[bullring]

Ten years ago, I was grossly misdiagnosed and administered an anti-psychotic drug against my protests. (I wasn't hospitalized, just frightened into taking meds). In reality, I was suffering from a fairly common and treatable form of OCD. While taking the anti-psychotic medication, I began to experience severe and unusual OCD-like symptoms.

Impractical thoughts began to get stuck in my head. Words or images that had no value suddenly became extra-important. I was afraid to forget the content of my thoughts, even though it held no practical meaning. Examples- the color of my socks, a stick of gum on the table, a ball rolling down the street etc.

These types of thoughts became so intrusive that I was unable to sleep for fear of forgetting them. Even though I logically realized the impractical and useless nature of my thoughts, I held onto them for dear life (all the while wishing I could let them go).

Ten years later, I still experience remnants of these symptoms. I become extremely anxious whenever I don't get a full night of rest (reliving the panic associated with not sleeping while on the medication), and I still deal with the impractical thoughts. The quality of my life has plummeted.

Fortunately, an anxiety specialist has diagnosed my condition accurately. (Although I understood the symptoms, the specialist put a name to it). Unfortunately, therapy has resulted in little, if any, improvement.

I am new here, so I don't know if this type of topic has been done before. Obviously I am looking for support and help in understanding my current condition. I also wish the best of luck to everyone else.

Regards.

[(JD)]

Welcome to PC! I'm not sure which topic you wish to discuss, but odds are someone around PC will be glad to!

Sorry to hear of your dilemma, glad to hear you found a specialist...is that for the anxiety only? I can understand your hesitancy in these things. TC

[bullring]

Hi.

The therapist who diagnosed me specializes in anxiety and related conditions (OCD, panic etc) as well as PTSD and trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are the techniques which are utilized.

I'm basically looking to gather and share information. I'm especially curious to find out if there are others who share a common situation with psychotropics and misdiagnosing as it relates to PTSD. But I'm really after general information, and I think being able to talk about it somewhere also helps.

I feel pretty good about fielding questions if anyone has any (for whatever reason).

Thanks for the welcome.