Hi from Southeast Texas.

[mozart56]

Diagnosed with OCD 18 yrs ago. Major relapse 4 years ago. Hoping to find help through this group. Was in therapy until most OCD specialists stopped taking insurance; there are no specialists in my area that take my insurance. I’ve taken every SSRI out there; I also have major depression, which is getting worse; doing ERP is next to impossible. I want to try TMS or ketamine, but they’re expensive. May be worth it though if they actually work.

Does anyone out there have any experience with either of these treatments (TMS or ketamine)? I would very much appreciate your feedback.

Looking forward to giving and receiving support from this group; thanks.

[cambridgeborn]

It might be helpful to readers if you use the full spelling of key words in your post rather than acronyms (ie: TMS, ERP) Please don't assume that we know what these acronyms mean. I do hope you find relief, though.

[mozart56 in reply to cambridgeborn]

Thanks; just trying to stay within the character limit (not sure there is one). ERP=Exposure with Response Prevention (commonly-used cognitive behavioral therapy treatment component for OCD); TMS=Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, approved by the FDA this past August for OCD (was already approved for depression). Details on these should be available on the IOCDF website.

[GreensOfSummer]

Never tried TMS or Ketamine. However, I have found that the standard SSRIs did not work for me. Clomipramine, a TCA (Tricyclic antidepressant), has been working great for me however. I also take some buspirone for anxiety. Not a perfect lineup, but it for sure helps. I am interested in the current research into glutamate for OCD treatment.

[mozart56 in reply to GreensOfSummer]

I’ve heard of clomipramine; I’m going to ask my doc about it at my next appointment.

[Kaiser18 in reply to mozart56]

Clomipramine got me out of my darkest days so worth a shot. It can have noticeable side effects so good to wean off it once relief is found. I do want to try ketamine or TMS but any doctor or therapist I speak with only wants to do CBT or traditional medication. I would like to find a professional who is willing to give these things a shot as long as there is some credible science behind it. If we wait for the FDA to approve everything we will suffer unnecessarily.

[Blue274]

I have not tried those treatments,b ut wishing you wellness and happiness!