal with the unwanted thoughts and obsessive behaviors that come with this disorder.

Minds That Matter provides professional and caring mental health services that can help you continue on the right path.

You don’t have to struggle with perplexing thoughts or repeated actions by yourself.

FAQs

1. How do I know whether I have OCD?

If you experience persistent intrusive thoughts, compulsions, mental rituals, avoidant behavior, and severe anxiety, you could have OCD. However, a professional should make a diagnosis of OCD.

2. Is it possible for OCD to disappear spontaneously?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder might become a chronic condition with shifting symptoms. Professional treatment can reduce symptoms and enhance one’s daily activities. (NIMH)

3. What is the best OCD treatment method?

ERP treatment is one of the most effective forms of therapy for OCD. Medications such as SSRIs could also work in some cases. ERP combined with medications might prove helpful. (IOCDF)

4. Is it possible to have OCD without compulsions?

Mental compulsions may be present in OCD. These could include mental review of incidents, checking for assurance, repetition of phrases, analysis of thoughts, and other types of mental activities.

5. Are intrusive thoughts a sign of OCD?

It is possible to experience intrusive thoughts even without OCD. These become a matter of concern when they are repetitive, upsetting, hard to control, and associated with compulsions or impairment.