Is OCD hard to diagnose; will a psychiatrist recognize it?

[AC75]

Hello,

I'm quite sure that I have OCD - fear of germs, issues with numbers, "just right" and perfection, checking, and intrusive thoughts - but I've started to worry that a psychiatrist might not believe me or may not see my symptoms as that of OCD. I have a lot of anxiety, both generally and socially, and I've had some major depressive periods in the past as well.

So my question is, is OCD the sort of condition that any decent psychiatrist can pick up on and diagnose? I have been referred to a psychiatrist but at the last minute have been switched to a new one since the first is no longer taking new patients. This has caused some panic since I know nothing of the new doctor, and the first came with very high praise.

[Zaelaura]

Take a breath lol

First, its still a psychiatrist. They still make their money and support themselves by helping people. You will be in good hands.

Second, OCD is a very prominent disorder and you would be hard pressed to find a psychiatrist who cannot recognize which symptoms are and are not representative of OCD - all you have to do is be honest and detailed about your symptoms.

Finally, you seem a little uptight about having to be diagnosed with OCD specifically. While those symptoms are certainly within the OCD spectrum, they are also within GAD and other anxiety disorders depending on the nature of the symptoms and how you respond to them. Let the doctor do their job and diagnose you based on their expertise rather than your personal opinion.

[AC75]

Yes, it is true that symptoms overlap. I'm aware of this and understand that it could apply here since I've had anxiety issues for many many years. Having said that though, nothing has come close to matching my symptoms as well as OCD. The symptoms that I experience that could be the product of of GAD or social anxiety come and go over time. While the symptoms that are most troubling and do not fade or change, are specifically those of OCD. It just fits. That's all. I've never heard of someone with GAD washing their hands 20-30 times a day.