Obsessive compulsive personality disorder... and unspecified anxiety disorder?

[lisatomic]

I finally went to a psychiatrist today! I told him mainly about anxiety (mostly related to noise, interruptions), social problems, and loneliness. I mentioned suspecting ASD.

He said I don't seem "classically" autistic, that my communication skills are too good I think.

He agreed I don't have generalized anxiety or depression, but said that it might be worth looking into Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder as well. And gave a temporary/working diagnosis for now of "unspecified anxiety disorder." I am going to read about both, do some blood work to look for medical causes of increased anxiety, and think about whether I would want to try any medication to "take the edge off."

I'm curious if anyone else has also been diagnosed with OCPD, or an unspecified anxiety disorder. What are your experience with, or thoughts on overlap between those and ASD?

 

[Fino]

There's a lot of overlap. I identify with a lot of OCPD, but a lot of it is just slightly off for me. I feel that if a diagnosis doesn't describe your issues to the point of eeriness then it probably isn't exactly right. At least, that's been my experience. My final diagnoses seemed to describe my life story so much so that I had some sort of identity/existential crisis for a moment or three.

Personally, I wouldn't like to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist like that. They're just matching up the words you say to the memorized list of diagnoses in their head. I believe it would be more likely to be accurate if it were done by a psychologist over the course of many months, or more, of therapy. Then the diagnosis would be based on patterns observed by an objective, educated, experienced third-party rather than self-assessment of thoughts and emotions, something which cannot be objective.

But if you're happy with how everything is going then continue! I take an anxiety medication, Buspirone, and it helps a lot!

 

[sidd851]

Hi, lisatomic.

I don't have any experience with OCPD, but I do display some tendencies.
I also have exactly as you say , "unspecified"
anxieties.
I am not diagnosed with either.

I am currently seeking diagnosis for ASD.
My G.P. and therapist both concur with my self-diagnosis. I am on the spectrum.

I also have very good communication
skills--- but that doesn't mean that
the ability comes without cost.

In my case, I have previously "tested" in the top half of a percent in the country in vocabulary and verbal ability--- which shows that "good communication skills" are not a reliable or compelling counterindication of ASD.

I'm replying, even though I don't adhere to the requirements of your questions, because of your psychiatrists comment:
"

He said I don't seem "classically" autistic, that my communication skills are too good I think.

"

In studying ASD, I have found, and has been mentioned in this forum many times, that a common-ish misconception is exactly as he stated above.

It has been reported many times that those without a good working knowledge of ASD make this incorrect assumption often.
In fact, I note that his words are uncannily similar to those making the same erroneous assumption.
This doesn't necessarily constitute a red flag to me, but it does raise questions.
It is also curious to me, that this was your first meeting with him, and that he has
already committed to this view.

ASD is often misdiagnosed as a variety,
and/or combination, of other conditions, including Anxiety, and Obsessive/Compulsive disorders.
ASD is also often diagnosed with the above as co-morbidities.

Given my own experience with the self-evident nature of ASD, and the general high regard for self diagnosis, both in the community and by professionals, I would lend much credence to your belief that you may be on the spectrum, if that is your inclination.
If you believe yourself to be on the spectrum, at your next meeting I would bring up your concerns to him.

It is, however, also possible that there were other factors that led him to his conclusion.
Either way, I would want to explore the possibility, given his statement.

If you find that you are in disagreement with his conclusions or methods, you can always get a second, or even a third, opinion.

May you be well.

sidd

Edit---
In thinking further on this, I would consider pressing him on the matter. I tend to think that he dismissed your concerns out of hand.

It has been suggested elsewhere here, that if you suspect ASD, make a list of supporting observations to take to your next visit. ASD is complex and presents in an infinite variety of ways. You would do well, to document the reasons for your suspicions, and be ready to explain them.
It may also help to describe any childhood
peculiarities or difficulties, as well.

If you aren't satisfied with his reasoning or conclusions, get that second opinion.