Test Your Knowledge

Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

1. What makes you suspect that I have OCD?
   
2. Do I have to see a mental health professional to confirm a diagnosis of OCD? Can you recommend one?
   
3. Are there medications that may help me? Which do you recommend and why? What are the potential side effects?
   
4. Are there any over-the-counter medications, foods, beverages or supplements that I should avoid?
   
5. What changes in my symptoms or behavior should I immediately report to you?
   
6. Do I have any other conditions often associated with OCD? How will that impact my treatment options?
   
7. What forms of therapy are most likely to benefit me?
   
8. How long before I start seeing results from the various treatments?
   
9. Are my children more likely to develop OCD now that I have been diagnosed? Should they undergo any screening or preventive therapies?