Can a GP diagnose OCD?

Original post by Dhjctiv

I think for more specialist diagnoses, they tend to just say "seems suggestive of [insert disorder]" - I don't know if they're expressly not allowed to diagnose it though. You're well within your rights to ask if they have diagnosed you officially or not.

Reply 2

Kerzen

Original post by Dhjctiv

I think that most GPs would refer the patient to local mental health services for a specialist appraisal before saying for certain that this was the diagnosis.

https://www.ocduk.org/overcoming-ocd/accessing-ocd-treatment/accessing-ocd-treatment-through-the-nhs/

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 3

Original post by Pathway

If a mental health service says, "indicates anxiety" or rather "indicates OCD", does this count as an official diagnosis. Sorry if you don't know.

Reply 4

Original post by Dhjctiv

If a mental health service says, "indicates anxiety" or rather "indicates OCD", does this count as an official diagnosis. Sorry if you don't know.

For certain MH diagnoses, they may call it a working diagnosis, but this typically isn't used in the context of OCD. For OCD the specialist (psychiatrist) can just diagnose it as such, based on an assessment. I'd personally say "indicates OCD" would mean they've officially diagnosed you, particularly as it's come from a MHS, but for your own peace of mind it's worth asking for clarification. If you have a Care Plan from a CMHT that lists your diagnoses that's another way of checking (it's how I keep up to date with my MH diagnoses).

Reply 5

Original post by Dhjctiv

If a mental health service says, "indicates anxiety" or rather "indicates OCD", does this count as an official diagnosis. Sorry if you don't know.

What indicates anxiety/OCD? More context needed.

Reply 6

Original post by Anonymous

What indicates anxiety/OCD? More context needed.

I had 21 sessions of CBT and at the end, the service provider sent my doctor (or whoever) a letter, saying that my time in therapy indicated that I had anxiety. I was wondering if them 'indicating' is them diagnosing me.

Reply 7

Original post by Dhjctiv

pretty much, yeah

Reply 8

Original post by Anonymous

pretty much, yeah

Right, ok. Have you any experience on either end of this field?

Reply 9

Original post by Dhjctiv

Right, ok. Have you any experience on either end of this field?

yes

Reply 10

Original post by Anonymous

yes

On which end? If you were diagnosed, how did you find out?

Reply 11

Original post by Dhjctiv

On which end? If you were diagnosed, how did you find out?

Both. Was told my diagnosis - or rather I said I think I have X and Y and they agreed.

Reply 12

Original post by Anonymous

Both. Was told my diagnosis - or rather I said I think I have X and Y and they agreed.

Were you told of your diagnosis directly (ie did you receive a letter or phone call etc...)?

When you said X and Y agreed, after you told them about your issues, who were X and Y?

Sorry for asking so many questions. Its just that my career choice after college rests entirely upon whether or not I've been officially diagnosed.

Reply 13

Original post by Dhjctiv

The only way of knowing for you as an individual is if you ask your GP. What's your career choice? Most careers are relatively OK with MH issues.

Reply 14

Original post by Dhjctiv

1) No, I did not receive any letters (have never had this happen with any diagnosis I've been given, it's always just been a doctor telling me; they would have sent a letter to my GP though)
2) X and Y were the diagnoses I thought I had (don't want to name them as it's not relevant); my GP and mental health team agreed

Reply 15

Original post by Anonymous

I see. Thank you for your help mate. You've been a great help.

Reply 16

Original post by Pathway

The only way of knowing for you as an individual is if you ask your GP. What's your career choice? Most careers are relatively OK with MH issues.

I want to join the army. OCD will permanently disqualify me from joining. I have a phone call on Friday. Its a medical triage I think. I'm trying to arrange an appointment with a doctor, albeit its difficult on account of the pandemic.

Reply 17