About John Expertise I am only too familiar with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) formerly neurosis. I understand the various treatments available and medication therapies being used and other co-existent problems along side OCD. I can help you identify it in yourself and in others and where to get help.
Experience I correctly identified it in a family member when it was still though to be a rare illness. I later identified it in my daughters classmate and some co-workers. One of which kept being fired because of it. I have watched the progression of the disease and the areas it creeps into and the effect of medications on it on a person. If you see it in a person especially a child you need to intervene quickly. I did and now the one child just graduated magna cum laude at a state university.
Publications I would suggest a separate heading for this disorder under the heading of Obessive Compulsive Disorder.
Question Hi, i have just been diagnosed with OCD which for me after years of rituals and abstract thoughts is quite a relief somewhat as recently i have felt like totally mad.
But i've been thinking so much about what life is about and who am i and through this thinking i've disconnected myself to me and feel separate to my memories as i've thought maybe i have schizophrenia and i don't know it!! I know that this is all mad but it seems a valid thought.
Do you think i will ever be centred again?? I'm going to have sessions with a therapist do you think this will help?? Thanks so much. Indie
Answer A diagnosis of OCD almost always requires the use of drug therapy. Talk therapy is ok but i never ever heard of anyone getting their life under control without taking one of the SSRI's drugs that have proven value in relieving the most troublesome symptoms of OCD. You need to be seeing a psychiatrist and perhasp you may need some behavioral modification therapy. Just talking is not going to let you get your life centered again. You may also need something for anxiety if you have that also which most OCDer's have. If your doctor prescribes you something like prozac, celexa, lexapro, wellbutrin SR, Paxil, Sertraline then you must take it unless you begin to have suicideal thoughts then you need to stop the med and call him right away. It is also sometimes of value to have a patient be put on two antidepressants as well. Talk therapy by itself is not going to be of much value.
