OCD

Gads. My OCD has kicked in overtime! It's making me nuts. I'm counting like crazy and the same songs keep running over and over in my mind until I have to yell at myself...shut up!

Do any of you with OCD find it is worse at certain times than others? Help!

Gosh, I thought it was just me being weird! I count things all the time and the music NEVER stops. Is that symptoms of OCD? I even count how many steps it is from the main floor to the bedroom--like it's ever going to change.....I had no idea that was OCD.

My son complains that I'm OCD, but it's when I'm wanting him to do something just so. I always thought OCD was about being extrememly detailed and persnickety about things.

Right now, the country song 'Baby, why not me' is playing over and over and over in my mind--I don't even like country music--where did I hear this at.

Do you find it hard to go to sleep at night sometimes because of the music?

I don't know if it's worse at times--I just thought it was me--I'll have to try to keep track!

OCD does include counting. I count how many stairs going up to my office (16) like one will suddenly be missing. I count the pictures on the wall by the tv. I drive myself nuts.

There are many actions with this disorder. Some worse than others. The music...gads! No, I don't have a problem falling asleep because I've exhausted myself all day long with the other stuff.

OCD has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Actually Starting Over, just because you count or have a song stuck in your head, doesn't mean you have OCD. OCD is very distressing and causes a big interuption in your life. If you feel like you have to count everything you see to a certain number again and again until it "feels right" in order to prevent something terrible from happening, then you may have a problem.

For more information about OCD, you can go here: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1010a.htm.

Dianne, my OCD most definitely gets worse at certain times. Hormone fluctuations play a HUGE role in how I'm doing, as does stress. I've learned I have to be very mindful of those things or my symptoms will go nuts.

My co-morbid Tourette's also gets worse with my hormonal ups and downs and with stress. Sometimes I truly hate it and some days I can laugh at myself.

I've been very stressed and have been trying to calm down myself. Sher, what is co-morbid Tourette? I've heard of Tourette but not this one.

Co-morbid means to exist simultaneously with another illness. Lots of people with OCD have co-morbid Tourettes.... usually a tic or twitch, if you will.

When my OCD is getting worse, one of the first things that can happen with me is that I begin to have an extreme sensitivity to fabrics. In fact, to help calm myself, I will only wear very loose-fitting, all cotton clothing. I can't stand the feel of scratchy clothes and my sheets have to have the highest thread count I can afford.

There is so much involved with OCD that I could honestly write a book. I sure hope you find a way to get rid of the stress so you can get some relief.

Thanks. I'm working on it. Things have calmed down a bit. Hubby is home for four days so that helps. Keeps me distracted somewhat.

Goodness, my heart goes out to all of you ladies with this problem...I had no idea...I'm getting quite an education on this site. And I'm learning more about you all everyday.
The one thing I do that I've done for years is to type words with my fingers...even when I'm not at a computer...walking, shopping, at chuch, etc...my fingers just seem to like to type out words...is that strange? Probably to those who don't do this, yes...guess I answered my own questions...duh.

I also get songs stuck in my head...and sometimes when I'm trying to go to sleep...but I'm at that stage in menopause that unless I'm taking half an ambien I'm wide awake...

Dianne and others, With several decades of experience in treating OCD in my practice, it is very true that even without treatment there is an ebb and flow in terms of the severity of the symptoms. Sher had it just right in terms of deciding whether you might have OCD and the website she listed is very helpful. It is interesting that most OCD sufferers find their compulsions (ritualistic behaviors) or obsessions (repetitive thoughts) so much a part of their life...almost "normal" for them...that they don't even bring them up when seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, unless directly asked. Asking about these symptoms should be a routine part of every intial interview with a mental health care provider.

A very good book, one that we use for our OCD group, is "STOP Obsessing" by Edna Foa. It can be useful even for self-help. Medications can also be an important part of treatment (usually the same ones that are used to treat depression and panic symptoms). I usually recommend professional help when the symptoms are greatly interferring with ordinary living. When the symptoms are very mild it is more likely to be obsessive compulsive personality disorder or what we usually refer to as being a "neat freak". But it never hurts to read up on the disorder on the internet to make your own decision about seeking help. Hope this is helpful. Feel free to use this forum if you have other questions...I'm sure there's a lot of expertise floating around, both professional and from fellow sufferers. Doctor Karen

Thanks. I saw a psychologist for it and I just didn't like him so I stopped going. I was on Paxil at the time, which didn't help at all. I decided I'd rather count than sit in his office again. I've been going through a lot of stress lately so I'm sure it contributes to the counting. It's sad when you drive yourself nuts instead of someone else doing it!

Typing with your fingers. Never heard of it but if it brings comfort to you, why not?

Doctor Karen, thanks for jumping in with professional help. I'm always in favor of reading self-help books that are recommended by friends. Often we have to get through a couple before we find the perfect one. Again, thanks!

Dianne, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So is your daughter.

I've never read the book you mentioned, but I will. One of my favorites is quite old now I suppose, but it's "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing" by Dr. Judith Rapoport. It's the first one I read after I was diagnosed.

You know, when you said it's typical for sufferers of OCD not to bring up certain things when they finally do seek help unless directly asked, you are so right. I was misdiagnosed time and time again and believe it or not, had never once been asked the "right" questions. I find that amazing.

I have to be very careful when I discuss my OCD with people because I have a tendency to seem almost angry about it and I never want to come off that way.

Let me explain. OCD is a very real part of who I am. It has been my life long tormentor, my faithful companion and everything in between. For a long, long time, OCD and I were locked in a full scale war as to who would own my brain and I'm not ashamed to tell you now that more than once, the OCD nearly won. Suicide seemed like a reasonable option.

So, when I am approached by someone who wants to know about OCD and then seems to dismiss it as nothing more than being a neat freak, or a germaphobe or someone that tries never to step on a crack in the sidewalk, I want to scream. After all I've suffered and all that those that love me have suffered, I guess I want the world to know that OCD is a big, big deal and fully capable of taking the life of someone who just can't fight the battle any longer.

By the way, please, please don't anyone misunderstand and think I'm adressing any of you. That's not the case at all as you have not been at all insensitive. On the contrary.

But it seems that there are so many I meet who just don't get it and think I should be able to simply "stop it" and even have the audacity to tell me that because they straighten their shelves constantly, they have OCD and "it's really not a problem".

You'll forgive my diatribe, ladies. The subject of this disorder understandably leaves me emotional sometimes. I tell people it's like having a siamese twin...who never shuts up.

Thanks Dotsie. Things are going much better now...finally. We have to find a way to reduce these horrible PMS symptoms. She's on two meds and it just doesn't seem to be helping. She's like a crazy woman and then, I feel like a crazy woman trying to live with her.

The drinking is getting better too. Thank the good lord.

Sher, Full blown OCD IS TERRIBLE. It is VERY difficult to treat (with medication or therapy) and it takes a lot of courage for the sufferer just to face they have it. The lesser forms are, as you say, just bothersome. But just one thought...I've had a lot of patients where I'm the third or fourth one they've tried and they find it helpful. Or maybe I was the first one they didn't like and went on to find someone they clicked with. Like all professions, I think the right combination is more important than the skills of the therapist per so. And medications are an experiment always...we never know ahead of time what mediation will work for which patient. It absolutely in NOT a matter of simply telling yourself to STOP (and that is not the gist of Foa's book...the title's a bit misleading). I'll think a lot of good thoughts for you...different ones!! Karen

When I was a child, I counted everything, typed on invisible typewriters in high school, and still wake up sometimes with a song running through my head I can't get rid of. I think those early problems were just a preamble to the emotional problems I've had as an adult. I'm on medication for panic/anxiety disorder and depression, I also have a wonderful therapist.

This is fall, the first of September always hits me and SAD begins to creep into my life. Stress level affects all of the above in my life, and right now due to loss of Dr, no prescriptions can be refilled, grandkids, well, there's a list right now. I'm just trying to get through each one as they come. I will probably call and make another appointment with my therapist.

Can a medical Dr office throw you out of the practice because of a bill that I thought was taken care of, and got sent to collections, (less than $25) ? That happened almost 3 years ago and now they're refusing to see me because of that. I owe them absolutely nothing, haven't for all that time, took care of the collections thing as soon as I found it out, and they've been treating me all this time. Suddenly, I call for my husband and they say it was his bill and because he's my husband they won't see me anymore either. This has nearly freaked me out. Especially since prescriptions were all cancelled and I only have enough for 3 weeks.

Sorry, monopolizing the thread again, I'm sorry.

Sherri

Sherri, Contact your county medical association and report the situation you described to see if anything can be done. There are ethical issues about patient abandonment in almost all professions. They should at a minimum refill your prescriptions until you have had an opportunity to get another doctor. If they are part of a health plan, then contact the health plan and inform them of what has happened. Good luck, Karen

Thanks Karen,

I was notified by the drugstore that my prescriptions had been renewed. That was after I had taken a letter over and asked my Dr's PA to give it to him personally. I still haven't heard if I'm still a patient or not. I will find out and if not, I will call the people you mentioned. My sister is a Supervisor for the company that carries our insurance. I'll check and see what she has to say too.

Good news, my prescriptions were refilled for a year. I quit having panic attacks trying to come on when I found that out. Relieved a lot of stress.

I just found this site today after reading an article in the Denver Post. For those of you living with OCD yourself, or with OCD in family members, I want you to know that there is great support available. Someone posted the OC Foundation website: www.ocfoundation.org. They give links to online support groups. ocdandparenting (yahoogroups.com)was a lifesaver for me (still is) when my son was diagnosed at 9 with OCD and comorbid depression. I attend the national conference almost yearly and get together with the wonderful women who became my lifelines. I also am a conference presenter on ocd and school issues, parent-clinician and parent-parent panels. If anyone wants more info they can email me directly. Please know there is successful treatment for OCD, even though it is really hard to find a therapist trained in this specific mental illness. I have a list of books, websites, and other resources. Mental illness is treated more succesfully than heart disease. If only people knew.

Welcome Julie,

I'm in the denver area - what article did you read?

Thanks for sharing all of that great info!

Danita

Julie, thanks for opening yourself as an educator in these forums. I appreciate it. There's nothing like an upbeat person who has delt with a disheartenig diagnosis in their children. How old is your son now?