OCD and impatience

Question:

It’s so nice to hear someone with the same affliction.I’m not glad you are with us.I am thrilled i am not "alone" "Dan Thomas" <danthomas1…@yahoo.com> wrote in message

news:47421f8.0303251855.25fc6baf@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > I don’t post much on this forum (actually, I’ve posted once before) > but I have an OCD symptom that’s been bothering me lately and I’m > hoping that there are a few of you who might have some advice for me. > Just to give you some background, I’ve been an OCD sufferer most of my > life and right now I’m 25.  Anyway, the symptom that’s been bothering > me lately had to due with impatience.  If I have to wait to do > something I simply get obsessed with it, it’s all I can think about > and I can’t stop coming up with "doomsday" scenarios as to what might > happen when the event takes place.  A good example of this would be > say, if I suddenly had to reschedule a doctor’s appointment, and say > it was early evening and the doctor’s office had just closed.  So now > I have to wait until the next morning to make my call.  Does that make > sense?  The waiting just drives me crazy.  I imagine what might go > wrong the next morning, like say I won’t be able to reschedule the > appointment and the doctor’s office will be furious at me for wanting > to reschedule in the first place.  Or I’ll have to cancel the > appointment and there’ll be something seriously wrong with me that the > doctor will now not be able to find for me.  Or, I’ll say everything > wrong and end up rescheduling my appointment for a date that I forget > right away, or write down incorrectly, and then I’ll miss the > rescheduled appointment and they’ll really be furious at me. > Anyway, I think I’ve painted a pretty vivid picture here of what this > is like.  Unfortunately, when you stop and worry about it, there > really are lots of times when you have to "wait" to make a call, or > whatever.  So, does anybody else suffer the same way? > Thanks very much in advance, > Dan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Ken Galli" <ken.ga…@sympatico.ca> wrote in message news:… > It’s so nice to hear someone with the same affliction.I’m not glad you are > with us.I am thrilled i am not "alone" > "Dan Thomas" <danthomas1…@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:47421f8.0303251855.25fc6baf@posting.google.com… > > Hi everyone, > > I don’t post much on this forum (actually, I’ve posted once before) > > but I have an OCD symptom that’s been bothering me lately and I’m > > hoping that there are a few of you who might have some advice for me. > > Just to give you some background, I’ve been an OCD sufferer most of my > > life and right now I’m 25.  Anyway, the symptom that’s been bothering > > me lately had to due with impatience.  If I have to wait to do > > something I simply get obsessed with it, it’s all I can think about > > and I can’t stop coming up with "doomsday" scenarios as to what might > > happen when the event takes place.  A good example of this would be > > say, if I suddenly had to reschedule a doctor’s appointment, and say > > it was early evening and the doctor’s office had just closed.  So now > > I have to wait until the next morning to make my call.  Does that make > > sense?  The waiting just drives me crazy.  I imagine what might go > > wrong the next morning, like say I won’t be able to reschedule the > > appointment and the doctor’s office will be furious at me for wanting > > to reschedule in the first place.  Or I’ll have to cancel the > > appointment and there’ll be something seriously wrong with me that the > > doctor will now not be able to find for me.  Or, I’ll say everything > > wrong and end up rescheduling my appointment for a date that I forget > > right away, or write down incorrectly, and then I’ll miss the > > rescheduled appointment and they’ll really be furious at me. > > Anyway, I think I’ve painted a pretty vivid picture here of what this > > is like.  Unfortunately, when you stop and worry about it, there > > really are lots of times when you have to "wait" to make a call, or > > whatever.  So, does anybody else suffer the same way? > > Thanks very much in advance, > > Dan

Response:

Hi everyone, I don’t post much on this forum (actually, I’ve posted once before) but I have an OCD symptom that’s been bothering me lately and I’m hoping that there are a few of you who might have some advice for me. Just to give you some background, I’ve been an OCD sufferer most of my life and right now I’m 25.  Anyway, the symptom that’s been bothering me lately had to due with impatience.  If I have to wait to do something I simply get obsessed with it, it’s all I can think about and I can’t stop coming up with "doomsday" scenarios as to what might happen when the event takes place.  A good example of this would be say, if I suddenly had to reschedule a doctor’s appointment, and say it was early evening and the doctor’s office had just closed.  So now I have to wait until the next morning to make my call.  Does that make sense?  The waiting just drives me crazy.  I imagine what might go wrong the next morning, like say I won’t be able to reschedule the appointment and the doctor’s office will be furious at me for wanting to reschedule in the first place.  Or I’ll have to cancel the appointment and there’ll be something seriously wrong with me that the doctor will now not be able to find for me.  Or, I’ll say everything wrong and end up rescheduling my appointment for a date that I forget right away, or write down incorrectly, and then I’ll miss the rescheduled appointment and they’ll really be furious at me. Anyway, I think I’ve painted a pretty vivid picture here of what this is like.  Unfortunately, when you stop and worry about it, there really are lots of times when you have to "wait" to make a call, or whatever.  So, does anybody else suffer the same way? Thanks very much in advance, Dan

Response:

In message <47421f8.0303251855.25fc6…@posting.google.com>, Dan Thomas <danthomas1…@yahoo.com> writes >  The waiting just drives me crazy.  I imagine what might go wrong the >next morning, like say I won’t be able to reschedule the appointment >and the doctor’s office will be furious at me for wanting to reschedule >in the first place.  Or I’ll have to cancel the appointment and >there’ll be something seriously wrong with me that the doctor will now >not be able to find for me.  Or, I’ll say everything wrong and end up >rescheduling my appointment for a date that I forget right away, or >write down incorrectly, and then I’ll miss the rescheduled appointment >and they’ll really be furious at me. >Anyway, I think I’ve painted a pretty vivid picture here of what this >is like.  Unfortunately, when you stop and worry about it, there really >are lots of times when you have to "wait" to make a call, or whatever. >So, does anybody else suffer the same way?

Yes. I believe it’s a state of mind in which you’re always living ahead of yourself, and unable to let your mind rest in the moment. But because the future is something you can’t control, that generates anxiety. The little uncertainties if the future become magnified and you’re paralysed because you’re not in the future yet. In some way, obsessional people, with their illusive feelings of omnipotence, actually believe they can control what will happen. This puts us under tremendous tension and strain. Feel what happens to your body when you’re in the obsessional state you describe. You’ll be frowning, your jaw will be clenched, your stomach tight, and so on. Somehow one has to learn to let oneself be in the present. The thing that helps me most is to work from the body inwards and try to relax those muscles that contain your state of mind. uh, that’s all the nonsense I can think of at the moment! — simon smith   "When I hear my name/I wanna disappear" (Jack White)

Response:

Conciously think of the absolute worse that can happen, then say "so fucking what"… Doing so, brings your worst fear to the surface and it disarms it. People with OCD catastrophise situations, we need to realise that the worst that can happen is you die and even then its not that bad, really. Everything else is not worth worrying about. I guess it puts things into perspective. How do I know it works? It helps me when I start getting anxious about something. Lain — Warning: Be careful of the right side.

Response:

Two great pieces of advice. Thanks very much for taking the time to answer.  I’ll try to apply both your methods and see what I come up with.  Sometimes I worry about the stupidest stuff it’s almost hilarious.  Thanks again! Dan

Response:

Dan Thomas wrote:

 > If I have to wait to do something I simply get obsessed with it, it’s  > all I can think about and I can’t stop coming up with "doomsday"  > scenarios as to what might happen when the event takes place. Sounds like OCD is having its way with you. Here are my favourite coping strategies –> – exaggerate your thoughts. Try to think about your obsessions more and more, in more and more detail, as often as you can. – make a loop tape of your obsessions. Record a detailed description of your obsessions on a tape and listen to it a few times, a few times a day, everyday feeling the anxiety rise (less and less each time) and fall until listening to the tape bores you. – use humour to make your obsession funny. Imagine the tabloid newspaper headlines your obsession could inspire. Look at your obsessions from the point of view of someone else and try to see the humour in them. – sing your obsessions. Write out lyrics to a song using your obsessions. Make up words to describe your obsessions and the compulsions you feel you need to do, to the theme song of The Brady Bunch (or some other appropriately cheesy song) and then sing it – aloud, not just in your head. Singing it aloud makes it sound really funny (and less frightening).  > So, does anybody else suffer the same way? Of course! What if this happens? What if that happens? What if? what if? what if? what if? what if? etc… is one of the main aspects of OCD. The content of everyone’s ‘what ifs’ might be different but there is a pattern of thought that is similar –> feeling very uncomfortable and anxious about uncertainty, focusing on the negative, exaggerating risk, catastrophizing, etc. Have you ever had or are you having any CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)? — ARQ Add a dot on each side of the ‘r’ in my name and a ‘c’ in front of lara to email me.

Response:

Dan Thomas wrote:

 > Sometimes I worry about the stupidest stuff it’s almost hilarious. Seeing the humour in your obsessions can go a long way in making them less frightening and help you to see that not all the thoughts that come into your head need to be taken seriously. — ARQ Add a dot on each side of the ‘r’ in my name and a ‘c’ in front of lara to email me.

Response:

Hi, Thanks for the great tips.  Like you mentioned, humour seems to be a great way to reduce OCD symptoms.  A few of my crazier symptoms have evolved into running gags at work with the co-workers who are aware of my OCD.  It’s actually a great way to relieve the tension associated with those symptoms and it seems to provide everyone (including myself) with a great deal of entertainment over some of those long workdays.  Having a sense of humour about your condition is very important, I believe.  It actually makes you feel more secure about yourself when you can take a good joke. Anyway, I have never had any formal CBT but I’ve read a bit of the information posted on this forum and I’m probably going to investigate it further.  I believe that I’ve been trying a few of the techniques on my own, especially exposure, with mixed results.  Sometimes it’s downright hard to get rid of the anxiety associated with your symptoms.  The main problem seems to be that the anxiety comes in waves, so just when you think you’ve calmed yourself down you get jolted with another spike.  Anyway, I think the OCD is starting to interfere too much with my life so I’m going to try and work harder at it. Thanks again! Dan Ann R Quay <annrq…@lara.net> wrote in message <news:3E82B16A.6090908@lara.net>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Dan Thomas wrote: >  > If I have to wait to do something I simply get obsessed with it, it’s >  > all I can think about and I can’t stop coming up with "doomsday" >  > scenarios as to what might happen when the event takes place. > Sounds like OCD is having its way with you. Here are my favourite coping > strategies –> > – exaggerate your thoughts. Try to think about your obsessions more and > more, in more and more detail, as often as you can. > – make a loop tape of your obsessions. Record a detailed description of > your obsessions on a tape and listen to it a few times, a few times a > day, everyday feeling the anxiety rise (less and less each time) and > fall until listening to the tape bores you. > – use humour to make your obsession funny. Imagine the tabloid newspaper > headlines your obsession could inspire. Look at your obsessions from the > point of view of someone else and try to see the humour in them. > – sing your obsessions. Write out lyrics to a song using your > obsessions. Make up words to describe your obsessions and the > compulsions you feel you need to do, to the theme song of The Brady > Bunch (or some other appropriately cheesy song) and then sing it – > aloud, not just in your head. Singing it aloud makes it sound really > funny (and less frightening). >  > So, does anybody else suffer the same way? > Of course! What if this happens? What if that happens? What if? what if? > what if? what if? what if? etc… is one of the main aspects of OCD. > The content of everyone’s ‘what ifs’ might be different but there is a > pattern of thought that is similar –> feeling very uncomfortable and > anxious about uncertainty, focusing on the negative, exaggerating risk, > catastrophizing, etc. > Have you ever had or are you having any CBT (cognitive behavioural > therapy)?

Response:

Variety of OCD symptoms possible?

Question:

I am a hoarder and have been receiving treatment for about five or six months. I also have compulsions to shop and often return merchandise I buy the next day because I never really wanted it. When I have to walk by garbage cans or hospital dumpsters or puddles of unknown liquid, I have a huge fear of inhaling something. Whenever I pet the cat or touch the phone at work, I have to wash my hands. I often think about finding dead bodies and other horrific images… I was under the impression that when you have OCD, you fall under a certain category: hoarder, germophobe etc. Is this the case or is it possible to have overlap? Some of my compulsions are much stronger and present than others…any help would be appreciated. Jeff

Response:

>I was under the impression that when you have OCD, you fall under a certain >category: hoarder, germophobe etc. Is this the case or is it possible to >have overlap?

You can definitely have an overlap. I have counting obsessions, horrific thoughts, and scrupulosity (religious obsessions) all at the same time. Shana shaynuh…@aol.com Visit the web site created for alt.support.ocd! http://members.aol.com/shaynuh512/page1.html I’m so sick of this roller coaster ride…I want my ticket back!!!

Response:

Jeff Peters wrote:

 > I was under the impression that when you have OCD, you fall under a  > certain category: hoarder, germophobe etc. These are just arbitrary categories people use to group people with OCD based on their primary symptoms; ‘handwashers’, ‘checkers’, ‘touchers’, ‘hoarders’, ‘prayers’, ‘repeaters’, etc… They are not important distinctions like in diabetes (type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes), but they can be useful when people with OCD want to read about or chat with others – eg discuss with ‘washers’ if you are a ‘washer’ – to lessen the feeling of ‘feeling like a lone freak’ and you can learn more easily about how people in a similar category get better when they share similar fears and doubts as you do. What is important, I think, to remember is that the content of your obsessions (what ‘type’ of OCD you have) should not be the sole focus when trying to get better. The more ‘core’ similarities people with OCD have, regardless of ‘type’, such as problems with doubt, exaggeration of risk, over-valued beliefs of personal responsibility, the need for certainty, etc… are what need to be addressed to overcome OCD.  > Is this the case or is it possible to have overlap? Yes. I think it is probably more common to have overlap than not to.

Response:

"Jeff Peters" <jpeter…@cogeco.ca> wrote in message

news:xXH1a.61579$L47.9929288@read2.cgocable.net… > I am a hoarder and have been receiving treatment for about five or six > months. I also have compulsions to shop and often return merchandise I buy > the next day because I never really wanted it. When I have to walk by > garbage cans or hospital dumpsters or puddles of unknown liquid, I have a > huge fear of inhaling something. Whenever I pet the cat or touch the phone > at work, I have to wash my hands. I often think about finding dead bodies > and other horrific images… > I was under the impression that when you have OCD, you fall under a certain > category: hoarder, germophobe etc. Is this the case or is it possible to > have overlap? Some of my compulsions are much stronger and present than > others…any help would be appreciated. > Jeff

I think that not only do they overlap, but they come and go, they get replaced by new ones or added to old ones. Lain

Response:

On Tue, 11 Feb 2003 09:29:50 +1100, "|_ /-\ | |\|" <l…@hell.com> wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->"Jeff Peters" <jpeter…@cogeco.ca> wrote in message >news:xXH1a.61579$L47.9929288@read2.cgocable.net… >> I am a hoarder and have been receiving treatment for about five or six >> months. I also have compulsions to shop and often return merchandise I buy >> the next day because I never really wanted it. When I have to walk by >> garbage cans or hospital dumpsters or puddles of unknown liquid, I have a >> huge fear of inhaling something. Whenever I pet the cat or touch the phone >> at work, I have to wash my hands. I often think about finding dead bodies >> and other horrific images… >> I was under the impression that when you have OCD, you fall under a >> certain category: hoarder, germophobe etc. Is this the case or is it possible to >> have overlap? Some of my compulsions are much stronger and present than >> others…any help would be appreciated. >> Jeff >I think that not only do they overlap, but they come and go, they get >replaced by new ones or added to old ones. >Lain

And sometimes they even merge. Man I hate those. -Heron I’m not a doctor, just a fellow patient. HTHY! http://web.ftc-i.net/~rkanderson/aimeitis.htm "I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell. I know right now you can’t tell, but stay a while an’ maybe then you’ll see a different side of me. I’m not crazy, I’m just a little impaired. I know right now you don’t care, but soon enough you’re gonna think of me and how I used to be." -Matchbox Twenty, "Unwell"

Response:

I Hate this Stigma

Question:

Everyone I work with knows I have OCD & take antidepressants. They don’t treat me badly or anything but sometimes I hear them making jokes about mental illness and I wonder if that’s what they secretly think of me. One person was commenting on a co-worker whose husband took Zoloft and how she wouldn’t want to get hooked up with someone on it. I was hurt a little bit………and wondering if she was being nice to me only because she works with me and wants to get along. NK "Sologirl" <solog…@amuro.net> wrote in message

news:c98c1b70.0301151405.7fcd12ad@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A while back I mentioned that I wanted to lower my dosage of luvox > overtime and eventually go off it completely.  In Nov/Dec, I went from > 300mg to 250mg.  Starting in January I went to 200mg.  Very slow and > so far no real problems.  I did notice an increase in my obsessions > but have been able to distract myself and move on. > I didn’t tell my doc about how I’m going off of luvox until today.  I > figured I’d wait for my annual "well woman" exam and kill two birds > with one stone. > My doc was concerned when I told her I’m lowering my dosage.  She > asked me what my main ocd symptoms in the past have been.  I said > mainly obsessional with bad thoughts of harming other people and > acting out on bazaar sexual urges that bothered me a lot.  She then > said that I had to go to a pdoc because she was concerned that I would > hurt someone.  She said, "I wouldn’t want you to act on a sexual urge > and hurt another person".  I COULDN’T believe she said that.  I told > her that I’ve NEVER acted on a urge before.  She sounded surprised and > said, "really?" like she didn’t really believe me. > It took me a really long time to be able to admit my problems to my > therapist way back when.  After I realized that it’s a common problem, > I didn’t feel nearly as evil and I had felt before.  In a way, I felt > that it was ok and that I didn’t need to dwell on my evilness.  That’s > why I told my doctor about it today.  She asked and I told.  I thought > she would at least have some understanding of ocd obsessions.  That > the person who is obsessing about these horrible things will never act > out on them but will be tortured at the thought that maybe someday > they will. > I felt like some child molester in there.  I was so vulnerable in > there — sitting in the examining room with the napkin sheet over my > naked body while my doc was telling me she was afraid that I would go > psycho over lowering my meds.  I felt like scum.  Like I am tainted > for life because I have this defect.  A small part of me was worried > that she would call the authorities and warn them. > I just want to live a normal life.  For the most part I am.  I have > grown into a healthy person over the past 6 years. > I don’t need this shit.  I want to remove this stigma that has been > attached to me for so long.  I want to not only FEEL normal, I want to > BE normal.  The past few years I have come close to this.  Today was > different. > Sologirl

Response:

Thanks Ann. I think I’m going to say "fuck it" and not worry about it.  I don’t want to put the time into educating her with pamplets.  I don’t care that much.  I was thinking of changing doctors but I really do think she is good at physical stuff.  She got me an MRI and physical therapy for my knee while all of my other doctors throughout the years haven’t been willing to spend any money on the problem (HMO whipped).  I will stick with her. I signed up for "therapy" through my HMO with a nurse practitioner/therapist.  My HMO won’t allow me to go to a pdoc unless I’ve been in therapy.  So, I am circumventing the situation by going to someone who can prescribe meds.  Hopefully she will be willing to work with me on getting OFF meds.  I can get off of Luvox on my own — it’s pretty easy so far and I have Remeron to back me up.  The hard part will be getting off of Remeron because of the short half-life and my horrible reactions in the past when I tried to get off meds.  I may have to switch Prozac (longest half-life) and then slowly get off of it through liquid form.  I want to take things VERY slowly.  I don’t have a specific time frame but it would be nice to be completely drug free in a year. I’ll let you know how things go. sologirl "Ann R Quay" <ann.r.q…@virgin.net> wrote in message news:3E27D968.1060408@virgin.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sologirl wrote: >  > I thought she would at least have some understanding of ocd >  > obsessions. > I think of doctors (GPs) as auto mechanics for the human body. They know > about how the body generally works according to a biomedical model, they > know how to identify symptoms of disease and treat those symptoms. Very > much how a auto mechanic knows how a car works, how to identify problems > with it and fit those problems. > I think expecting anymore from doctors than matters of the body is > usually a big waste of time and energy. Although I generally respect and > trust doctor’s knowledge of the body, disease and treatment, I > certainly don’t expect them to have much knowledge of the psychological. >  > I felt like some child molester in there.  I was so vulnerable in >  > there — sitting in the examining room with the napkin sheet over my >  > naked body while my doc was telling me she was afraid that I would go >  > psycho over lowering my meds.  I felt like scum.  Like I am tainted >  > for life because I have this defect. > Sounds like fucked up OCD thinking. >  > I want to remove this stigma that has been attached to me for so long. >  > I want to not only FEEL normal, I want to BE normal.  The past few >  > years I have come close to this.  Today was different. > If what had happened to you, had happened to me (though I would have > confronted her as soon as she made those stupid comments, being the > bitch that I am), here are a few options I would probably consider –> > 1- > Write her a brief, intelligent, informational letter about OCD. Include > some brochures from the OCF, excerpts from books, print outs of ‘What is > OCD?’ sections of websites (make sure it’s ‘reputable’ and includes info > relating to your specific complaint – that your OCD thoughts do not > represent ‘desires’ or behaviours), etc. Stroke her ego – most doctors > have a overly inflated one and don’t want to hear that a patient might > actually know something they don’t – then maybe explain to her that your > therapy recommends that you as a patient learn all you can about OCD so > you can better deal with it in your life and you noticed that she might > not have the most current info. > Or give her this info and chat with her about it at your next > appointment. > I would also add a few brochures about stigma. Her misconceptions are > contributing to the stigma attached to mental illness and to do her job > properly she needs to get a grip. > 2- > Just say, ‘ah fuck it, who gives a shit what she thinks. Her uninformed > comments are just indicative of how unexceptional she is as a doctor. > Her comments say more about her than me’. > 3- > Get a new doctor. > Some info about stigma –> > http://www.stigmaconference.nih.gov/ > http://mason.gmu.edu/~owahl/ACTIONS.HTM > http://www.stigmaresearch.org/

Response:

A while back I mentioned that I wanted to lower my dosage of luvox overtime and eventually go off it completely.  In Nov/Dec, I went from 300mg to 250mg.  Starting in January I went to 200mg.  Very slow and so far no real problems.  I did notice an increase in my obsessions but have been able to distract myself and move on. I didn’t tell my doc about how I’m going off of luvox until today.  I figured I’d wait for my annual "well woman" exam and kill two birds with one stone. My doc was concerned when I told her I’m lowering my dosage.  She asked me what my main ocd symptoms in the past have been.  I said mainly obsessional with bad thoughts of harming other people and acting out on bazaar sexual urges that bothered me a lot.  She then said that I had to go to a pdoc because she was concerned that I would hurt someone.  She said, "I wouldn’t want you to act on a sexual urge and hurt another person".  I COULDN’T believe she said that.  I told her that I’ve NEVER acted on a urge before.  She sounded surprised and said, "really?" like she didn’t really believe me. It took me a really long time to be able to admit my problems to my therapist way back when.  After I realized that it’s a common problem, I didn’t feel nearly as evil and I had felt before.  In a way, I felt that it was ok and that I didn’t need to dwell on my evilness.  That’s why I told my doctor about it today.  She asked and I told.  I thought she would at least have some understanding of ocd obsessions.  That the person who is obsessing about these horrible things will never act out on them but will be tortured at the thought that maybe someday they will. I felt like some child molester in there.  I was so vulnerable in there — sitting in the examining room with the napkin sheet over my naked body while my doc was telling me she was afraid that I would go psycho over lowering my meds.  I felt like scum.  Like I am tainted for life because I have this defect.  A small part of me was worried that she would call the authorities and warn them. I just want to live a normal life.  For the most part I am.  I have grown into a healthy person over the past 6 years. I don’t need this shit.  I want to remove this stigma that has been attached to me for so long.  I want to not only FEEL normal, I want to BE normal.  The past few years I have come close to this.  Today was different. Sologirl

Response:

Sologirl wrote:

 > I thought she would at least have some understanding of ocd  > obsessions. I think of doctors (GPs) as auto mechanics for the human body. They know about how the body generally works according to a biomedical model, they know how to identify symptoms of disease and treat those symptoms. Very much how a auto mechanic knows how a car works, how to identify problems with it and fit those problems. I think expecting anymore from doctors than matters of the body is usually a big waste of time and energy. Although I generally respect and trust doctor’s knowledge of the body, disease and treatment, I certainly don’t expect them to have much knowledge of the psychological.  > I felt like some child molester in there.  I was so vulnerable in  > there — sitting in the examining room with the napkin sheet over my  > naked body while my doc was telling me she was afraid that I would go  > psycho over lowering my meds.  I felt like scum.  Like I am tainted  > for life because I have this defect. Sounds like fucked up OCD thinking.  > I want to remove this stigma that has been attached to me for so long.  > I want to not only FEEL normal, I want to BE normal.  The past few  > years I have come close to this.  Today was different. If what had happened to you, had happened to me (though I would have confronted her as soon as she made those stupid comments, being the bitch that I am), here are a few options I would probably consider –> 1- Write her a brief, intelligent, informational letter about OCD. Include some brochures from the OCF, excerpts from books, print outs of ‘What is OCD?’ sections of websites (make sure it’s ‘reputable’ and includes info relating to your specific complaint – that your OCD thoughts do not represent ‘desires’ or behaviours), etc. Stroke her ego – most doctors have a overly inflated one and don’t want to hear that a patient might actually know something they don’t – then maybe explain to her that your therapy recommends that you as a patient learn all you can about OCD so you can better deal with it in your life and you noticed that she might not have the most current info. Or give her this info and chat with her about it at your next appointment. I would also add a few brochures about stigma. Her misconceptions are contributing to the stigma attached to mental illness and to do her job properly she needs to get a grip. 2- Just say, ‘ah fuck it, who gives a shit what she thinks. Her uninformed comments are just indicative of how unexceptional she is as a doctor. Her comments say more about her than me’. 3- Get a new doctor. Some info about stigma –> http://www.stigmaconference.nih.gov/ http://mason.gmu.edu/~owahl/ACTIONS.HTM http://www.stigmaresearch.org/

Response:

Give us a break!

Question:

Tono wrote:

 > I’d love to see it, and a tape of it!  That way I could explain to  > others just how I see things. I wrote the below in another post (in this thread) referring to the bias typical of these kinds of film clips –> ‘What helped me was my therapist challenging my perceptions and thinking about the clips. I had to think critically about the clips; that the clips ‘hyper-focused’ on the negative (the ‘bad’ microbes were the stars of the show) and recognize what the clips did *not* show. That they didn’t show ‘bad’ microbes dying because they’re not in their proper environment, the simultaneous transfer of ‘good’ microbes that eat ‘bad’ microbes, the workings of our immune systems, the fact that there was likely ‘bad’ microbes on all the surfaces anyway and that people are not dropping off dead because of the ‘contamination’.’ Indeed, those clips are similar, in a lot of ways, to OCD thinking.

Response:

"Ann R Quay" <ann.r.q…@virgin.net> wrote in message news:3DD200D1.3070000@virgin.net… > Those types of ‘contamination-chain’ video clips can be OCD fuel. People > with obsessional, contamination tendencies can latch on to them and run.

I saw one of those "Worst of" shows on TV about restaurants and food poisoning, I dont really suffer from contamination OCD but, I was very very picky (ie. more picky than usual) about what restaurant I ate from for a while. Lain

Response:

As a matter of fact, everytime I eat seafood or chicken from a restaurant I worry (bordering on obsessively) if I might get sick, sometimes I might order something ’safe’ if the restaurant does not look up to my standards. Lain

Response:

Sorry, Zorg I promised that I will type something out from the book when I got home, but I was working late last night and when I got home I just went to sleep. I’ll do it as soon as I can. Lain

Response:

"Sologirl" <solog…@amuro.net> wrote in message

news:c98c1b70.0211121330.15c5b46f@posting.google.com… > "Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message

<news:aqoecp$9vu$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>… > > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a > > particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what > > George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the > > bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he subsequently > > deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including > > parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands. > I’ve seen these types of shows too.  Once on Oprah they tested > someone’s bed sheets that hadn’t been washed for a month.  Pretty > gross. > sologirl

Have you ever seen a close-up photo of some of the organisms that live in your carpet? They make the monsters on Alien and Predator seem tame by comparison. Just as well they’re only tiny. Zorg — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 – Release Date: 31/10/2002

Response:

"No kidding!" <nokidd…@NOSPAMria.net> wrote in message

news:zchA9.1641$Bh1.144884@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net… > > Yes, I’ve been a few places where there are no doors, just a little > > maze.  What also is great is the urinals that flush automatically when > > you walk away! > I thought automatic toilets were great, too…… > until one day I was at school and had to poop. > I was done with round 1 and wanted to give a courtesy flush for my neighbors > but I had to actually stand up and walk away from the bowl before it would > flush. > I’d rather have a toilet with a foot activated flusher.

I get nervous if I go to the toilet on a train or any other place with an electrically operated door. I imagine something going wrong with the mechanism and being caught in the act. I don’t know about other people, but I feel privacy is absolutely essential to enjoy a good shit. Zorg — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 – Release Date: 31/10/2002

Response:

Zorg wrote:

 > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified  > by a particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency  > (what George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man  > leaving the bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places  > where he subsequently deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of  > fluorescent pink, including parts of his face he rubbed with his  > soiled hands. Those types of ‘contamination-chain’ video clips can be OCD fuel. People with obsessional, contamination tendencies can latch on to them and run. I used to all the fucking time. I stopped watching telly (which turned out to be a positive in the end though) to avoid seeing anti-bacterial adverts, various health warnings and the like. That didn’t help though. What helped me was my therapist challenging my perceptions and thinking about the clips. I had to think critically about the clips; that the clips ‘hyper-focused’ on the negative (the ‘bad’ microbes were the stars of the show) and recognize what the clips did *not* show. That they didn’t show ‘bad’ microbes dying because they’re not in their proper environment, the simultaneous transfer of ‘good’ microbes that eat ‘bad’ microbes, the workings of our immune systems, the fact that there was likely ‘bad’ microbes on all the surfaces anyway and that people are not dropping off dead because of the ‘contamination’. Of course I had to also recognize and challenge my tendencies to exaggerate the ‘risks’, assume the worse outcome is the likely outcome and my thinking that I must take on a lot of responsibility to ensure I and others do not become ‘contaminated’.

Response:

Lain wrote: > > Tono – who likes public bathrooms with doors that can be pushed open > > with my foot. > At my local airport I was plesantly surprised that there were no doors, just > a maze of walls to let you in. The cubicles had doors, but if you needed to > pee you would not have to touch any doors. But you might get lost on the way > in and pee your pants.

Yes, I’ve been a few places where there are no doors, just a little maze.  What also is great is the urinals that flush automatically when you walk away! Tono

Response:

> Yes, I’ve been a few places where there are no doors, just a little > maze.  What also is great is the urinals that flush automatically when > you walk away!

I thought automatic toilets were great, too…… until one day I was at school and had to poop. I was done with round 1 and wanted to give a courtesy flush for my neighbors but I had to actually stand up and walk away from the bowl before it would flush. I’d rather have a toilet with a foot activated flusher.

Response:

"Lain" <l…@space.com> wrote in message

news:wgfA9.27250$Sr6.787508@ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message > news:aqqvil$mbr$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk… > > > Why don’t you use it as part of your exposure and response prevention > > > therapy? > > Not sure I follow. How would that work? > I dont know your OCD symptoms but from your post i’d think that you do some > washing & cleaning / have contamination fears. Do you know about exposure > and response prevention? Since the ad caused you distress (just like psycho > movies cause me distress) because of your thoughts / fears on the subject if > you were to watch it over and over again you would get bored of it, thus I > presume the thoughts activated by watching this add will also be not as > strong anymore as the subject matter bores you. I think it can be compared > to listening to a song, at first it can be the best thing ever, you sing the > words, hum the tune, then after a while you just get fed up and can’t stand > to hear it and you stop singing and humming. > Anyway, if you have not heard of exposure and response prevention, then when > I get home I will type a section from the book Brain Lock, that shows it in > practice.

Thanks Lain, I have heard of exposure therapy – I was just being thick. I saw it being used on the TV for people with certain phobias and it can be very effective. Zorg — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 – Release Date: 31/10/2002

Response:

"Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message

news:aqqvil$mbr$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk… > > Why don’t you use it as part of your exposure and response prevention > > therapy? > Not sure I follow. How would that work?

I dont know your OCD symptoms but from your post i’d think that you do some washing & cleaning / have contamination fears. Do you know about exposure and response prevention? Since the ad caused you distress (just like psycho movies cause me distress) because of your thoughts / fears on the subject if you were to watch it over and over again you would get bored of it, thus I presume the thoughts activated by watching this add will also be not as strong anymore as the subject matter bores you. I think it can be compared to listening to a song, at first it can be the best thing ever, you sing the words, hum the tune, then after a while you just get fed up and can’t stand to hear it and you stop singing and humming. Anyway, if you have not heard of exposure and response prevention, then when I get home I will type a section from the book Brain Lock, that shows it in practice. Lain

Response:

Zorg wrote: > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a > particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what > George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the > bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he subsequently > deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including > parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands.

I’d love to see it, and a tape of it!  That way I could explain to others just how I see things. Tono – who likes public bathrooms with doors that can be pushed open with my foot.

Response:

"Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message <news:aqoecp$9vu$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>… > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a > particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what > George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the > bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he subsequently > deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including > parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands.

I’ve seen these types of shows too.  Once on Oprah they tested someone’s bed sheets that hadn’t been washed for a month.  Pretty gross. sologirl

Response:

> Tono – who likes public bathrooms with doors that can be pushed open > with my foot.

At my local airport I was plesantly surprised that there were no doors, just a maze of walls to let you in. The cubicles had doors, but if you needed to pee you would not have to touch any doors. But you might get lost on the way in and pee your pants. Lain

Response:

"Lain" <l…@wired.net> wrote in message

news:StUz9.14053$eX.37930@news-server.bigpond.net.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message > news:aqoecp$9vu$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk… > > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a > > particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what > > George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the > > bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he > subsequently > > deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including > > parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands. > Why don’t you use it as part of your exposure and response prevention > therapy? > Lain

Not sure I follow. How would that work? Zorg — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 – Release Date: 31/10/2002

Response:

I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he subsequently deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands. Zorg — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 – Release Date: 31/10/2002

Response:

"Zorg" <z…@furryworm.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message

news:aqoecp$9vu$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk… > I don’t watch much TV, but I put it on this morning and was horrified by a > particular advert that is being run by the Food Standards Agency (what > George Orwell might have dubbed "Minigrub"). It shows a man leaving the > bathroom without washing his hands, and all the places where he subsequently > deposits bacteria are indicated by patches of fluorescent pink, including > parts of his face he rubbed with his soiled hands.

Why don’t you use it as part of your exposure and response prevention therapy? Lain

Response:

Does this sound like a symptom of Depression ?

Question:

Hello , I get these lump in the throat feelings. What’s the cause ? Am i going crazy? You mean like you want to cry?  Or you can’t swallow?

Most of the times I  feel like I want to cry and not want to do anything but just goto sleep. I simply feel like a flop to society and a total loser!! I suffer from OCD. Any help? Bye Are you getting any help for the OCD?

Im taking Prozac and Clonazepan for my ocd and it do help somewhat. I do need something more than just taking pills. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyway, Hello and Welcome ) — —  Whiskers

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get these lump in the throat feelings. So did I. Then they gave me an anti-convulsant and it stopped. What’s the cause ? Who knows? Am i going crazy? Probably not. You never can tell though, eh? haha I simply feel like a flop to society and a total loser!! I suffer from OCD. How bad?

My ocd symptoms are now under control with the help of Prozac. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any help? They gave me the wrong medication for 13 years, 89-02. Then, not long ago, I got to see a shrink who could catch a clue. One of my big complaints was grief, lump-in-the-throat feelings, always. I think they are some kind of seizure-like thing, like simple and complex partial seizures, just they seize-up and don’t quit. Anyway, all the other docs always asked the wrong questions, didn’t clue in on what I was telling them, they gave me incomplete diagnosis and the wrong medication, over and over again. Just don’t stop trying to get better. Get second and third and blind medical opinions. Take advantage of all services available. Hunt them. — Compute Free: <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://opensd.org Help People: <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something: <http://www.msf.org<http://www.care.org<http://icbl.org

Response:

snip Most of the times I  feel like I want to cry and not want to do anything but just goto sleep.

snip Im taking Prozac and Clonazepan for my ocd and it do help somewhat. I do need something more than just taking pills.

Many people (including me) find that a combination of medication and talking therapy is most helpful.  If you are still feeling Depressed, then perhaps you could talk to your shrink about adjusting the medication. — —  Whiskers

Response:

My ocd symptoms are now under control with the help of Prozac.

Excellent. The throat symptom though, keep mentioning that to physicians. A savvy psychiatrist may be able to fix it. I went to quite a few before one clued in to what was causing it for me. That one asked questions different from all the ones before – questions that were relevant. — Compute Free: <http://debian.org <http://freedos.org <http://openbsd.org Help People:  <http://rawa.org <http://tibet.org <http://gadenrelief.org Do Something: <http://www.msf.org <http://www.icrc.org/ <http://icbl.org Now: <http://www.foei.org <http://www.greenpeace.org <http://activist.ca

Response:

Hello , I get these lump in the throat feelings. What’s the cause ? Am i going crazy?

You mean like you want to cry?  Or you can’t swallow? I simply feel like a flop to society and a total loser!! I suffer from OCD. Any help? Bye

Are you getting any help for the OCD?   Anyway, Hello and Welcome ) — —  Whiskers

Response:

Hello , I get these lump in the throat feelings. What’s the cause ? Am i going crazy? I simply feel like a flop to society and a total loser!! I suffer from OCD. Any help? Bye

Response:

I get these lump in the throat feelings.

So did I. Then they gave me an anti-convulsant and it stopped. What’s the cause ?

Who knows? Am i going crazy?

Probably not. You never can tell though, eh? haha I simply feel like a flop to society and a total loser!! I suffer from OCD.

How bad? Any help?

They gave me the wrong medication for 13 years, 89-02. Then, not long ago, I got to see a shrink who could catch a clue. One of my big complaints was grief, lump-in-the-throat feelings, always. I think they are some kind of seizure-like thing, like simple and complex partial seizures, just they seize-up and don’t quit. Anyway, all the other docs always asked the wrong questions, didn’t clue in on what I was telling them, they gave me incomplete diagnosis and the wrong medication, over and over again. Just don’t stop trying to get better. Get second and third and blind medical opinions. Take advantage of all services available. Hunt them. — Compute Free: <http://debian.org<http://freedos.org<http://opensd.org Help People: <http://rawa.org<http://tibet.org<http://gadenrelief.org Do Something: <http://www.msf.org<http://www.care.org<http://icbl.org

Response:

What medication is everyone taking for OCD & related symptoms?

Question:

Luvox 150 mg. "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message

news:3cf63d91$0$18848@hades.is.co.za… > Hello group > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > options available. > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > Would something like Prozac help? > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD?

I take Luvox 150 mg.  I think it’s an anti-depressant, with anti-OCD side effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

Hi Janet,     I am taking 60 mgs. of Paxil which works great for me, but as David says you are much better off if you can get away without taking any medication.  I do not know what your symptoms are, but if they are not threatening your work or what not I would suggest going to a cognitive psychologist firest.  They are cheaper, hopefully better at therapy and might be more objective in evaluating your need for meds. If your chronic lack of motivation is not as a result of depression, that is something you will have to work on yourself.  Pick things that you want to become involved with and force yourself to apply yourself to them until you overcome your lassitude.                                 best wishes, Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Janet wrote: > Hello group > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > options available. > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > Would something like Prozac help? > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? > I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

Medication has helped both me and my sister greatly when it comes to managing our OCD symptoms. I was also stuck in a state of lethargy (pre-medication) and now I am back in school (in addition to working full time) so I am happy it has gotten me out of my slump. Most antidepressants do help with OCD but they also can have side effects. It depends on how bad your OCD is whether or not it’s worth the effort. Mine was pretty bad so it was worth it for me. It’s kind of trial and error as far as which one will work the best for you. Everyone swears by something different. I’ve been taking various antidepressants since 1990 and most of them have been beneficial in my recovery. Ida "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message

news:3cf63d91$0$18848@hades.is.co.za… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello group > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > options available. > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > Would something like Prozac help? > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? > I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

Hiya Janet, I used to be on Zoloft, and now I am wondering whether I might benefit from it again..(been feeling a bit overly anxious lately). It’s an SSRI like Prozac and it quite commonly diagnosed in OCD I think…There are others that I’ve heard people talk of in here..best thing to do is talk to your dr about it though. Good luck and welcome to the grp! ~Am~ xxx =) Janet <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message

news:3cf63d91$0$18848@hades.is.co.za… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello group > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > options available. > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > Would something like Prozac help? > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? > I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

Thanks! "Pola_Pink" <pola_pin…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:Bh0K8.3421$3t6.147722@ozemail.com.au… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hiya Janet, > I used to be on Zoloft, and now I am wondering whether I might benefit from > it again..(been feeling a bit overly anxious lately). It’s an SSRI like > Prozac and it quite commonly diagnosed in OCD I think…There are others > that I’ve heard people talk of in here..best thing to do is talk to your dr > about it though. Good luck and welcome to the grp! > ~Am~ > xxx =) > Janet <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message > news:3cf63d91$0$18848@hades.is.co.za… > > Hello group > > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > > options available. > > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > > Would something like Prozac help? > > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? > > I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

Hello group I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various options available. It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. Would something like Prozac help? What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

I would stay away from medication if I were not in a "non-functioning" state, and I would seek cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication can cause long term and some instances permanent damage to your brain. In my opinion (which is not a professional one, it is based on reading what some M.D’s have to say on the subject), medication should only be used sparingly only in the most severe cases and only then for the short term, in order to allow you to function and simultaneously you should be getting CBT or other types of psychotherapy in order to provide a long term method of handling your OCD. "Janet" <ja…@janet.com> wrote in message

news:3cf63d91$0$18848@hades.is.co.za… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello group > I have a chronic lack of motivation and OCD symptoms varying from mild to > severe (they seem to be interrelated). I would like to start taking some > medication for this, and I would like to learn something about the various > options available. > It seems that most of the antidepressants help with OCD almost as a > side-effect? This sort of thing sounds like it would be fine for me. > Would something like Prozac help? > What are the medications specifically targeted at OCD? > I would be very grateful for any input!

Response:

I don't understand this

Question:

Hi, this is my first post to this newsgroup and I have a few questions I would like to ask. About one year ago, when I was 17 I was diagnosed with OCD (symptoms for 2 years) and I haven’t had any treatment at all for it. My parents refuse to believe that there is anything wrong with me which makes it difficult, and everytime I approach them about it they basically tell me to stop ‘talking myself into it’ No-one else in my family apart from my parents know, even though a few family members have depression, nervous breakdowns etc. I have far more obsessions then compulsions. I don’t constantly wash my hands or re-organise things which was what I had always thought that OCD was. I find that sometimes, once every few weeks it goes away for a few days, but it always comes back again. For two years I have been really house bound, refusing to go out anywhere for fear I will make a total fool of myself, which makes the OCD worse. (If I can keep myself occupied its not so bad) For about 2 and a half years I used marijuana and I think that this contributed to the development of the OCD. Every time I stopped smoking pot the OCD got much worse but the paranoia went away. Most of my friends smoked, as well as both my brothers and they had no side effects so I guess thats why I smoked for so long, thinking it wasn’t affecting me at all. Right now I don’t really know what to do, it is getting worse but I really don’t want to go onto medication. I have heard of Behaviour Cognative Therapy but I don’t know what it is,  or whether only people with chronic OCD use this therapy? I was hoping someone might have a web address or be able to explain what this is for me? I also read that there is self-treatment for OCD, and I am wondering if anyone here has tried that, and what their results were??? Any help would be great, Thanks, JMS

Response:

JMS wrote:

  > I have heard of Behaviour Cognative Therapy but I don’t know what it   > is,  or whether only people   > with chronic OCD use this therapy? I was hoping someone might have a   > web address or be able to explain what this is for me? Books: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1110a.htm#Group6 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/102-1396583-3299331 Websites: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm http://anxiety.psy.ohio-state.edu/cbt.htm http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/basics.html

Response:

"My parents refuse to believe that there is anything wrong with me which makes it difficult, and everytime I approach them about it they basically tell me to stop ‘talking myself into it" I almost have the same story (I was 17 too .. ) now I’m 19 If you have msn,icq… and you want to discuss .. just post your e-mail or your number we could discuss (it’s hard to find people of my age that have the same kind of problem) ………… There was a university course on TV that was talking about drugs.. and the Doctor told that marijuana could aggravate a depression .. He said that it tend to reveal your mood .. (if your depressed then you will be more depressed) .. as opposed to people that are "normal" they will use marijuana to have fun Link between OCD — It’s hard to have the results of any scientific research because this drug is still illegal in most country.  The fact is we cannot be sure of anything untill more researches are done  :D

Response:

Veronika wrote:

 > I almost have the same story (I was 17 too .. ) now I’m 19  > If you have msn,icq… and you want to discuss .. just post your  > e-mail or your number we could discuss (it’s hard to find people of my  > age that have the same kind of problem) http://www.angelfire.com/il/TeenOCD/

Response:

JMS wrote: > My parents refuse to believe that there is anything wrong with > me which makes it difficult, and everytime I approach them about it > they basically tell me to stop ‘talking myself into it’

You might want to go buy a copy of "Brain Lock" or "Stop Obsessing" and show it to them.  Sometimes people are more willing to believe something when they see it in print.  (Put a bookmark on the page where they point out why the approach above won’t work!) > I have heard of Behaviour Cognative Therapy but I don’t know what > it is,  or whether only people with chronic OCD use this therapy?

I’d start by reading "Brain Lock".  It describes a fairly simple and straightforward version of CBT, and includes a comparison with more traditional CBT in an appendix.  It’s extremely effective, but difficult to do, which is why so many of us require a therapist and/or drug therapy to be successful with it. Good luck! — Dave Hollinden david.hollin…@sdrc.com (work) dholl…@iglou.com       (home)

Response:

Who are you people?

Question:

Ignore me, wrong ng! Too much gin.

Response:

Hi, Jeff, LOL! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ignore me, wrong ng! Too much gin.  Shit, I wanted some pizza!!:-( Jeff

Response:

Let’s put it this way .Who I am doesn’t really matter as m,uchj a s the fact that i haven’t taken my own life. i am poretty sure i know what anxiety is all about becauses it robed me of every pleasureand other human emotion that exists. LOOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG hard fight to over come it . down to a dull roar now I am just haooy that I can eat and  drink beer without feeling guilty ir waking up totally depressed Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tell me about yourselves; Where are you? Country is fine. How old are you? What are your OCD symptoms? What treatments are you involved in (or have been)? How does OCD most impact your life? What would you be doing if you didn’t have OCD? And most importantly what are your favourite pizza toppings? (Not that I’m buying but I’m making an effort to ‘be nice’ as much as it pains me.)

Response:

Tell me about yourselves; Where are you? Country is fine. How old are you? What are your OCD symptoms? What treatments are you involved in (or have been)? How does OCD most impact your life? What would you be doing if you didn’t have OCD? And most importantly what are your favourite pizza toppings? (Not that I’m buying but I’m making an effort to ‘be nice’ as much as it pains me.)

Response:

Anyone take clonazapan?

Question:

I take two mgs of clonazapan and its adverse effects are not too bothersome. I may ask my doctor to up the dosage because I still feel edgy. My OCD symptoms have decreased although I still get anger out bursts ( nervous synapses ) occasionally. I’m also taking forty mgs of prozac and two mgs of ativan daily. Sometimes I don’t know what to do or what medication to take. Life is difficult at times. Does anyone ever feel like I have felt. Responses are kindly appreciated. ,Neil

Response:

Hi Neil, I know exactly how you feel Neil. There was a time not to long ago that my mom and I sat down and when I would take a med I would have to write it down. I take this in day so it seems like I am always taking my meds. Neurontin 400 mg 4 times a day Effexor 75 mg 5 times a day Prozac 20 mg 5 times a day Busipirone10 mg 4 times a day Xanax 1 mg 4 times Xanax 0.25mg 4 times a day And the sad  part of it is that nothing seems to help. To answer your question I was on the med you mentioned.  I quite taking clonazapan because I had such a dry mouth all I was doing was drinking and spending time in the bathroom.. Although I did seem to feel better.  With effexor when I first started it was like the blinds went up.  I never had such a wonderful spring. The only trouble is that they loss their effect in such a short time. If I can be of any help I sure  hope you ask. I am in need of friendly responses too. Take care, Taveau

Response:

taveau wrote: > And the sad  part of it is that nothing seems to help.

I do not see any type of therapy (CBT, exposure and response prevention, personal counselling, etc) in your list. Why is that? Therapy is extremely valuable, actually IMO, it is essential and key.

Response:

CELEXA & OCD

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi , >I take Celexa( Citalopram ) 60 mg at bed time . It works well on OCD and >Major Depression . Whilst it has the least >noticeable side-effects of any anti-OCD medication that I have taken , there >always is a catch . In Celexa’s case ,  it can cause an almost paralyzing >frontal lobe syndrome so that I am barely able to get out of bed and >experience unexplainable apathy towards tasks. I take 25-40 mg of DHEA to >counteract this effect . >Just be aware of these effects ( which you may not experience ) and seek the >help of a psychiatrist that is well read in OCD and OCD spectrum disorders. >I wonder , have any other people experienced these symptoms ?

Referring to my pharmacy rant, I’m thinking back to when I unknowingly went from 40 to 20 mg. This would coincide with xmas, normally a time of depression for me.  This was the easiest ever.  I also have been working many overtime hours, where earlier I could barely drag thru 40.  I wonder if I have both an increase in energy and an increase in ocd sx- workaholic?  This is the 1st weekend I am not working. I was very anxious this a.m. about not working. Definitely will talk to pdoc, perhaps 30 mgs would a proper dose.   I had previously reduced dose to 20 mgs due to mental fogginess. Lisa

Response:

    I was wondering………..just how many milligrams of Celexa per day would be needed to actually help OCD symptoms?  I know lower dosages help with depression,  but higher dosages are needed to help with OCD.  Does anyone know just how high?     Please E-mail me at m…@epix.net     Thanks!

Response:

"L. Maley" wrote: >     I was wondering………..just how many milligrams of Celexa per day > would be needed to actually help OCD symptoms?  I know lower dosages help > with depression,  but higher dosages are needed to help with OCD.  Does > anyone know just how high? >     Please E-mail me at m…@epix.net >     Thanks!

Hi , I take Celexa( Citalopram ) 60 mg at bed time . It works well on OCD and Major Depression . Whilst it has the least noticeable side-effects of any anti-OCD medication that I have taken , there always is a catch . In Celexa’s case ,  it can cause an almost paralyzing frontal lobe syndrome so that I am barely able to get out of bed and experience unexplainable apathy towards tasks. I take 25-40 mg of DHEA to counteract this effect . Just be aware of these effects ( which you may not experience ) and seek the help of a psychiatrist that is well read in OCD and OCD spectrum disorders. I wonder , have any other people experienced these symptoms ?

Response: