How Are Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Diagnosed?

Getting a diagnosis for a condition on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum can be very helpful. A Doctor or mental health specialist will aim to make a diagnosis based on a meeting and subsequent assessment.

Both will involve the patient being asked a series of questions about their symptoms. Sometimes, medical tests may be carried out to rule out other causes for the displayed symptoms.

What is the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum: The Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum consists of a range of conditions that share the hallmark of obsessive and compulsive behaviours. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, doubt, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person then carries out to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. There are many conditions that fall into this category – with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) the most well-known.

Background

There are a few different types of Obsessive-Compulsive spectrum disorders. While there are some similarities, the symptoms of each condition on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum do vary slightly.

A Doctor will ask the patient many questions about their symptoms – such as the impact they have on an individual’s life, when they started, possible causes, and if any family history of mental health conditions exist.

The Doctor may refer the individual to a specialist for treatment, if the symptoms necessitate this. Normally, they are able to make a diagnosis without this step.

By getting a full picture of how the condition affects an individual, a Doctor can tailor a treatment plan to fit the specific symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria

In terms of the actual criterion that needs to be satisfied, these differ between the various conditions on the spectrum. The criteria will mainly involve:

• Evidence of repetitive obsessions
  • The individual then carries out a related compulsion
  • If this doesn’t happen, the individual experiences emotional distress
• The individual will have attempted to ignore their obsessions
• The symptoms impact an individual’s day-to-day life
• The symptoms cannot be attributed to substance abuse
• The symptoms aren’t better explained by a different mental health condition

As mentioned, the criteria will vary based on the exact characteristics of the condition. For instance, for someone with the Obsessive-Compulsive spectrum disorder Excoriation Disorder, the obsessions and compulsions will be limited to skin-picking.

Sometimes, a different diagnosis will be made. For example, there is a significant overlap between obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and Anxiety disorders.

Summary

It is important for an individual who experiences frequent obsessions and compulsions to seek help. Treatment is available, and should provide an individual with the tools and resources needed to facilitate recovery.

These disorders will rarely go away on their own, and therefore treatment is crucial. Improving quality of life is vital!

See Also

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
5. How are Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders