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.
Hey guys -
So I've been talking to a therapist for two weeks now. And today she told me she's fairly certain I have an OCD-panic disorder but want's me to go to my doctor and have a blood test just to rule out anything medical. I recently was diagnosed with acid reflux. Whiched freaked me out. I tend to get really scared about medical stuff and her telling me to get a blood test sent me into a spiral. I know it's just to clarify that I have OCD but damn it scared the shit out of me. And idk why but finding out that I most likely have OCD makes sense but it just made me cry. It's make sense - it tends to get really bad when someone close to me dies. And I always attributed that to a fear of death. But she said it's more a control thing and I'm a perfectionist. She said to make an appointment with my PCP for a blood test and to talk about OCD medications. My therapist is CBT based and I'd rather not do meds. ANd she said we can work on the breathing techniques etc... and not need meds but that it's up to me. Is anyone on meds? Idk - it comes it goes it isn't always as bad as it's been the last two weeks. My mother inlaw committed suicide in August and the acid reflux symptoms were scaring me so it just triggered my OCD I guess.
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What are your five favorite things* right now?*The more specific the better!
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It's bedtime but I heated up some coffee to take my pills with and made a fresh pot so I can have some as soon as I wake up tomorrow a.m. I've been on a roll for 2 days with cleaning and getting other stuff done. I bought a new cell phone about a week ago and I've been having some issues. I stopped at Verizon and a nice young man jumped in to help. As a result, I was able to get an iced...
a whole lot. But there was one thing that went away as soon as the drugs
started working. I would check that I turned off the Oven over and over.
And still not entirely certain that I had turned it off. After the meds worked
I only had to check that the stove was off once or twice. It was like my brain could now believe what I saw as before it was always uncertain. Don't rule
out drugs. Start without them and see how you do.
Check with your doctor and if he says it's okay, then maybe give meds a try if your doctor thinks it's okay? You would probably need an SSRI (there are many kinds of them). And they help with anxiety, different kinds of anxiety such as social anxiety, depression and yes, OCD.
Not everyone wants to take meds. And that's okay if you don't want to. But for a lot of people, it is a fast fix for anxiety and helps them get back to a more normal life very quickly. Talk to your doctor and you can also research online about different meds.
The benzodiazepines are short acting, and the only side effect really is feeling sleepy. The SSRIs are pretty mild, and they are longer acting. What the meds do is basically numb the anxious feelings so that they don't bother you so much. Such as with OCD, you could get rid of it fairly quickly if you go on meds. It *could* completely go away.
I don't want to tell you to take meds, but ask your doctor about it, and if they say it's okay, then ask to try a small dose of one and just see if it helps you. I know so many people that have been greatly helped by meds, and have seen people get their life back, and have no more anxiety ever again.
Again, it comes down to your choice. Are you afraid you will get hooked on them, or what is your fear of taking meds?
If you start on a very low dose, you probably won't have any side effects. Just ask your doctor to start slow.
Can you see a psychiatrist to get prescribed? Sometimes regular doctors aren't as well versed on these meds as psychiatrists are.
Again, up to you. But for me, my anxiety was so high, and got in the way of normal life, that I had to try something.... and it helped. Is it just anxiety meds that you are fearful of, or is it all meds, like Tylenol, Advil, etc?
My likely anxiety meds - I mean I've taken amoxicillin twice and I was super anxious about it the first time. I think it's more the first time taking something because I'm nervous how my body will react.....again my OCD>.
I do understand what you mean about taking a new medication, a medication for anything, for the first time. I have gotten nervous about that too. But I just sum up some courage, tell myself this is going to help me, and just pop it with some water real quick, and then go about my day. Don't dwell on it, or sit around waiting for side effects (I have done that before!). Just go about your day as normal. You will be fine! :)