[JohnMilton]

I have had symptoms of OCD and over the years they have changed. I've managed to control their severity, but for they've gradually been getting the best of me. Now whenever I read a book, I must read the same page over and over again until it feels "right". I've always had a peculiar urge to arrnage items, but it's become worse. I must move my head, or arm, or finger, or utter some vocal absurdity to make the obsession go away. What should I do? I fear medication beacuse it may negatively alter my personality, world view, way of thinking, etc.

-J.

[Rhapsody]

Have YOU looked into counseling with a T that deals with OCD?

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[JohnMilton]

I have not. I've tried to keep it hidden from my family these past few years.

[Rhapsody]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
JohnMilton said:
I have not. I've tried to keep it hidden from my family these past few years.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Take it from an old timer..... You will only get better when your secret is no longer.

LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

[Mikey]

You must come out with it, believe me it helps!
I suffered from OCD in silence for years witch now has made big probles in my life....
Now my family knows and it´s alot better that way.
It can get alot worse if you don´t seek help!
How is your life working otherwise?
Im waiting for the right kind of therapy for OCD, and thats CBT, you can read about it here.
Im also on sertralin (SSRI).
I hope you realize the need of proffesional help.

Mikey,

[Soidhonia]

Hello I hope thigngs are going better. I used to have the same problems after having a stroke, with reading and having to read thing over and over to no avail. I take stabilizers now and my reading is better that ever Stratera and other drugs may help you for the OCD and the ADD that accompanies the OCD. You may want to search the net for information for drugs for OCD and ADD. Stratera is one of the drugs that have helped many people. You will have to go to a psych Dr or medical Dr to get the medication. Speech therapy is also good for OCD and reading as well. I do speech therapy a few times a wekk and it helps the reading as well. I hope the best for you the DBSA website offers many Dr that may can help you in behavior therapies for the OCD and the reading as well. Take care Soidhonia

[Mikey]

Hi, Sodhonia: what is reading therapy?
Mikey,

[Soidhonia]

Hello reading therapy that I do is that I do speech therapy, and that helps establish better patterns of attentiveness. I have to listen and try to vocalize the tones, and concentrating on singing helps to improve reading skills, and the attention span. I had a stroke and brain damage from the stroke so I have to do therapies in order that my brain is more attentive doe to memory loss. Even going to rehabilitation for brain damage and strokes may help improve your reading along with the one of the best things is martial arts, karate it helps with OCD and focus, and that would improve your reading skills as well. if you need help finding someone in your area let me know. A lot of therapists do behavior therapy and this helps with reading and OCD as well. I just like speech therapy because I like music and it improves my cognitive ability as well, and my ability to remember. Take care i hope the best for you Soidhonia

[ickydog2006]

I'd say therapy is the best thing to start with, with or without medication. Plus therapy can help you better establish if you really need medication. I suffer from mild OCD. My T and doctor had decided that it wasn't severe enough to need treatment compared to other problems I was facing. Therapy has since helped keep it in check for me and antidepressants also helped.

In short, my advice is let someone know, look into therapy, and from there decide if it is worth taking medication for.

Also keep in mind taking meds is nothing to be ashamed of (I know it's one of those easier said than done concepts), but try to keep that in mind.

[JohnMilton]

Update: I have consulted with my family and have planned to see a psychiatrist sometime within the next few weeks. I thank you all for your support and will keep you updated.

[Mikey]

Hi, ok I guess it can be beneficial for some, like in brain damage.
I will have my first appointment with a CBT therapist next week, it´s gonna be a evaluation.
Do you do martial arts?
I guess it can help with focus and self esteem.
Take care, i hope the best for you as well,
Mikey

[Mikey]

Well done!
Good luck!
Mikey,