What do you known about OCD?

Psychiatrist childhood abuse and OCD?

• My parents are forcing me to see a psychiatrist for my OCD. They do not have the full story of my problems because they are the cause of some of my problems. Growing up was chaotic; there were a lot of shouting, beating, pulling of my hair, pinching, et cetera. This worsened my OCD. They have always known that I wash my hands a lot since I was 9 (I'm 18 now), but never took me to consult a professional until now. And during the first consultation, I was really quiet, and when we went home, my dad said that I have to cooperate with the psychiatrist and that during the next consultation, he wants to see me interacting with the psychiatrist. This makes me mad. They have always known that I wash my hands a lot (yes, this is one of the visible OCD rituals aside from counting numbers in my head), but never did anything about it, but now, it's not fair for them to force me to talk and see a psychiatrist. I do not even want to see a psychiatrist. Pills isn't what I need. What I need is a therapist, to work through my issues with me. The psychiatrist attributed my depression and social withdrawal to hormones and said that it's a phase. It's definitely not a phase and caused by hormones. I have been tested for an IQ of above average intelligence and I feel like I do not fit in with those who are in my age and in addition to that, I am just not interested in having relationships with people. I have grown accustomed to that. However, I am afraid of telling the psychiatrist that I have had traumatic experiences which are the cause of some of my problems. I do not trust the psychiatrist. He did not go through any confidentiality. My parents insist that I see a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist. They think that it's the chemicals in my brain. My parents would deny that it is partly caused by what happened in the past. I need to conceal that piece of information for now, moreover, if my parents should come to acknowledge that they contributed to my problems, they might feel guilty and bad, especially if I do not get better and it will take a long time for me to get better. It's difficult to open up to people, things like that. But I feel squeezed and trapped because my parents want my problems to be fixed as soon as possible. Why are my parents so not understanding that it isn't easy to talk about OCD? It's not that I don't want to have an interactive conversation with the psychiatrist. He even talked to me in a mocking tone. How am I going to get myself out of seeing a psychiatrist? Thanks.

• Answer:

  It sounds like you should really open up completely because even though you may have been victimized they should be getting help too.