Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
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 by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
In the past month of February, my OCD has gotten worse. My OCD Obsessions and compulsions; I have struggled with most are having problems getting of the toilet. I have been struggling with this issue for 2 years. It is really irritating and frustrating. I am getting sick and tired of it. My psycologist this last week was saying is that she is trying to come up with a plan to help me permenately quit this horrible ritual. I have other bathroom issues such as excessive handwashing, toothbrushing, toilet paper/kleenex use, shaving and long showers and baths. I feel irritated at myself for not quiting these rituals. My parents and brother are overwhelmed and tired of taking care of me and making sure I am doing my brain excercises to help overcome the OCD. I have been having problems with medication side effects from my OCD Med Effexor. I went to my psychiatric registered nurse practitioner on February 23rd and she kept on the same dosage of Effexor 75 mg, which has been causing me bothersome side effects. It is frustrating when my psych nurse will not listen to me or my parents. I hope that March will be a better monh for me and that I will be able to start making progress in overcoming some of my obsessions and compulsions.
Take care,
Silkroad
Take care,
Silkroad
The amount of people with OCD that have bathroom rituals is staggering, therefore realize you are not alone in this struggle. I my myself at various times of my life have spent the better part of a day in the bathroom. It wasn't until the stressor that led to my heightened anxiety was wrestled with that I could slowly overcome the rituals and cut back on the time I was spending in the bathroom. At one time my wife would allocate a certain amount of time for me to accomplish various aspects of daily hygiene when I was going through an intense period. This, despite adding to my anxiety did get me out of the bathroom within a reasonable amount of time. It got so bad that my dog would actually come in to the bathroom to speed me up! Do you see your family having you on a schedule of sorts being any help?OCD can be extremely frustrating for the entire family.
If you haven't been on Effexor for any length of time, then keep in mind some of the side effects you are suffering with may dissipate over time.Medication for OCD is always hit or miss as there isn't more than one or one actual med out there for OCD.and that is clomipramine which doesn't have a great side effect profile. All of the other meds are being used in the hope they will combat some of the symptoms, mainly the anxiety.
Your family and you have to have your medical practitioner on the same page as you with your treatment. Is there any thing you feel may be preventing this from taking place?
Please don't simply stop taking your meds. I know many people aren't strong advocates for medication, but I know they have a place in any treatment plan for OCD.
February is a brutal month for many people, but luckily it is more or less over and March will hopefully allow you some more spirit to battle your OCD. Please remember OCD is a life long affliction, with no miracle cure, but it does have ebbs and flows and sometimes it even seems to give us a break and leave us asymptomatic for periods of time. I cherish those rare times in my life.
Good luck!