Hello, ik would like to ask something about health ocd or anxiety. I understand the ocd part when there are no actual physical issues or issues that go away. But how to handle it if for example there actually is something visible is going on, like strang stool, bleeding between periods, a mole that is changing. Do you go to the doctor and after that consult go forward with ERP. Or do oy say, no this is my ocd or anxiety so I won't go to the doctor. Even though there is actual blood etc? Where is the line between; this is ocd I start with ERP or this is really a health issue I am going to the doctor. Really struggling with this theme. Have severe anxiety and ERP sounds amazing but I can't grasp how to handle it in case of an actual issue. Thank you so much!!

Health Concern OCD

Anonymous*

Date posted: 3y

Hey! Were you officially diagnosed with OCD? This could be also Illness anxiety disorder and it's more about jumping to extremes. In this case, I think it's more about CBT. If you always find something wrong and alarming, it's a pattern. If there are symptoms though, like bleeding, go check it. Just remember that's it's probably not the worst Case scenario

ocdpasje82

Date posted: 3y

Hi all, i think that is true. I have multiple things and to be sure and make the right plan i need to see t therapist. some things Will respond to erp and some things to cbt

Anonymous*

Date posted: 3y

ERP is a type of CBT actually. But yes, if you also have an anxiety disorder :) Wish you the best of luck!!

ocdpasje82

Date posted: 3y

Hi, thanks for replying:) not officially. I have mostly health anxiety and not typical ocd with washing hands etc. So maybe ERP is not right for me. What you said about worst case is totally true. That is how I think. But I am also checking a lot and asking for reassurance regarding health issues. So maybe it could be a mix of cbt and erp.

Lms526

Date posted: 3y

Don't get too hung up on theme. ERP works for all OCD themes. OCD is OCD, it doesn't matter what disguise it happens to be wearing. It is also very common for OCD themes to switch or to have multiple themes at once. Talk therapy does NOT work for OCD. Also, just because you haven't been officially diagnosed does NOT mean you don't have OCD. My OCD went untreated for 37 years because I had no idea that's what I was dealing with. It's also very common for people with OCD to get misdiagnosed

Anonymous*

Date posted: 3y

You didn't mention the reassurance seeking/checking a lot part, that's why I mentionned the anxiety part, although it happens in anxious disorders as well. I think you should definitely see a professional and get officially diagnosed, and sadly, anxiety disorders and depression can go hand in hand with OCD. I'm not unvalidating your self diagnosis in anyway, but you can have multiple disorders and need CBT for the anxiety part. And also, each person's OCD experience is different. Some people deal with multiple subtypes, other don't at all, so please don't worry about it changing or switching and get a professional to help you if you're in a position to do so. Good luck 🤍

Anonymous*

Date posted: 3y

Others* by officially diagnosed, again, I DO NOT mean that it's not OCD, but to know what you have exactly, OCD and GAD, or just anxiety that goes with OCD and get the best treatment plan for you

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