Just diagnosed with pure O

[Kaitc1992]

I recently was diagnosed with pure O. I struggle mostly with disturbing intrusive thoughts and all my “checking” is mental. I am struggling more than ever ! No one in my life understands because it’s not the “normal” type of ocd. I just started Zoloft as well and the thoughts seem to be a little worse as of now but I did just increase my dose from 12.5 to 25, I’m hoping the increase in thoughts is due to that and will go away. Any positive feedback on any part of this would be so greatly appreciated. If anyone has success with Zoloft I’d love to hear that too!

Thank you

[RHCPfan]

I had success with Zoloft, but I had to go up to 200 mg. I also have/had primarily internal compulsions like ruminating (a lot of what if’s, worrying about the worst case scenario, etc) and rehearsing (trying to remember details of situations in the past) and attempts to self reassure. This is common, and a lot of people with OCD I know have similar internal compulsions. These are all considered compulsions, though. Ultimately, you will start to experience some relief when you can just have the intrusive thought and learn to shrug it off instead of torturing yourself. You can still do ERP. It looks a lot like saying, “what if (insert worry here)?” And then practicing saying, “Well, maybe. It’s highly unlikely, and I don’t want to spend my life consumed by it” or something like that. Therapy is still helpful. I found Zoloft helped blunt the intensity of the fear and panic I felt with the intrusive thoughts so I could have a chance at challenging them.

[lovelylavender]

Hi! I'm so sorry that you're struggling. I can most definitely relate. I also have this type of OCD, and have taken Zoloft previously. I do remember both my intrusive thoughts and anxiety being worse as I first started the medication, but they did get better over time. I was on this antidepressant for quite a few years, and it definitely helped alleviate some of the anxiety that the thoughts create. Unfortunately, over time, Zoloft stopped working for me for a variety of reasons, so my doctor prescribed something different. However, everyone's medication journey is unique because not everyone responds the same to medications. I truly hope this medication can help you find some relief!

Medication aside, one thing I have learned through therapy is that not all thoughts have meaning. Just because you "think a thought" does not make it true, nor does it mean that it's a part of who you are as a person. Hopefully that brings you some peace of mind while you're working on healing. Each day is different. Some days there are fewer intrusive thoughts than others. This is definitely still true for me today. I hope that you can find a little bit of peace in knowing that you are not alone in this experience. Sending many positive thoughts your way!

[LyndsyLoo]

Welcome to the forum. I too have pure o and my ocd centers around harm themes. I understand every feeling you are experiencing right now. I had great luck with pristiq and have made a huge turn around with my ocd since I began treatment for it. I know it’s hard right now, but it will get better! Hang in there.

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate]

Hi there!

I'm so sorry you're struggling. It can be so hard when people don't understand what we're going through.

In my experience there is no "normal" type of OCD. OCD latches onto whatever we value and our obsessions and compulsions can change over time. I suffer from the more stereotyped contamination OCD, but also have a lot of obsessions centered around both harm and taboo thoughts. All OCD is just that; OCD. It can feel very frustrating when people don't recognize our struggles because we don't fit into the stereotype. That's why this community is so beautiful and important. Were glad you're here.

[Eli_E]

I have pure o too and most of my compulsions are mental as well. It was absolutely terrifying in the beginning, but it does get better. I'm still working on it, but I am largely able to live my life now and that feels really good. I don't have experience with Zoloft (I'm on lexapro) but after a few days on it did help me get out of a cycle of constant panic attacks. I initially started with 5 mg, but after being in therapy for about a year, I upped it to 10 because even though I felt the 5mg brought me back to "normal" I started to realize (through therapy) that my normal could be a lot better than I thought was possible. So as others have said, we all have a unique combo of what works for us. I think the biggest thing is finding a therapist you trust who can lead you through ERP and whatnot, but also just answer your questions about ocd. Like you, no one around me really understands ocd, particularly because I no longer show many outward signs of anxiety. They think it must be over. But its, not and having therapist to support me through this has been so essential.

[Sallyskins]

I've been on the same medication as you (sertraline) for about 15 years and found it very good. Originally my dose was 200 mg a day but it's been 300 mg a day for some years. Previous to that I took clomipramine which was also good but made me feel dopey.

Give the sertraline increase a chance to kick in - it could take a few weeks - and then decide if it's helpful. Each person's physiology is different and what suits one patient doesn't always suit another.

I'm afraid that there is no 'normal' sort of OCD! Pure O is similar to other sorts, it's just that the rituals are hidden. Most people with OCD have an element of Pure O to their condition.

My first experience of OCD started when I was 10 and involved counting and tapping different parts of my body. I managed to get rid of the tapping quite quickly, but the complicated counting ritual remained for a couple of years - nobody knew about it!

I've heard about a book that can help with intrusive thoughts called Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Sally M Winston and Martin N Self - I have only read extracts so far but it appears to be really helpful (must get myself a copy!)

[CalmnessinMind]

This perspective may help you youtube.com/watch?v=XlVXzaf...(Not working as expected?)