Do you mean that you were diagnosed with OCD but you donβt think you have it?
I was like, recognized as "probably having OCD" but it seemed really informal and quick
@Anonim0us Oh ok I see. I would suggest that you do your own research and compare OCD symptoms to your own. (It was pretty easy for me to see that I had OCD after doing that.) You can also ask the person that gave you the diagnosis to do a more formal/detailed evaluation or get a second opinion from someone else. You should also make sure that the person diagnosing you has knowledge about OCD.
@anonymous caterpillar π That's not really doable for a couple years(?) I did research OCD but it doesn't answer much since OCD traits are universal (the line being severity and such)
@Anonim0us I would say then that if whatever symptoms you have donβt really bother you or interfear with your life in any way then itβs probably either not OCD or only a tendency. You should probably watch it if itβs a tendency though, to make sure that it doesnβt turn into actual OCD, because itβs much easier to stop it at the beginning.
Is misdiagnosis a real issue?
Wdym? I'm pretty sure. You can get diagnosed with OCD but actually have Autism or something without OCD (although a person can have both)
@Anonim0us You need to back up claims like this with sources. Having been misdiagnosed is a MASSIVE fear for a lot of people with ocd- donβt exacerbate it.
@lennygirl I don't see how citing sources would lessen that fear, but anyway (a) avoidance largely unhealthy for OCD and (b) I put a tw
Also, if you have suspicions as to what else you might have besides OCD, you should do research on that and make sure the person diagnosing you knows about that other condition too.
The alternative explanation is OCD traits but not severe enough to be OCD (just normal but maybe stubborn or inquisitive)
@Anonim0us I donβt think that being stubborn or inquisitive are symptoms or signs of OCD.
@anonymous caterpillar π I meant like... if I was less inquisitive or stubborn I could let go of the thoughts/rumination
@Anonim0us I think a lot of people with OCD are like that, and have that type of personality, but I think itβs the OCD cycle that needs to be broken and you donβt have to change those traits to do that. I think those traits can just make it easier for a person to develop OCD.
@anonymous caterpillar π Thanks for your help
I think you should see an experienced psychiatrist whose opinion you would trust (if it's easy in your country, maybe a professor. It's easy where I live, one has to wait a couple of weeks longer) and not try to self diagnose based on comparison tables. It's very hard to self assess the severity and the rational/irrational part when you're the patient. Even doctors find it sometimes difficult to diagnose and take their time, and it's possible to be diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses and disorders. The thing with some OCD subtypes is that it's pretty clear it's most probably OCD, when the fear OR the behavior to get rid of the fear are irrational in nature. How does OCD manifest itself in your daily life? Are your subtypes more of the "magical" type and less about "real life" concerns? Are you dealing with multiple ones? OCD has various severities. Even if it's not full blown, it can still be OCD. It can be OCD and something else. No judgement here, I'm still struggling with my diagnosis and waiting to see a new psychiatrist, because I've been diagnosed with both OCD and GAD separetely, in my case, it appeared after a trauma and the subtype is directly linked to it, and I just avoid (which is also a type of compulsion but also present in phobias).
Unlikely to see a pro in the foreseeable future, but it's mostly real life concerns imo
@Anonim0us I see...hope you'll manage at some point. Can you give an example of a thought and the behavior that follows if there is one? And are the thoughts/behaviors distressing to you or more of a routine/need?
@Anonymous* A lot of "is this a sin" stuff, I mean it's distressing sometimes I just don't know if significant and irrational enough
@Anonim0us Would you be confortable giving an example of one thing you would wonder if it's a sin or not? Are you new to the religion you practice? Is religion your only theme/subtype? Do you accomplish certain behaviors to get rid of this questioning: googling, asking multiple people around you, looking in religious books or texts systematically? I don't know your level of religiosity/your personality type/history, if one is really anxious or unsure of themselves (pressure to be pefect, low self esteem, past abuse/trauma where one's was infantilized), one could wonder from time to time if they're really doing everything right, but I would imagine in this case, it would be a passing thought about specific actions, and in this case, asking a qualified religious person/looking on religious sites would follow, but if it's constant questioning, sounds a lot like OCD.
@Anonymous* I did speak with a priest, actually. Like I said, it was brief so my only concern is really whether it's clinically bad
@Anonim0us I see. If you were new to the religion or trying to reconnect with it, questioning whether something is a sin or not is very normal at the beginning. From what you're writing/answering and your comments above, it seems like you don't agree with the diagnosis and even though it's a symptom of OCD, people can make mistakes diagnosing, and it's your right to question it. That's why the best option would be seeing a therapist, and if you can, the best would be someone from your religion, but you mentioned it's impossible for now. If talking to the priest that one time helped you, and you got over the questioning and anxiety, then you don't have to worry I guess. My only advice is to try and be honest with yourself about the level of distress it brings you and how constant it is. Good luck π
@Anonymous* Thank you