Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Hi everyone, so for a long time they thought I had OCD. However, I had no compulsions and there were different fears. Mainly in the health zone, but also fear I would kill my family or snap. So they said I had pure O. I switched therapists and after a few months he said it's much more likely I have ADD with extreme negative hyperfocus.

He said this because I stop obsessing if I am highly stimulated, and I can positive obsess. I had to fill in for Hamlet in 8 days and obsessed over it til I learned the part and did the show. He said this is not OCD. The way my anxiety goes is I'll think a random thought and get stuck there. I can think about it for days or weeks sometimes. Sometimes they don't cause me anxiety, and sometimes they do. He said even if I have pure O it's walking a fine line with hyperfocus. I do agree I have a lot of the symptoms of ADD, but part of me thinks the hyperfocus is just OCD. It is worse when I am anxious. ADD run in my family, but I think my dad might be ocd. I know it's possible to have both but am not sure.

I started vyvanse and it has helped. When it's working (unfortunately only for about 6 hours, not the full 12 as advertised) I feel pretty good. I can usually switch my thoughts. Later in the day I start hyperfocusing really bad. I have spent 3 hours reading stuff about ADD, OCD and anti-depressants. Just not sure. Anyone know the difference between the two? I read symptoms of both diseases and they seem so subjective. Just not sure, I know I have something and it's not just common anxiety. I always tell my friends and family no one can obsess like I can. No one. lol even though I'm sure a lot of you beat me.
Posted on 11/10/09, 08:11 pm