r/ADHD • u/Sleeping_Koala783 • 5h ago

Went in for an ADHD diagnosis, but was diagnosed with OCD instead Questions/Advice

So, I went to a psychiatrist hoping to get diagnosed with ADHD. I listed all my symptoms, like trouble focusing, feeling unmotivated, difficulty starting tasks, and other common signs I've had over years. They also asked about my childhood and things like losing items, being disruptive, and other behaviors.

They also asked about my thoughts, and I mentioned having intrusive thoughts. As the questions continued, I ended up talking about my aversion to being touched, sensitivity to noise, a need for my things to be in order, and how I often find it hard to wrap up things, obsessing over smaller details. After this, they diagnosed me with OCD, saying it’s the OCD that’s making it hard for me to focus.

Now I’m confused and not sure what to do. I’m trying to process everything and figure out how to move forward. I guess I am seeking advice from anyone who has experienced something similar.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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8

u/Hour-Bandicoot-819 5h ago

I'd consider getting a second opinion. There can certainly be some overlap between the two diagnoses but there are distinguishing factors that if thoroughly/properly assessed should make it clear which diagnosis is more appropriate. (I'm a psychotherapist btw) If this was a psychiatrist who diagnosed you, I'd recommend going to see a clinical psychologist for a full assessment instead, if that's accessible to you.

5

u/lethargicbunny ADHD 5h ago

Well is the OCD treatment/therapy working?

3

u/SheepherderOnly1521 5h ago

I have ADHD and OCD. Get a second opinion if you feel like something is off. However, you did describe some symptoms of OCD.

2

u/Brazadian_Gryffindor 5h ago

I have both and was diagnosed with OCD first.

-1

u/mandirocks ADHD-C (Combined type) 5h ago

Get a second opinion because that sounds wonky. Unless not being touched or things being in order helps calm the intrusive thoughts, I'm really confused because you need a compulsion per the DSM V criteria to be diagnosed with OCD. One of my biggest pet peeves is that I have OCD (compulsive checking) and am also a highly organized and orderly person or I have really bad anxiety and people always assume the latter is OCD when it isn't. My therapist said it's from decades of masking my ADHD. I also don't like being hugged but that's childhood PTSD.