Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric anxiety disorder that is not easily diagnosed for a number of reasons. First, it is hard to find the line that separates an obsessive thought from a normal recurrent thought. How do you know if your fear has developed into an obsession?
Second, it is even harder to decide whether an action is just a bad habit or a compulsive response. How do you know that your friend’s regular hand washing is actually a compulsive action? How do you know that your mother’s meticulous way of arranging all the books in the shelf by the date of publication or the author’s birthday is not just an absurd way of dealing with boredom but with an obsessive thought?
Lastly, even when a person is sure he or she is suffering from OCD, it is very difficult for them to accept it as with all the other psychiatric disorders. Patients are worried about what other people with think of them. They are afraid of being called “crazy” or “weirdo.” This is why some people keep their OCD secret even from their family and friends.
If you think that you or someone close to you is having obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, it is best to consult your doctor. He can refer a psychiatrist or a psychologist who will make sure you get a proper diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. It is important that you tell the truth when in consulatation with your psychiatrist. He will ask you the following questions:
Do the symptoms cause considerable distress and anxiety?
Are the symptoms present on most days for more than two weeks?
Do the symptoms take up at least an hour of your day?
Do your obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions interfere with your work, social activities, and personal relationships significantly?
Do you recognize that your obsessions and compulsions are excessive and unreasonable?
Your own description of your behavior and thoughts is most likely to be the primary basis of the diagnosis. To rule out physical causes, a physical exam will be performed. A psychiatric evaluation will also be given to you to rule out other possible psychiatric disorders.