argument for and against treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder?
361544
I'm taking antidepressants that are helping to control the symptoms and I'm having counseling with a qualified psychologist to get to the root cause.  Both are working really well, but it is a hard slog.\nGet a good sympathetic doctor and a good psychologist you will be amazed at how they can work.\n\nYou need to know that anti depressants don't make you feel "HAPPY" they just balance out the chemicals that aren't working right and then you can do the work you need to do to fix the problem.  Also they take a while to work.  You need to be aware that not all anti depressants work on all people.  If you're not happy with the first lot go back and talk to your doctor until you get the type and dose right for you.\n\nGood Luck!  You can beat it.
987668
Try reading a bit on both Dependent Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder; along with Anxiety Disorders as these (the varied anxiety disorders) address irrational beliefs/fears.    Your question, based upon what you wrote afterwards, sounds less about "creating fear" and more about "filling a void...a hole in our soul" so to speak.  We need to learn to tackle our fears in ways that are not destructive to ourselves or others, facing them, journaling about them, talking to someone we trust and feel very safe with.  A direct answer to the question you posed, in my opinion, would be, "Yes.  We can obsess over our fears of impending doom or losing someone, etc.  That obsession can then immobilize us with overwhelming fear and anxiety."  Hope that helps.
1174195
Perfectionism? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
926405
sound like obsessive compulsive disorder to me you need treatment and counselling
455402
Assuming you are not some kind of fanatic, you might find it interesting to look into the work of Thomas Szasz and R.D. Laing.  These two took a radical view of psychiatry, psychology, and mental health in general that strongly criticized the medical model applied in these fields.  They believe that mental illness is a cultural construct rather than a disease, and that psychiatrists essentially practice a poorly conceived form of mind control intended to pacify social deviants.  As I said, they were radicals and never attracted many adherents among mental health professionals.  But their ideas were plausible at least, and they should be read by anyone with a serious interest in the theory and practice of mental illness treatment.\n\nAlso assuming you are not a crank, you might take note of the fact that millions of people have been helped by psychiatric pharmacotherapy, beginning with Thorazine, Haldol, tricyclic and MAO inhibitor antidepressants, and other side effect-ridden agents, on up to the current generation of SSRI's (e.g. Zoloft), atypical antipsychotic agents (e.g. Zyprexa), and mood stabilizers (e.g. Depakote and Klonopin) which are more effective and produce fewer side effects than earlier medications.  \n\nThere is at least one valid criticism of current psychiatric practice, and that is that it relies exclusively on biological models and treatment methods for mental illness.    Most psychiatrists today do little more than monitor their patients' medication(s).  They have relegated "talk" therapy to psychologists and social workers, who are also able to achieve good results with millions of people whose problems cannot be and are not solved completely by medications.\n\nI think you are probably a crank though.  Slow down, take it easy, and do some reading.  You don't need to be fighting a war.
364079
I've been there.  I have not been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder yet, but I do have trichtotillamania.  Trichtotillamania is very similar to OCD because the thoughts are repetitive.  Whenever I get stressed out, I HAVE TO pluck my hairs.  I am very obsessive about germs and counting, avoiding different things, eating an even number of M&M's or chips....making the table look perfectly even...doing things over and over.  I SHOULD be diagnosed, but it is not so much of a problem since it does not interfere with work or school.  Here's what I would recommend....since most people don't understand how the disorder works....\nObviously, try not to think about things, and if you do start thinking about doing something compulsive then you should focus on that and ONLY that, and do it.  It sounds like you aren't suffering from it as much as others that suffer from our problem.  Your treatment should take care of it, and, yes, it is normal for your therapist to be taking her time.\nAs far as depression goes, I was also diagnosed with manic depression.  My birthmother has bipolar disorder.  I'm not going into the differences.  However, I can tell you that Effexor XR helped me.  It may not help you because it depends on the meds they do put you on.  I had to counter the nervous effects of the antidepressant Effexor, with the anti-seizure medicine Neurontin.  So....let your psychiatrist decide what is best for you.  Do not stop taking your pills and tell your therapist if you feel any different.  Keeping a journal will help you keep track.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!
226247
The only medications that have been consistently shown effective in treating OCD are antidepressants that interact with the brain chemical serotonin.  However, that is something you need to discuss with your doctor.\n\nI have included a couple of links that may give you more information.
593193
Psychiatric disease characterised by:\n\nObsessions. Persistent distressing thoughts or images that annoy the patient and which he tries to suppress. Note that these are recognised as his own thoughts and do not disrupt his sense of reality. These can cause great emotional burden.\n\nCompulsion. The desire to perform odd rituals that are excessive and hamper everyday life. For example, checking the stove 9 times, or washing your hands 11 times. Failure to perform these creates anxiety.\n\n\nModern anti-depressants (SSRI class) can be useful against OCD when given in high doses. Cognitive therapy is also quite effective for mild-to-moderate cases. Cognitive therapy is a form of psychotherapy with usually short duration and a goal-oriented approach to the patient's problems. Do not confuse with psychoanalysis. \n\nThe exact cause is unknown, but the disease is generally grouped with the "anxiety" disorders.
1116230
Nothing to do with depression and homeopathy..Unfortunately.,if you suffer from OCD( Obssesive Compulssive Disoreder) you need to be patient and the best working SSRI antidepressants in those cases is Venflaxin..Prozak don't give satisfying results on OCD..Also of help is the Cognitive and Group Therapy..Wish you luck!!
1142291
They might be essential in a certain time of life, but should not become a ever-lasting habit!\n\nRather go for mental training or therapy - or at least have a manual one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax for a start. The self-healing power of the body and mind is boosted in an amazing way - and combined with some therapy there should be decent results.\n\nJust - the treatment is available in California and Europe only, costing approx. 220 dollars. It's worth travelling far.
972636
There is no cure for hypochondria because it is a psychological issue (just like OCD). You should seek a counselor who specializes in there feilds. OCD is sometimes connected to hypochondria but so is paranoia. Good luck.
581893
To the guy below me:  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  OCD is a perfectly acceptable way to abbreviate this.\n\nReportedly, the following people deal (dealt) with OCD issues: \n\nHoward Hughes, Roseanne Barr, Howie Mandel, Martin Scorsese, Howard Stern, Marc Summers, Michelangelo, Stanley Kubrick, Harrison Ford, Jane Horrocks, Penelope Cruz, Billy Bob Thornton, Warren Zevon, John List, Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, John George Haigh, Andrew Kehoe, Volkert van der Graaf, Paul Gascoigne, Nikola Tesla, John Melendez, Kathie Lee Gifford, Ludwig van Beethoven, Donald Trump, Cameron Diaz, Albert Einstein, Ian Puleston-Davies, David Beckham, Charlie Sheen, Joey Ramone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rose McGowan, Aaron Bagnola
435284
sure, you could have OCD, or an anxiety disorder, or a number of other conditions.  the symptoms you've listed are classic signs of OCD (washing, counting), but are also signs of other problems. you seem very troubled by it all, so it's probably serious, and seems to interfere with your daily life, so you should get professional help right away. if you're not sure who to go to, ask your doctor for suggestions. it sounds like you're a minor, so your parents will need to pay the bills and consent to any treatment, but you still have privacy, they'll only know what you want them to. talk to them about it, then go to a psychiatrist. it might help if you take a copy of your question, and write down anything else that you notice, when you go.  sometimes, it's hard to remember everything, and will be easier if you have a lot written down. be open when you talk with the therapist, and on any tests that you take to come to a diagnosis. it's important that you get help soon, the longer you go without it, the more serious your problem can become.  OCD can also lead to depression, self-harm, etc. so get help soon.\nBest of luck to you!\nadditional information that may be helpful:\n"Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental illness in which people feel burdened by unwanted thoughts or forced to repeat troublesome actions. Unwanted thoughts, called obsessions, often include unreasonable fear of dirt or germs. Another common obsession involves fear of losing control and hurting oneself or others. Many patients also feel a need to perform repeated actions, called compulsions, to prevent harmful events. Some wash their hands excessively to avoid infection. Unreasonable repetition of everyday routines--for example, checking that faucets or stoves are turned off--is also common. \nMost people have certain routines and habits that they find comforting. For example, a person may like to get dressed or prepare for bed in a certain way. But most people can change their routines when the need arises. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel trapped and unable to change, even though they know that their obsessions and compulsions are unrealistic. \nMany experts believe that obsessive-compulsive disorder involves an imbalance in serotonin, one of the brain's most important messenger chemicals. Doctors may treat the disorder with medicines that correct serotonin levels. People may also be helped by behavior therapy, which teaches patients ways to resist their unreasonable thoughts and actions."\n\n"Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses in which a person experiences excessive and unreasonable fear and anxiousness. They include (1) panic disorder, (2) obsessive-compulsive disorder, (3) generalized anxiety, and (4) phobias...Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by illogical and uncontrollable thoughts or impulses that result in obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are persistent thoughts that the person considers senseless or terrible but cannot ignore. The most common obsessions include thoughts of committing violent acts or becoming infected by germs. Compulsions are actions performed again and again with little purpose, such as repeated handwashing or counting objects. \nPeople with compulsions sometimes believe their actions will produce or prevent some future event. For example, a girl may believe her father will die if she does not perform a series of ritualistic actions each day. People with compulsions usually realize the senselessness of their behavior and do not enjoy performing the repetitive rituals. In severe cases, the compulsion becomes the person's major activity and thus prevents the individual from leading a normal life...Generalized anxiety is a persistent fear without obvious cause that lasts 6 months or longer. Its symptoms include muscle tension, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and hot or cold spells. People with generalized anxiety constantly worry that something te
559660
The value of treatment is to offer you a chance to get a little relief from your emotional stress (it is EXHAUSTING to change moods fast, control anger, maintain relationships with family and friends, hold down a job, etc. when all of these goals conflict.) The world isn't easy for anyone, but it's exponentially harder when you're fighting depression, the desire to cut and maim yourself, uncontrollable compulsions, extreme anxiety and miscellaneous other pressures. You can choose not to continue therapy, but honestly you can live a more balanced life. You might have to change doctors a few times, and will DEFINITELY change medications more than a few times. Bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance that requires medication to balance. And PTSD can be controlled with therapy. But you have to be willing to work with someone, and be patient. Its a long, hard road. But you have every right to a happier life. And I urge you to pursue it.
340236
It is Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD\nTreatment\nTwo forms of treatment are available for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy and antidepressant medications.\nCognitive behavior therapy\nThis form of psychological treatment involves retraining your thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary. One approach in particular is called exposure and response prevention. The therapy involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession and teaching you different ways to deal with it, rather than performing your anxiety-reducing ritual or compulsion. During the course of treatment, your symptoms gradually decrease in frequency and intensity. Learning the techniques and new thought patterns takes effort and practice, but it's worth it. Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder show improvement of signs and symptoms with cognitive behavior therapy.\nCognitive behavior therapy may be especially helpful for children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A study published in the Oct. 27, 2004, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that almost 40 percent of children receiving cognitive behavior therapy had a significant reduction in symptoms, while only about one in five children taking antidepressant medication alone did. However, the study found that the most effective treatment was combining cognitive behavior therapy with antidepressant medication. Almost 60 percent of the children in the study receiving the combination treatment reported remission of their symptoms.\nIt's important to find a therapist who is well trained in cognitive behavior therapy. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or contact the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation at (203) 401-2070.\nCognitive behavior therapy isn't for everyone, though. As many as one in four people with obsessive-compulsive disorder refuses this treatment because it can be difficult.\nAntidepressant medications\nThese medications also may help relieve the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder:\n Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs work by enhancing the brain's ability to use serotonin, a chemical that helps brain cells send and receive messages. Doctors believe serotonin plays a crucial role in mood states. \n Tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil). \n\nBackground: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) as an anxiety disorder. It is characterized by distressing intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive actions that interfere with the individual's daily functioning. The DSM-IV criteria for OCD are as follows: \n\n\nThe individual expresses either obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are defined by the following 4 criteria: \n\nRecurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images are experienced at some time during the disturbance as intrusive and inappropriate and cause marked anxiety and distress. \n\nThe thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply worries about real-life problems. \n\nThe person attempts to suppress or ignore such thoughts, impulses, or images or to neutralize them with some other thought or action. \n\nThe person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his/her own mind (not imposed from without as in thought insertion).\n\nCompulsions are defined by the following 2 criteria: \n\nThe person feels driven to perform repetitive behaviors (eg, hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (eg, praying, counting, repeating words silently) in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. \n\nThe behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or prev
871560
Hi, OCD has the following, major presentations; first is Obsessive Decontamination where the sufferer experiences relentless cognitive intrusions regarding contamination and ritually cleans to avoid the feared consequence, second we have Obsessive counting, checking and ordering behaviours were the sufferer fears some catastrophic outcome if not allowed to, or inhibited from, performing their rituals, Third we have Obsessive Egodystonic ruminations where the suffer is tormented by relentless intrusive thoughts that suggest that they have performed some harmful act, like murder or child sexual abuse, that is contrary to their personality (Egodystonic).  There are sub-sets such as hording and primary obsessive slowness but these are much rarer.\n\nI treated OCD for over 25 years and it is nothing to do with your past, I have no doubt that has a neurobiochemical basis and if you are genetically proximate to a sufferer then you are more likely to develop OCD (first born male children have a greater risk).  It is NOT curable because it isn’t a disease it is, however, eminently treatable with a combination of medication and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.\n\nI don’t know if you have OCD, you need a proper assessment by a competent therapist; ask your GP for referral to your nearest CBT service and because the waiting lists are so long the sooner you do it the sooner you’ll be seen
513292
I totally appreciate that intellectually u r convinced that your fear is extremely exaggerated but u just \n"cant help yourself". I have been suffering from OCD for many years.... only about 50% of cases can be cured, and depending on severity, medication usually is taken in addition to cognitive therapy... perhaps your doc an try different medications/doses, aand maybe a combination of more than one medication, especially if you suffer from other illnesses e,g, depression or addiction , etc..\nWhat yr doctors tell you about : "keep my stress level down: sleep as much as i can, take vitamin c, go to the gym to work out stress, breathing excerises, and listening to claming music" is excellent advice. The thing I found however, you must experiment AND perservere for a while. By that I mean try different kinds of excerci8ses e.g. swimming, dancing, running, etc...when i switched from soccer to the gym i enjoyed it alot more, and i usually have the motivation to go. PERSERVERE: I read tens and listened to at least 100 different relaation tapes; i recommend quided imagery tapes with voice and backgroung music, and choose a theme which u personally find appealing (e.g. the sea, forrest etc). I learnt tens of different breathing techniques and I have been doing them for at least 6 years now, and the benifit didnt come before a few years (sorry about that!). keep yr stress down: my be you have to change your job, improve yr social life ( i found that especially helpful).\nIt is of great value to have a partner or family, maybe get married (but be careful that could turn into a major stressor if the relationsghip is unhealthy). Are u religeous or spiritual? if so persuie that avenue whether it is going to church, a mosque or whatever, it doesnt really matter what religion ...\nConcentrate on cognitivem behavioral techniques ( with help from yr doctor) and practice practice practice,,,...\nI can suggest one more thing: is there an activity whether job or hobby u have always tried to pursue but never got round to it? start doing whatever it is whatever makes u feel at peace, and do more of it...\nI hope this is helpful..good luck