another question - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

grettle7 · 12-05-2008, 07:40 PM

what if you have thoughts that you know are not true but you keep on thinking them sometimes intrusive thoughts that are really scary is that pychosis? things that you would never do or weird thoughts that you have never had before causing extreme anxiety. the more anxious you are the bizarrer the thoughts? mind cant think of normal things because you dwell on the thoughts your having. causing apitite loss general just not giving a **** about normal life and causing normal life to become harder?

breakthecycle · 12-07-2008, 04:28 AM

I've experienced some of what you are describing. I rely on the fact that I will have good days and just try to get through those thoughts. My situation doesn't sound as severe as your so hopefully someone else will post advice. I also have 2 beautiful daughters that force me to stay sane!

Quadratic · 12-07-2008, 08:27 PM

Is the question "Is this psychosis"? If so, the answer is no. You're describing obsessions, and a defining characteristic of OCD is that you do not experience psychosis.

MissyS · 12-23-2008, 09:27 AM

It's not psychosis. What you have described is OCD. OCD, intrusive thoughts and panic/anxiety are like a big cycle. Let's say you start having intrusive thoughts, then they cause you lots of anxiety, then that anxiety causes you more intrusive thoughts, which in turn causes more anxiety. It's a vicious cycle and what I have found most effective is to first stop the anxiety (for me- klonopin) and then use my "cbt tools" to help me work on the ocd. All of this does cause normal life to be harder. Sometimes I feel detached because no one else knows what I'm going through, or I'll detach myself because I'm afraid of acting on my intrusive thoughts. Those are coping mechanisms that don't really work so well. You are not psychotic. You understand that these thoughts are intrusive, not wanted, weird, and they cause extreme anxiety. But I understand your fears and I feel for you. There are many of us like you. Have you ever researched OCD? There is an OCD Foundation that is wonderful. You can search for them online. They can help you understand OCD and they can help you find doctors who specialize in OCD.