Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

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.
posted on Mon, 24 Jan 2011
Twitter Tue, 25 Jan 2011 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 25 Jan 2011 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
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
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Anxiety


Loading Online Doctors....
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