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    Managing OCD: Doctor Discussion Guide

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    This document provides information to help facilitate discussions with a doctor about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It defines common OCD-related terms and treatments. It also lists questions someone with OCD symptoms could ask their doctor to learn more about diagnosis, causes, treatment options, managing symptoms, and living with the condition. The questions cover evaluating symptoms, treatment approaches like medication and therapy, coping strategies, and getting support.

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    Managing OCD: Doctor Discussion Guide

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    This document provides information to help facilitate discussions with a doctor about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It defines common OCD-related terms and treatments. It also lists questions someone with OCD symptoms could ask their doctor to learn more about diagnosis, causes, treatment options, managing symptoms, and living with the condition. The questions cover evaluating symptoms, treatment approaches like medication and therapy, coping strategies, and getting support.

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    This document provides information to help facilitate discussions with a doctor about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It defines common OCD-related terms and treatments. It also lists questions someone with OCD symptoms could ask their doctor to learn more about diagnosis, causes, treatment options, managing symptoms, and living with the condition. The questions cover evaluating symptoms, treatment approaches like medication and therapy, coping strategies, and getting support.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    29 views3 pages

    Managing OCD: Doctor Discussion Guide

    Uploaded by

    dev
    This document provides information to help facilitate discussions with a doctor about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It defines common OCD-related terms and treatments. It also lists questions someone with OCD symptoms could ask their doctor to learn more about diagnosis, causes, treatment options, managing symptoms, and living with the condition. The questions cover evaluating symptoms, treatment approaches like medication and therapy, coping strategies, and getting support.

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    of 3

    DOCTOR DISCUSSION GUIDE

    Managing OCD
    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can range from mild to severe but by definition, it impacts
    an individual’s ability to function. Asking the right questions during your conversation will help you
    know what to expect and how to better navigate your condition. Familiarize yourself with these
    common terms before your appointment to help facilitate your discussion.

    Vocabulary to Know
    Your doctor might mention these common terms. Here’s what they mean.

    An OCD-related disorder that involves preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws


    Body dysmorphic disorder in physical appearance that leads to repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response
    to the apparent concerns.

    Diagnostic and Statistical The handbook that classifies mental disorders that are diagnosed by physicians and
    Manual of Mental Disorders mental health professionals.

    Excoriation (skin-picking) An OCD-related disorder that involves recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions.
    disorder

    Cognitive behavioral therapy A type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be helpful in treating OCD. It
    (CBT) focuses on helping clients modify dysfunctional thinking and behavior.

    Compulsions Doing something over and over again, often as a way to deal with obsessions.

    A type of therapy that is used to help people confront their fears and break a pattern
    Exposure therapy of avoidance. The exposure to a feared object or situation takes place in a safe
    environment.

    Treatment used in some OCD-related disorders, such as skin picking or hair pulling.
    Habit reversal therapy It increases an individual’s awareness that they are engaging in a repetitive behavior
    that has become ingrained.

    An OCD-related disorder that involves persistent difficulty discarding or parting with


    Hoarding disorder possessions because of strong urges to save items. Accumulation of items makes
    the space unusable for the intended purpose.

    Obsessions Unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, and sensations.

    Selective serotonin reuptake A common type of antidepressant medication. They increase levels of serotonin in
    inhibiters (SSRI) the brain.

    An OCD-related disorder that involves recurrent pulling of hair from any part of the
    Trichotillomania
    body that results in hair loss.

    Learn more at www.verywellmind.com Page 1


    Questions to Ask
    These questions will help you start a conversation with
    your doctor about how to best manage OCD.

    About Symptoms

    q I have symptoms that sound like I might have OCD.


    How can I get evaluated?

    q Is my behavior normal? Is it unusual to have these


    types of thoughts?

    q Are the rituals I perform a symptom of OCD?

    q How do you know when someone’s behavior


    becomes a problem?

    About Causes & Risk Factors

    q What’s going on in my brain that causes this?

    q Is OCD hereditary?

    q What are the risk factors for OCD?

    q Could my symptoms be caused by something


    traumatic that happened to me?

    q Could I have a physical health problem or another


    mental health condition that is causing my OCD?

    About Diagnosis

    q How is OCD diagnosed?

    q Could I have had symptoms of OCD for a long time


    without knowing it?

    q What’s the difference between OCD and anxiety?

    About Treatment

    q What’s the best treatment for OCD?

    q Could medication help me?

    q Should I see a therapist? If so, what kind?

    q Do I need to a see a specialist, like a psychiatrist?

    q How long does treatment take?

    q What kind of results can I expect to see?

    Learn more at www.verywellmind.com Page 2


    About Coping and Living With

    q Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?

    q Could my diet affect my symptoms?

    q Does stress make OCD worse?

    q Does sleep affect my symptoms?

    q Does exercise help OCD?

    q Are there support groups for people with OCD?

    q Will my OCD ever go away for good?

    q Should I tell my employer I have OCD?

    q How should I explain my rituals and behaviors to other


    people?

    q How can my family best support me?

    Learn more at www.verywellmind.com Page 3

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