[B.Friendly]

My T has told me that besides AvPD that she believes I also have OCD. Today she recommended that I see a psychiatrist to diagnose OCD and if necessary treat with meds. Adaptive perfectionism seems to be my prob. I do however have intrusive thoughts. They can be self -loathing ,solving a problem or an argument with family ,etc. I used to self medicate (20yrs) with beer . I would prefer not taking anti-depressants. Are there other options?

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Surely she should be recommending CBT, first and foremost. I hate it when doctors just assume the medicine path; to me, it's the equivalent of a plaster, rather than actually treating the core issue, or, ... wound. Anywho, try to get CBT. Therapy and meds together might do you the world of good, but personally, I'd go with CBT, first, and then see how you get on. If you are suffering immeasurably, then maybe the meds plus CBT would be a better option. The only OCD-related meds I've got experience with, are Citalipram and Fluoxetine, both SSRIs; they both equally served to do s**t-all, for me. I was told that some (or all) SSRIs can be used for the less severe OCD, as it can help stave the affects, apparently, as with anxiety; I personally found this to be absolute nonsense, and I think they were just fobbing me off, but IDK, ... medicines react differently, to different bodies. So, to summaries: see if you can get CBT, or some other therapy/counseling for your OCD, preferably from a psychologist and not psychiatrist, as, from what I've seen and my experience, they tend to just throw you a load of pills expecting that to be enough.

[B.Friendly]

CBT was recommended and I have started on my own. I've heard of ERP (exposure response-prevention) and was hoping someone with some experience could share. Is it possible that psychiatrist must make the OCD diagnosis and not the T ? I know the T can't prescribe meds.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

As far as I know, both a psychologist and a psychiatrist are qualified to diagnose, but don't quote me on that. Your therapist is likely a psychologist giving you therapy, there shouldn't really be any difference between the two's title. I've heard of ERP, but by name only; hopefully someone can shed some light on it.

[Perna]

If you want to try non-med routes I would do a lot of reading, get workbooks, and maybe see a psychiatrist to get more information and tell them you will consider meds if other avenues don't work out. I would only try one type of help at a time though do the CBT or the ERP but I'd get a professional to at least get me started on whatever I chose, as I would want a person to check I was understanding it well/correctly before I continued on my own with it.

Overcoming | Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | What keeps OCD going?

[SingDanceRunLife]

I suggest reading the book Brain Lock. It's got a ton of information and things to do to help OCD without meds.

[B.Friendly]

OK First thanks all. Since I have decided to try the non-med route I see no need to get a psychiatrist. I am very comfortable with my T. From what I can see ERP is a type of CBT only more intense.