What if you’re not sure if it’s OCD or something else? Should I still see an OCD specialist anyway or a regular psychologist?

@Jadedrops that’s is literally exactly how it starts, my groinal checking didn’t start until a year or two after pocd was triggered. At first it was just a lot of what ifs and googling and scaring myself and ultimately just avoiding children at all costs. This was how I got diagnosed: a lovely woman who wasn’t a psychiatrist, just a therapist or social worker of some kind, couldn’t get in to see a psych so they set me up with her, she asked “are you scared of going to like a kids birthday party or having kids over for a play date with your son” I’m like HELL YEAH, and bam! She’s like you have ocd. She didn’t specify the type but just with her diagnosis I was able to figure out that what I had was a mental disorder and go from there. It’s hard it’s really hard. I’m sorry you’re going through this. But yes, as some of these comments say, find someone who knows ocd really well, because some of them don’t and they will just make it all worse.

I’m not a psychologist either, but I know that not everyone with OCD deals with the same symptoms.

But then I start to think I’m a non offending pedophile who’s ashamed and I get scared and anxious all over again. Sometimes my brain makes me think that I’d be alright with being a pedophile. I know it sounds ridiculous but these thoughts feel so real and convincing.

It never hurts to see a psychiatrist and see if you can get a diagnosis

I am not a professional but what you described very much sounds like OCD. I would suggest you to see a therapist who can properly diagnose what you are experiencing. Keep in mind doubting whether or not you have OCD is a common obsession for people with OCD. Do you also engage in compulsions in response to the intrusive thoughts? (Compulsions can be not only physical ones, but also mental compulsions)

If you are able to, I would suggest you to see an OCD specialist as this sounds almost 100% what you are experiencing (I don’t want to diagnose you lol). They most likely will be better at recognizing what you’re dealing with and better able to assist than a regular therapist. Best of luck x

I’m not a psychologist but what seems to be the issue?

I’m dealing with a lot of worry and anxiety over the thought of me being or becoming a pedophile and it’s a daily struggle with intrusive thoughts and questioning my morals etc.

But I don’t experience other OCD symptoms like groinal sensations so it makes me unsure.

It sounds like you’re more afraid of the possibility of you being a pedophile rather than attracted to kids.

Try realizing in your mind that you aren’t attracted to kids and would never behave in such a way. By definition you will never have to worry about being a pedophile unless you commit the act. Which you never will. It’s actually a moot point and entirely in your control

Also remember a part of ocd can be worrying that you don’t actually have ocd

Also if what you are experiencing is OCD, I would have to entirely disagree with johnnyrancher’s post. When you have OCD, it is not as easy as simply realizing the intrusive thoughts are wrong. Typically OCD sufferer’s realize the irrationality of the thoughts, but that doesn’t make them feel any less real.

Yes, I tend to ruminate and analyze my thoughts. Sometimes I would avoid looking at children and then look back to see if I really am attracted to them. I still look up things like “a pedophile’s thought process” and things like that to compare myself to them.

Thank you so much! I’ll try and find one as soon as I can!

I would 100% see a psychologist or psychiatrist, probably a psychiatrist or a therapist who focuses on OCD. I actually found my diagnosis empowering. I can own it, and I am alone. Not everyone has the same symptoms. I don't even know what groinal sensations are and I am not looking it up. Meds, meditation, mindfulness and talk therapy have changed my life. Please see someone, it can be better than it is today. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but the work is worth it.

I meant to say not alone.

I have exactly the same thoughts as you, jadedrops, so I know how shitty is is. Constantly ruminating and checking. Currently seeing a psychologist and it definitly helps. Best of luck

This definitely sounds like OCD to me. I recommend everything that’s already been shared. You can do this! @torg what does your psychologist say?