HELP. misdiagnosis of OCD not emet, no mention even of specific phobia

[chickman]

Hi all.

I've been looking for ways to beat this thing, and recently i opted into an evaluation at a university's anxiety center. They evaluate you and then diagnose you, and place with you a therapist.

However, they diagnosed me strictly with OCD, no mention of a phobia. The evaluator (a Doctor) said he'd talk to whoever I was placed with and tell them of my leanings toward specific phobia. He also said this: "Because you mentioned that you have vomited, it makes no sense that you have not been relieved of your phobia. This is another reason why the OCD diagnosis fits." Mind you, I have thrown up only twice since a young child, once do to alcohol, and the second time a lactose intolerancy reaction, which has made my emet out of control since June '10/

Isn't it very common for us emets to show signs of OCD? My phobia (which I've had since I was 8, now 24) predates any OCD tendencies, which were developed over the years and not til I was older.

I'm just so frustrated. I thought I was heading in the right direction but now it just seems hopeless. How can I get help for this even they won't acknowledge I have emet? I'm not going to accept their services, but finding specific phobia help elsewhere is looking grim.

Help!

[Rebecca85]

To be honest, if it's free help (as my university's services were) I would accept it anyway. Firstly, OCD is an anxiety disorder (same as phobias are) so they might be helpful. Secondly, once you get to meet your therapist, you can bring some research and information in and explain why it's emet not OCD. The analogy with a phobia of pooing would be a good one, as people have to poo and it doesn't cure these people!

[olschesky]

i totally agree with rebecca.......go for it good luck

[becca44]

I have found that not many in the medical or therapy field recognise emet as a serious phobia as "nobody likes to vomit" the words of my doctor.

[chickman]

if it was free, maybe i would, but it is very far from free ($250 per session to see someone with 5+ years of experience) :/ it just happened that a university's anxiety center was the closest thing i could find to me that dealt with specific phobias. and by close i mean within an hour of me :/

however, despite their having phobia specialists, i wouldn't even get placed with one since they are trying to tell me that OCD is my issue. the only compulsion i have is handwashing, which isn't even excessive. i just like to wash my hands after being out touching things at a store or before i eat. very frustrating.

good analogy to the pooping though. it's hard for me to think that these doctors have this view about inducing vomiting as a cure... sigh. i just want to live a semi-normal life, ya know?