Picking, Plucking, Scratching MUST STOP!!! - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

NeedHelpFast · 05-23-2007, 12:11 PM

I have OCD, including Trichatillamania (hair pulling) and I can't stop. I move from one obsession to another, including the need to have 8 full cold bottles of water on hand at all times, to my worst habbit-picking my skin, plucking leg hairs, and scratching my scalp... I have been doing this for years, and have tried MANY medications. The final one I went on, Geodon, actually cured my picking, but had devistating side effects. Substantial weight gain, making strange involluntary expressions, night sweats, and AWEFULL withdrawls. Needless to say, I am off these meds, afraid to ever try a new one again, and the OCD is back full force. My legs are covered in scabs and I often discover blood trailing down from unconcious picking. I can't continue to put makeup on my blemishes forever, and I just don't know what to do. I've been to therapy, Biofeedback... Does anyone have any suggestions-ANYTHING.
thanks

seriousperson · 05-23-2007, 08:46 PM

Your OCD is my OCD.
I tried lots of meds. Back in the 70's I tried hypnotherapy.
I asked about Geodon, but my doctor said no. I'm still on risperdal and lexipro, which, in combination, keep my picking and plucking down to a minimum, but I always have at least one scab somewhere. I've gained over 15 lbs with the risperdal (20 lbs is normal weight gain), and am now trying to lose it, which, as you know, is very hard when you're hungry 24/7.
But I'm not willing to give up the meds and go back to the intolerable anxiety.
The constant sleepyness almost makes me want to go off the meds.
I did go off the med that made my jaw twitch when trying to speak to students in a class (anafranil).
My psychiatrist is a psychologist too, but he has narcolepsy and doesn't do much CBT; I've had to read on my own about it.

seriousperson · 05-24-2007, 10:54 PM

cleansweep, I appreciate your suggestion, but I've prayed countless prayers over the years for healing. Sometimes they are answered, and sometimes they are not.

NeedHelpFast · 05-26-2007, 01:35 AM

I did try biofeedback for about 3 or 4 months. Unfortunately I didn't find it helpfull AT ALL. I do however understand how it may help other people. I am too sarcastic and stubborn to see how biofeedback can help me. I was asked over and over the texture, temperature and location of my feelings, which I continuously failed in answering. Then moving a robot with my brain power...guess I didn't succeed in this task either. It just went backwards. And when it started to go forward I thought I was doing well...well it would just go backward again. Anyway, that may not make sense to anyone who hasnt experienced it, not sure... Been researching alternative treatments, and come upon a group therapy session once a week for an hour and a half, a 3 week hospitalization treatment involving meds and therapy, and a 3 day i think family and friends camp out type retreat...any thoughts are welcome...

p.s. although I appreciate the thought of prayer, I am not religious and don't have a strong relationship with a higher power. no disrespect.

seriousperson · 05-26-2007, 11:21 PM

It's good to hear that you have lots of options.
Be sure to keep us posted with the results.
I've never done biofeedback, but your description of moving a robot around with your brain is very intriguing.

I've been obsessed with webpage coding all day (javascript and CSS to those who know) which has given my skin some relief.