What are the Benefits of an OCD diagnosis

[OCDaisy]

I am fairly sure I have OCD, and have done from a very young age. I currently take SSRI's for depression/anxiety and have benefited from CBT in the past.

Obsessions and compulsions remain part of my life, albeit in peaks and troughs depending on stress levels.

I am keen to refer myself for an assessment with the belief I will gain a formal diagnosis. I'm unsure why I want this. Maybe to help understand why I am the way I am.

What are the benefits, if any, of having a formal diagnosis?

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Id say the main benefit is being able to access the right kind of help. The benefit of diagnosis totally depends on the person receiving it. For some people it could be really not helpful at all. For myself I know that a mental health diagnosis has helped me to be kinder to myself and not to blame myself for my difficulties so much.

Reasonable adjustments at work, access to therapy or workshops to treat it, might have access to a wider range of medications.