newly diagnosed... - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

bloodytears · 07-20-2003, 11:55 PM

Hey everyone..

I was recently diagnosed with having ocd. I tend to do a lot of things that put me under the category of having ocd but here are a few of the things i do. I organize things a lot, and count things.. I also check things to make sure they are off, or locked, and if something is out of order, i have to fix it, or i will think about it all day. Although i do realize i have these "symptoms" of ocd, i don't understand what exactly ocd is. my therapist was helping me through a crisis at the time i was diagnosed, so much of the attention was on that... Can someone please explain to me what exactly ocd is.. Thanks in advance.. ~tears

Ifeelya · 07-21-2003, 05:39 AM

It's tough to say exactly what OCD is...cause nobody really knows. "They" (whoever they are) believe it has something to do with seretonin not going where it is supposed to within the brain. Although if you read product brochures they will admit they really have no clue. But...the classic signs:

Symptoms cause significant distress.
Symptoms take up more than 1 hour a day.
Symptoms significantly interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning.
The person recognizes that his or her obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable or excessive

It is belived the new SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft etc..) prevent some parts of the brain from re-absorbing the seretonin.

I'm not really sure what causes it or what these drugs do...but it was amazing to me how quickly the Paxil "broke up" or interrupted my constant and obsessive thoughts. It is not always as effective for some people, and they cause some side effects in others...but it may be worth a try for you. I don't know much about the withdrawal problems...as I haven't gotten there yet, but I hear they are pretty bad. So weigh your options and the possible down-falls and go into it thinking positive.

-Ryan-

hangtenvetter · 07-21-2003, 07:59 AM

I would suggest going to your local library and checking out a couple books, or just grabbing a coffee at your local Barnes & Noble (or whatever) and reading a book. The books usually give a few real case scenarios and give definitions, symptoms, reasons etc. It is really cool to be reading a book and realize that they are talking about you! Good luck.