Why OCD can be so hard to spot

It’s shockingly common for OCD to be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. On average, it takes nearly 13 years for people to receive the correct diagnosis once their OCD symptoms start. One way of combating this issue is through increased education about OCD and the many different ways it might show up. If people are more aware of what OCD can really look like, it increases their chances of recognizing and seeking help for their OCD symptoms early.

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It took me t...

Date posted: 21w

I first started displaying symptoms noticable by others in my late 20s/early 30s but didn't get help until now at 40. I was back and forth in denial about having OCD and a lot of times I thought, that's just me! Yet, I wasn't being completely honest with myself or others about how bad my symptoms were. I guess before then I had mostly mental complusions. Developing contamination and order/symmetry issues as an adult is what made it more noticeable. Another thing that made accepting my condition difficult and easy to dismiss was confusing it with my personality. A couple of years ago, my mother (one of several people close to me concerned that I had OCD) told me about OCPD (Yes, I know they are two different things). I'd always said, "that's just the way I am," in response to concerns about my stress. This time I responded nonchalantly saying, "Oh, that's probably what it is," then immediately began researching extensively when I got home! I often dismissed the idea of having OCD using specific symptoms I DIDN'T have but I couldn't be in denial about OCPD. I'd never heard of it before, but it seemed like the websites I found were writing specifically about me! I thought OMG, 'I'm like a textbook case!' I recall that I started behaving that way in my late teens, which is another sign. The only traits I don't seem to have are being overly rigid with money... and I can get rid of stuff once I've ruled out every possiblity of it being useful to me or anyone I know. Since I still had anxiety-driven symptoms and hallucinations that were not explained by OCPD, it opened a door for me to accept and better understand my problems. I came across NOCD this way. I'm still coming to terms with and accepting that I have a "disorder (OCD)," but with therapy I'm finding better ways to handle my triggers, my family is relieved, and I know I'm just getting started. It was intimidating at first, but I'm so glad to finally get help!!

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 20w

@It took me this long to get help because I don't like the word "disorder." Thank you so much for taking the time to share some of your story! You really not alone!

HOY

Date posted: 20w

I didnt realize I may have OCD until a month ago, I was experiencing symptoms for about 6 years or so, I thought OCD was about"tidyness" and organization. during those years until now I acted alot on compulsions

It took me t...

Date posted: 20w

@HOY Developing cleanliness and order/symmetry symptoms led to me finding out I had it. Before I had mostly mental compulsions. OCD is so misunderstood!

mackenzie closs

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 18w

I started to show signs of ocd when I was still a toddler. I would have these spirals about never seeing my parents again or something. But it wasn't until I was 28 that I got help. And it was only because someone at work saw me engaging in compulsions, she made me call a therapist at that very moment. It saved me

vincenzokeez

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 17w

15 years!!!!

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