Posted by Dinah on January 25, 2002, at 8:49:53
In reply to Re: what med is best for ocd?, posted by Blue Cheer 1 on January 25, 2002, at 6:43:24
>
> SSRIs or combination pharmacotherapy *and* CBT is optimal treatment.
>
> BlueI have to agree with Blue here. We're not stressing the importance of CBT. The use of CBT techniques in reducing compulsive behaviors is extremely well documented. And even those who lean more towards the obsessive than the compulsive side (like me) can get a lot of benefit from CBT techniques. With the help of Klonopin and after four years on Luvox I found that my OCD was under control enough to stop the Luvox and I give all the credit to CBT. Some of the techniques are sort of silly but they work. But my best technique is my own CBT variant. I have externalized my OCD, given "her" a name, and when "she" acts up I don't take it personally. I just say "Now there sweetie, you're worrying about something that isn't real again" and then just repeat that to the thoughts as they recur. It's silly and it doesn't work 100% (unfortunately my OCD has control of my adrenal gland), but along with Klonopin it works pretty well. Of course, my OCD was on the moderate side and those with more severe cases might not be able to go without an SSRI.
Just my own experience, but also try S-T-O-P Obsessing and Brain Lock books. They're both pretty good.
Dinah
poster:Dinah
thread:91433
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91531.html