What should I do if I think I have OCD?

If you think you may have symptoms of OCD, a visit to your family doctor is the best place to start. Your doctor will perform a careful exam to figure out whether your symptoms are due to this illness, another medical condition, or both.

Sometimes a person can feel awkward talking to a health care provider about OCD. They may blame themselves, think their condition is not serious, or feel embarrassed. Keep in mind that this illness can be treated. Be aware that all anxiety disorders are not treated the same.

If OCD is diagnosed, the next step your doctor may suggest is a visit with a mental health professional. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. It is best to look for a professional who has special training in cognitive-behavioral and/or behavioral therapy. Try to find someone who is open to the use of medications, should they be needed. Keep in mind that if you start taking medicine, it may not start working right away. You need to give your body a few weeks to get used to the medicine. Then, you and your doctor can decide if it's working. Once you find a mental health professional with whom you are comfortable, the two of you should work as a team and make a plan to treat your anxiety disorder together.

Remember that once you start on medication, it is important not to stop taking it abruptly. Certain drugs must be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor or bad reactions can occur. Make sure you talk to the doctor who prescribed your medication before you stop taking it. If you are having trouble with side effects, it's possible that they can be eliminated by adjusting how much medication you take and when you take it.

Most insurance plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), will cover treatment for anxiety disorders. Check with your insurance company and find out. If you don't have insurance, the Health and Human Services division of your county government may offer mental health care at a public mental health center that charges people according to how much they are able to pay. If you are on public assistance, you may be able to get care through your state Medicaid plan.

 

What can I do to help myself?

• Many people find it helps to join a support group because they can share their problems and successes with others who are going through the same thing.

• While it doesn't take the place of mental health care, talking with trusted friends or a member of your faith community can also be very helpful.

• Family members can play an important role in a person's treatment by offering support.

• Learning how to manage stress will help you to stay calm and focused.

• Aerobic exercise (like jogging, bicycling and swimming) may be helpful.

• Caffeine, alcohol, illegal drugs, and some over-the-counter cold medicines can worsen your symptoms. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines.