How to Deal with Existential OCD: A Diagnosis and Treatment Guide

Do you often worry about the meaning of life? Do you feel like you’re constantly questioning your existence? If so, you may be suffering from existential OCD. This is a type of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts about the meaning and purpose of life. If you are struggling with this condition, don’t worry – there is help available. In this blog post, we will discuss what is existential OCD diagnosis and treatment options for existential OCD.

What Is Existential OCD?

Existential OCD is a subtype of OCD in which a person is plagued by intrusive thoughts and fears related to the meaning and purpose of life. These obsessions can cause tremendous anxiety and distress, as they can lead the sufferer to question their very existence.

Existential OCD usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood. When individuals are grappling with questions about who they are and what they want to do with their lives. More often, this type of OCD is characterized by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder not otherwise specified (OCD-NOS).

It is important to note that Existential OCD is not the same as regular OCD, which is characterized by more traditional obsessions and compulsions. In this, people suffer from the existence of life. For example, they may be worried that they are not living the “right” life or that they are not doing enough with their lives. They may also have fears about death and what comes after death.

Existential OCD can be a very debilitating condition, as it can cause a person to doubt everything they believe in. And questions everything about their very existence. It is often misrelated with ‘Deep Thinker” as many people who suffer from this type of OCD are highly intelligent.

When To Get Existential OCD Diagnosis?

At a certain time, people with Existential OCD might find themselves struggling too much with their existence. They are in constant existential anxiety and their quality of life is significantly impaired. If you identify with these experiences, it might be time to get an Existential OCD diagnosis. Some of the signs and symptoms that can help you know when to get an existential OCD diagnosis are:

• if you preoccupy yourself with philosophical questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence on a daily basis.
• Obsessions around these topics can significantly interfere with your quality of life.
• If you are fixated on the idea that life is meaningless and there is no point to anything.
• You might also experience a lot of anxiety about making decisions. Because you feel like any choice you make could be wrong or have negative consequences.
• Making even small choices can feel overwhelming and impossible. You might avoid making decisions altogether out of fear of doing something wrong.
• If you frequently doubt your identity and wonder who you really are.
• You might feel like you are not good enough or that you do not deserve happiness.

These feelings are a red flag that Existential OCD might be present. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional for an Existential OCD diagnosis.

Receiving a proper diagnosis is the first step in getting treatment. It makes you feel better very soon. However, it can be difficult to deal or overcome with your situation without a diagnosis.

How To Get An Existential OCD Diagnosis?

Existential OCD diagnosis can be difficult to obtain. This is because Existential OCD is not currently recognized as an official diagnosis in the DSM-V (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). However, this does not mean that you cannot receive an Existential OCD diagnosis. Many mental health professionals are familiar with Existential OCD and can provide you with a diagnosis.

There are different ways to go about getting a diagnosis for Existential OCD. You can:

Talk to your regular doctor

Regular doctors are not always familiar with Existential OCD, but they can still provide you with a diagnosis. If you think you might have Existential OCD, talk to your regular doctor about your symptoms. They will likely refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. Moreover, they can provide you with medication to help relieve some of the symptoms in the meantime.

See a mental health professional

A mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, can help you figure it out clearly. Because they have expertise in mental health, they can provide you with an Existential OCD diagnosis. And also, they can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms. However, there are so many mental health professionals that make it difficult to find the right one. So, you can try Mantra Care to choose the right therapist with the help of counselors. Book your free consultation today to learn more.

Get a second opinion

If you’re not sure if you have Existential OCD, you can always get a second opinion from another mental health professional. As satisfaction rates with mental health professionals vary, getting a second opinion can give you more clarity and peace of mind. In fact, some people find that they get better results from a second opinion than from their first. Or they may find that the second opinion confirms their first diagnosis.

Do some research

If you want to learn more about Existential OCD, there are many resources available online. You can also read books or talk to people who have Existential OCD. Research is important because it can help you better understand your diagnosis and treatment options. It can also help you find a mental health professional that is familiar with Existential OCD.

Existential OCD is a real condition that can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. If you think you might have Existential OCD, then you must consider a diagnosis. With the right diagnosis, you can develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

What Are The Types Of Existential OCD Diagnosis?

Existential OCD diagnosis generally falls into one of three categories:

• Obsessions about death and dying
• Anxiety about the meaninglessness of life
• Fear of living an authentic life

These categories are not mutually exclusive, and many people with Existential OCD will experience obsessions from more than one category. However, most people tend to have a primary focus on their Existential OCD.

To diagnose a mental disorder, there is a process and steps of evaluation.

• The first step is to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. This is done through a physical examination and lab tests. If no medical cause can be found, the next step is followed.
• Then, it consists of a clinical interview with a mental health professional. The mental health professional will ask about the person’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The mental health professional will also ask about any alcohol or drug use, as well as any medical conditions present.

These two steps are primary to making a diagnosis. After which, a diagnosis is made by matching the symptoms and information to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

This existential OCD diagnosis can be difficult to do as it is not an easy thing to talk about. If you feel like you may have this, please reach out to a mental health professional for help.

What Are The Treatment Options After Existential OCD Diagnosis?

When you receive an Existential OCD diagnosis, you and your therapist will work together to develop a treatment plan. Treatment for Existential OCD usually includes therapy options along with medication.

ERP is the widely recommended therapy for OCD. So, it has also been found to be helpful for Existential OCD. In ERP, you and your therapist will work together to identify your triggers and then come up with a plan to face your fears. This can involve gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your Existential OCD.

Moreover, ERP is a part of CBT, which has also been found to be helpful for treating Existential OCD. CBT involves challenging your negative thoughts and beliefs about existence. This can help you learn to better cope with your fears and anxiety.

In addition to therapy, medication can also be prescribed in order to help manage the symptoms of Existential OCD. Medication is typically used in conjunction with therapy in order to provide the best possible treatment outcome. Some of these medications are usually, antidepressants and SSRIs.

If you are struggling with Existential OCD, know that you are not alone. This is a real and valid form of OCD that can be difficult to cope with. However, there are treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms. If you think you may be dealing with Existential OCD, reach out to a mental health professional for help today.

Conclusion

To conclude, existential OCD diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. However, it is important to realize that you are not alone in this battle. Many people suffer from this disorder, and there is help available. If you or someone you know is struggling with existential OCD, please reach out for assistance. There are many resources available to help you cope with this condition and live a fulfilling life. Thank you for reading!