I worry way too much. Is that considered OCD?

Question:

I worry way too much about the littlest things. I worry about things like 24/7 all the time. And ive been like it since i could remember. It doesn't really bother me anymore, because I'm use to it now. Ive learned how to deal with it. But is it considered OCD or is there another diagnosis for problems like this? Thanks.

Answers:
Dear Jim,

OCD has a list of very specific symptoms, primarily having to do with counting or cleaning rituals. From what you describe, you do not have OCD.

What you may have, however, is GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder and possibly depression. Talk to your physician who can give you a BAI or BDI (Becks Anxiety Index; Becks Depression Index) which is a short written quiz that can help identify these issues.

You don't have to get used to it and live with it forever, talk theraphy, behavioral therapy and/or medication (short or long term) can alleviate many of the symptoms and give you a freedom and happiness without 'settling'

Good luck!

I think the world is way to obsessed with being diagnosed with a disorder. Don't worry about what it's called, or if you have a disorder. Just deal with it. Is it impeading your life? Are you suffering? Don't assume you're in the same league as real people with hardships like OCD. Move on and don't believe your doctor when he tells you you're depressed. Explore yourself and find out how you personally can overcome the personality challenges you have.

OCD does not come into play until these obsessions are causing compulsions that interrupt your daily life. Do you have any compulsions or just obsessions? It sounds to me like you are just stressed out.

It sounds more like anxiety.

General anxiety is a symptom of a lot of disorders, from General Anxiety Disorder, to Bi-Polar Disoder. It doesn't really matter what it is right now. What matters is that you've identified that it is negatively impacting your life and that you would like some help dealing with it.

I'd recommend seeing a mental health professional to discuss this further. If you ask the general public like this you're more likely to get incorrect suggestions based on the responders own experience rather than a diagnosis tailored to fit your current mental state.

There is a variety of treatments for constant anxiety, from medication to talk therapy. No matter what you and your healthcare provider decide on addressing the issue instead of just living with it in a huge step in giving yourself more control over your life.

I worry way too much. Is that considered OCD?

Health Resources