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.
After at least 10 or 11 years of struggling with OCD, today I finally met with a psychologist for the first time and got an official diagnosis. I feel so relieved that I finally know for sure that I'm not "just going crazy"! Also it provides a really great sense of hope that maybe someday I'll be able to rid myself of this...anyone else have a similar experience? How long does it generally take people to get relief from OCD after the start of therapy? Does it ever completely go away, or will I have at least some mild OCD for the rest of my life?
OCD is a life long condition that has its ups and downs and is affected by stress in all of its various forms. How you respond to the stressors is idiosyncratic in nature. The defence mechanisms you develop will be you best weapon in your ongoing battle with OCD.
Good luck and don't forget that OCD can be like riding a roller coaster.
I actually had to self diagnose myself. I have been battling "depression" since I have been 10 years old (now 25). My depression stemed from low self esteem (I have hated myself for as long as I can remember) and social anxiety which I now believe all stems from OCD. I have been to countless doctors, psychiatrists, naturopaths etc and not one of them ever even considered OCD as my issue. My OCD is based in my thoughts. I am always thinking about something, or two or three or how many things at the same time. Eventually my thoughts would become negative and questioning of myself or situations. I guess there is only so many positive things you can focus on before the thoughts turn negative.
Anyways, once I realized that OCD is most likely my issue and not the depression which I had been diagnosed with for so many years I immediately went to my family doctor (I am still waiting for my psychiatrist referral) and asked for Luvox. (I am also currently taking 300mg of Wellbutrin). I decided on Luvox after reading everyones comments about it on this site and specifically how some people mentioned that it stopped the "bad thoughts." I started taking 50mg and within 2 days my mind had quieted and for the first time in my life I think I saw myself how others see me. I asked my doctor if it was possibly a placebo effect and she informed me that it probably isn't because OCD is very much chemical imbalance. It was unbelievable. I am still in shock as to how much I have changed already and I believe I should be increasing my dose slightly as I have read 150mg - 300mg is the usual dosage for OCD.
Now I don't believe this is a cure all end all medication but it has allowed me to not have my life run by negative thoughts. I am sure I will have moments in life where the OCD comes back or some mild form permenantely but understanding the condition I believe is the frist step on the road to recovery. I am very excited for a future on Luvox and I truely hope you find a medication or cocktail that works for you.