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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Can OCD be mistaken for Schizotypal disorder?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Can OCD be mistaken for Schizotypal disorder?
by samantha, Sep 23, 1999 12:00AM
I just went to the psychiatrist 6 days ago, and she diagnossed me with Obsessive compulsive disorder and Depression. I did alot of research on schizotypal personality disorder, and I had all the symtoms. Everyday that I wake up, it is the same thing, i worry about how I act, talk,, think, etc. mostly in the presence of another person, even family members. In the past, i have had alot of the similar obsessions that other people have with ocd, like fear of hurting someone, or running over someone while driving. I tried to explain to the psychiatrist that I have done alot of research on schizotypal disorder, and she refuses to listen to me, she figures she is the doctor, and she knows what she is talking about, and i dont have any right to diagnos my self. She put me on 50mg of Zoloft for the first week, and then wants me to updose it to 100mg. So if i am taking that medication, if i do have schizotypal dis. will the zoloft still be effective and treating schiz. ? any information you can give me on this message, i would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Sep 28, 1999 12:00AM
Samantha,
A diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder is generally not very difficult to make and it would be unusual to confuse it with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, although it could be confused with schizophrenia. One common feature of schizotypal personalty disorder and OCD is that both patients may exhibit superstitious behavior.
Zoloft, an antidepressant, can be helpful for depression and OCD. I recommend that you express your concerns further to your psychiatrist and ask for clarification. It is very important to work with your physician to improve your condition.
Please keep in mind that this information is intended for general educational purposes only and specific health concerns should be directed to your personal physician.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Schizotypal personality disorder, OCD
A diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder is generally not very difficult to make and it would be unusual to confuse it with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, although it could be confused with schizophrenia. One common feature of schizotypal personalty disorder and OCD is that both patients may exhibit superstitious behavior.
Zoloft, an antidepressant, can be helpful for depression and OCD. I recommend that you express your concerns further to your psychiatrist and ask for clarification. It is very important to work with your physician to improve your condition.
Please keep in mind that this information is intended for general educational purposes only and specific health concerns should be directed to your personal physician.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Schizotypal personality disorder, OCD
Member Comments (1)
by samantha, Oct 05, 1999 12:00AM
Thanks so much for giving me some advice. I am going to see the psychiatrist oct 15, and I will be sure to do as you say! Thanks so much
