OCD therapy

[Traps67]

Hello everyone. I have a question. I was diagnosed with OCD about 10 months ago. I was seeing a psychologist those 10 months and feel worse now than when I first started therapy. I am now looking for a new OCD specialist. My question is how long does it take for the average person to feel better and have less symptoms with therapy and ERP and meds? Thank you.

[SCC1]

Hi Traps67. I don't know what the average time is for people to feel better, but I have been on meds for many yrs, since I was young. I have had better times, but still suffer w/ OCD. Sometimes the meds would work for a little while, but then I'd have to have my dose increased. Then the same cycle again.

I am still on meds, and in therapy (but not ERP). I am finding that now, I am struggling a lot with compulsions, mostly thought-related.

It will benefit you greatly, not to do what I am doing (just meds). Try finding an ERP therapist, too!

I hope you can find what you're looking for, and if you need meds, I hope they will work well for you.

Take care.

[Traps67 in reply to SCC1]

Thanks so much for replying SCC1. I’m looking for a ERP therapist now. I hope your suffering lessens and you start to feel better.

Take care.

[SCC1 in reply to Traps67]

Thank you Traps67! I'm trying to work on things everyday. You take care too!

[Mxtmxxn]

Hey traps, everyone is different when it comes to treatment options. It seems ERP with combination of meds that fit you seems to be what people have the best outcomes with. If you feel like talking please feel free to message me!

[Traps67 in reply to Mxtmxxn]

Thanks so much for replying Mxtmxxn. I have another question. I have bathroom issues and I’m afraid to leave the house most of the time for fear of having to go. It’s becoming a real problem as of late. Do you know how to begin to conquer this? Thank you.

[Mxtmxxn in reply to Traps67]

It's understandable that public bathrooms aren't the best places to go, many are dirty. Only way to try to overcome this is by literally going to a public restroom. Choose one that is usually clean, and desensitized yourself from public restrooms. This is not medical advice though, always talk to your psychologist/psychiatrist for treatment options to help you through these times.

[Peanutbutterje11y]

Hi, I can speak on my personal experience. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago. I started therapy then and after each weekly session I came home feel tired, sometimes with a slight headache, and just overall emotionally drained. I read that this is common with therapy at first. When you talk through things that you typically don't talk about its pretty emotionally draining. The therapist I had was great and she challenged me in the right ways but it took about 2 months for me personally to get over the difficult feelings directly after therapy. Not to say it completely went away after that time period. It just didn't feel as bad and as strong. My symptoms didn't get better until we paired the right medication with good consistent therapy, so a few months after that. Everyone and every situation is different though.I hope you continue with therapy and work to getting the outcome that's best for you.

[IStillHaveHope]

Hello, I know how difficult it is to deal with OCD and I'm sorry you're struggling right now.

Like others have said, everyone is different and the timeline can vary. I will say that it is very common to feel worse before you get better. When I first started therapy I remember feeling AWFUL for the first few months. My symptoms would spike since I was facing what I had been avoiding for so long. I don't know if this will help, but I put together a reply a while ago detailing what I have learned from dealing with OCD over the years. I hope it can offer you some insight and some hope.

healthunlocked.com/my-ocd/p...

I really hope you find the peace you're looking for my friend. God bless you.

[10-12-1953]

Google NOCD. They specialize in O.C.D. therapy. Use ERP therapy.

[Traps67 in reply to 10-12-1953]

Thanks for replying 10-12-1953. I have the NOCD app and know about them but I have heard some horror stories about them. Some people have said all of a sudden they tell you your insurance doesn’t cover the therapy and they send you an outrageous bill. I can’t take that chance. I’m retired and on a fixed income. Thank you though. Take care.

[10-12-1953 in reply to Traps67]

Sorry that you heard something negative about NOCD. That has not been my experience. I believe they give you a 15 minute session at no charge when you first contact them. I would atleast call them and address what you have heard. Does not sound accurate to me. Good luck.

[Natureloverpeace in reply to Traps67]

The NOCD has a list of which insurances they will take. In the 15 minute free call with them , you can find out if they take your insurance so there aren’t any surprise bills. You can also check directly with your insurance company. The NOCD has been willing to drastically reduce the cost if your insurance doesn’t cover them and you are in financial need and have to pay out of pocket. This is all done ahead of time before beginning any treatment.

[Phoenyx]

Hi Traps67. It took me about 3 month with therapy and meds to feel better. Try to find an OCD specialist. Everyone else will be a waste of time and money.