Quote:
Originally Posted by Elsewhere
msandsm,
Here is a link I have found helpful re: types of OCD, see "Contamination" (towards the top) and "Symmetry and Orderliness" (towards the bottom) probably also applies as well: The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | OCD-UK
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I can relate to what you posted...I clean for several hours a day, plus everything has to be completely organized at all times. (And I hate hair on the bathroom floor!) My OCD has gotten much worse as my anxiety and depression have gotten worse.
I have terrible reactions to psych medications (SSRIs are the worst!) so I haven't found anything to help me. Buspar is certainly something you could try, although often people don't have very good results with it because it just doesn't work that well (it's like taking Tylenol for a migraine). It did nothing for me. Here is a thread re: Buspar: http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...25-buspar.html
Lyrica and Gabapentin are used to treat overall anxiety, so one of those might be an option for you. You mentioned Anafranil, which would certainly be an option. I tried a few TCAs (not sure if one was Anafranil or not...I have tried so many things it is hard to keep track of them all) but could not deal with the side effects (as usual, for me). A benzodiazepine (like Ativan, Xanax, etc.) might also work well for you. Ativan worked great for me until I built up a tolerance and I couldn't increase my dosage anymore.
Are you considering seeing a psychiatrist, if you aren't already?
CBT is also said to be an effective therapy for OCD International OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Foundation - Medicine Overview, although it hasn't done much for me...everyone is different tho, of course. |
Thanks for your input. You mention that depression and anxiety make your OCD worse; I have the opposite reaction: my behavior seriously increase my depression and anxiety. I take Klonopin 1 mg bid, and I've had to double that. By the end of the day I am just mentally and physically exhausted. I have several diagnoses, and lately I've been thinking that death is the only way out. But I wouldn't do that to my (adult) son. I hope.
I was tried on BuSpar quite a few years ago for depression; it was ineffective. I've also been on TCAs. The side effects weren't great, but it helped for several years for depression, so Anafranil might work. I have read that Risperdal, Effexor, and Haldol can also help with OCD. But I already take Thorazine, so I don't think Haldol would be much different.
Anyway, I see my psychiatrist on Wed., so I'll see what he suggests.
Again, thanks for your support. I don't get much, and it feels good.
