What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized b...
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Obsessive thought triggers
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Hi,
so far in my self-observation I've found that two things can trigger obsessive thoughts, one is not getting enough sleep and the other is being social with a group of people or just going to the mall. Has anyone else experienced these triggers? I also quit nicotine a while ago, and things *really* flared up then (had to start again..). Has anyone else found nicotine to be helpful against OCD symptoms? Posted on 11/03/09, 09:11 am |
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Not getting enough sleep is definately a trigger becuse it makes you more vulnerable to obsessive thoughts. Being around others in a social setting or at the mall has been a trigger to me in the past due to harm obsessions. I am not sure if that is what you are writing about. Nicotine addiction has also been a problem for me. It initially feels like it relieves the anxiety but is actually a stimulant which can increase your anxiety. 
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Hi Bethmach,
that's interesting what you say about Nicotine. I've seen various places on the web that nicotine is thought to help against OCD, and I had a really bad flare-up of OCD in a period where I quit nicotine. I guess I'll talk to the doctor about getting nicotine patches or something similar then. I've also read that drinking coffee worsens OCD so I'll try stopping that - athough I looove coffee. :)
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Yeah, I have similar thought triggers. Going shopping is a big one, nights out, days out, job interview- or even filling in job apps, doing anything new or "out of routine", holidays... The biggest one is any events, like New Year or Birthdays. Last year my birthday was horrific!
As for smoking- I'm a non-smoker. But I know that eating well and exercising 3 times a week or even taking a 20 minute walk 4 days a week can help ease OCD symptoms. Maybe try this along with nicotine patches or something.
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yes! intrusive thoughts are beckoned by sleepiness...it's the worst.
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Yup, I do walk (try to walk for about an hour each day). And I guess any gathering of people makes the intrusive thoughts / anxiety worse..
As for exercise (going to the gym or something similar), well, I had a spell some years ago where I was an exercise maniac so that doesn't appeal to me now (blech ;). :) I'm reading the book Feeling Good by David D. Burns which looks good so far, it was recommended by my psychologist. Lots of a-ha moments..
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