Teen FAQ
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Family Issues > Want to be evaluated
Posted on: 06/16/2010
Question
I have taken multiple of the so-called "Self Assesments" of certain mental disorders such as OCD, Deppression, Anxiety and ADD. Most of these I have "scored" high enough I guess that the Website I look at suggests being diagnosed. I have told both my dad and my grandma, but I don't want to tell my mom. I think she worries too much about some things or she might underreact and not take me seriously. I have told my dad that I want to get checked out or tested by a physician or psychiatrist, but so far we haven't done this. I have looked up the symptoms for OCD specifically because it is the one I am convinced I have the most. I know that I am a hoarder and I also try to balance things such as the number of bites I take and the rhythm in which I take them. I also occasionally will count my steps. I guess I really just want more information on what I can do. Also, I really want to know where in the Bay Area I might find maybe a walk-in-clinic or someplace that could help me diagnose my mental state. Can you help me?
Answer
Hi:
If you identify with items that are listed in self-assessments, and these behaviors/symptoms cause you significant distress in daily living(e.g. they keep you from doing fun activities or isolate you when you might visit w/peers or get in the way of normal flow of routine etc.) it would be good to have assessed. This can be done through your pediatrician's referral or a local family and children's services clinic (not walk-in), Palo Alto Medical Foundation if your pediatrician is here, and community professionals (your parents' health insurance can give you a list). Share with your dad and mom (despite your worry about her worry; remember, she's the adult) that you want help now. And have them also look at this Teen Website section "Emotions and Life" (http://www.pamf.org/teen/life/), as well as the Parents Website(www.pamf.org/parents). Both suggest the substantial difficulties teens can have with managing stress, anxiety, depression. Good luck!
If you identify with items that are listed in self-assessments, and these behaviors/symptoms cause you significant distress in daily living(e.g. they keep you from doing fun activities or isolate you when you might visit w/peers or get in the way of normal flow of routine etc.) it would be good to have assessed. This can be done through your pediatrician's referral or a local family and children's services clinic (not walk-in), Palo Alto Medical Foundation if your pediatrician is here, and community professionals (your parents' health insurance can give you a list). Share with your dad and mom (despite your worry about her worry; remember, she's the adult) that you want help now. And have them also look at this Teen Website section "Emotions and Life" (http://www.pamf.org/teen/life/), as well as the Parents Website(www.pamf.org/parents). Both suggest the substantial difficulties teens can have with managing stress, anxiety, depression. Good luck!