Diagnosis of Obsessive compulsive disorder

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

OCD tends to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. A GP who diagnoses OCD will refer the individual to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating OCD.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) classifies OCD as an anxiety disorder since the recurrent obsessions and compulsions can be severe enough to be time-consuming, cause marked distress or significant impairment.

Diagnosis is based on the following:

Symptoms cause significant distress
Symptoms take up more than 1 hour a day
Symptoms significantly interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning
The person recognizes that his or her obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable or excessive.