How Is OCD Diagnosed?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessive thoughts, and repetitive behaviours called compulsive behaviours. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's daily life and cause significant distress. 

Understanding how OCD is diagnosed is crucial for those who may be experiencing symptoms and are seeking appropriate treatment. This article delves into the process of diagnosing OCD, the symptoms to look out for, and the treatments available.

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that affects people of all ages, including young adults and those in early adulthood. It involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions:

• Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, mental images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings.
• Compulsions: Behaviours or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules.

These obsessions and compulsions are often time consuming and can interfere with a person's daily life.

Common Obsessions and Compulsions

Common obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination by germs or dirt.
• Excessive concern with order, symmetry, or exactness.
• Intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others.

Compulsive behaviours may involve:

• Excessive hand washing or excessive cleaning.
• Compulsive counting or repeating words silently.
• Checking doors, locks, or appliances repeatedly.

Recognising OCD Symptoms

Identifying Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms is the first step towards getting help. Symptoms can vary but generally include both obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessive Thoughts

• Persistent intrusive thoughts that are unwanted thoughts.
• Excessive concern with moral ideas or religious beliefs.
• Fear of losing control and harming oneself or others.

Compulsive Behaviours

• Performing repetitive behaviors or rituals, such as checking, counting, or washing.
• Engaging in actions to prevent a feared event or situation, even when these actions are completely unrelated to the event.
• Feeling compelled to perform tasks in a certain way to prevent harm.

These obsessive compulsive symptoms can worsen over time and may become more severe without treatment.

Identifying Compulsive Behaviors

Compulsive behaviours are repetitive actions that a person feels driven to perform. They are often carried out to reduce anxiety or prevent a dreaded event or situation.

Examples of Compulsive Behaviours

• Excessive hand washing to remove germs.
• Arranging items in a precise manner.
• Repeating phrases or prayers silently.
• Hoarding items that are no longer needed.

These behaviours are often time consuming and can interfere with social activities, work, or school.

The Process of Diagnosing OCD

So, how is OCD diagnosed? Diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who has experience with mental health disorders.

Steps in Diagnosing OCD

1. Clinical Assessment: The professional will conduct a thorough interview to understand the individual's symptoms, duration, and how they affect daily life.
2. Diagnostic Criteria: Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, the professional will check if the symptoms meet the criteria for OCD.
3. Rule Out Other Conditions: It's important to distinguish OCD from other mental health conditions, such as:
   • Anxiety disorders
   • Depression or mental illness
   • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
   • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
   • Hoarding Disorder
   • Substance abuse
4. Physical Examination: In some cases, a physical exam may be conducted to rule out other medical conditions.

Diagnostic Criteria for OCD

To be OCD diagnosed, the following criteria must be met:

• Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
• The obsessions or compulsions are time consuming (take more than one hour per day) or cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas.
• The symptoms are not due to the effects of a substance or another medical condition.
• The disturbance is not better explained by symptoms of another mental disorder.

Treatment Options for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD

Once obsessive compulsive disorder OCD is diagnosed, several treatment options are available to help manage and reduce symptoms.

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy: A form of CBT where individuals are gradually exposed to their trigger obsessions and learn to resist performing the compulsive rituals.

Medication

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Medications that can help reduce OCD symptoms by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
• Other medications may be prescribed to treat depression or other co-occurring conditions.

Advanced Treatments

• Deep Brain Stimulation: A surgical procedure used in severe cases of OCD where other treatments have failed, aiming to stimulate nerve cells in specific brain areas.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells to improve symptoms.

Support and Coping Strategies

• Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide comfort and advice from others experiencing similar challenges.
• Family Members: Involving family members in therapy can help improve understanding and support.
• Healthy Diet and regular exercise can improve overall mental health.
• Coping strategies like stress management techniques can assist in managing OCD symptoms.

Importance of Early Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as symptoms can become more severe over time. Without treatment, OCD can lead to other mental disorders or impact relationships, work, and quality of life.

Related Disorders and Co-occurring Conditions

It's not uncommon for individuals with OCD to experience other related disorders or mental health conditions.

Other Mental Health Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders: Such as generalised anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest.
• Substance Abuse: Some may turn to substances to cope with their symptoms.

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders

In children, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) can lead to sudden onset of OCD symptoms.

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

While it shares a similar name, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder is a different condition characterised by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.

Key Takeaway

Understanding how is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosed is a vital step towards seeking help and improving one's quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing OCD symptoms, it's important to consult a mental health professional. With the right treatment plan, including therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and possibly medication, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.