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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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I Have Tenancies Of Depression And Anxiety. Do I Have OCD?

Hi, I m 17 now, and after so long I just want to ask someone if I might have OCD . I tend to do things like tap my nose, only use one mug; I literally think about things repeatedly until there s no more to think about; I m always checking if my cat is still breathing; I cannot breath if someone sneezes; I am very particular about my hands, and so on. Maybe this is OCD, or something else, I ve never asked. I have tendancies of depression and anxiety also.
Tue, 25 Jan 2011
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

You do describe traits which are obsessive in nature.

But to be diagnosed as having the disorder/label called OCD there are certain criteria. so, you will need a psychiatrist.

But even before that, think of this.......everyone has lot of things that we psychiatrists may call "traits" i.e traces of some symptoms..... believe me, almost everyone does.

But the main criteria for seeking help is if it is distressing/hurting you, if it is disturbing you a lot or to such an extent that your family/social/personal/work/student/other occupational life is affected or you are at a risk to self or others.

If these are present then do consult a psychiatrist. Most of the time, at your age, you can be helped by talking therapies preferably (CBT etc) rather than medicines but medicines will also help (under a doctor's guidance please.)

Godo Luck
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I Have Tenancies Of Depression And Anxiety. Do I Have OCD?

Hi, You do describe traits which are obsessive in nature. But to be diagnosed as having the disorder/label called OCD there are certain criteria. so, you will need a psychiatrist. But even before that, think of this.......everyone has lot of things that we psychiatrists may call traits i.e traces of some symptoms..... believe me, almost everyone does. But the main criteria for seeking help is if it is distressing/hurting you, if it is disturbing you a lot or to such an extent that your family/social/personal/work/student/other occupational life is affected or you are at a risk to self or others. If these are present then do consult a psychiatrist. Most of the time, at your age, you can be helped by talking therapies preferably (CBT etc) rather than medicines but medicines will also help (under a doctor s guidance please.) Godo Luck