[Terry]

I have obsessive compulsive disorder and find it impossible to disobey my rituals of checking the doors many times to see if it locked or not. Anyone here can actually disobey their rituals and choose not to do it without any medication?I also check the sink hose many times to see if it actually closed or not.Sarah, do I need to take medicine? I don't want to take the medicine because it not effective.Can I just do the cognitive Cognitive behavioral therapy and don't take the medicine. Is it ok?

[sam]

I don't know anyone who has it.Take your meds and counseling

Hi TerryTo the best of my knowledge the answer is no.My son hasOCD.Even with medication he still has"routines".We havelearned to incorperate them into our routine.When I forget myson corrects me.It is not a death sentence.Don't feel as ifyou mmust"overcome"anything."Acceptance is a virtue fewpeople posess.

[Sarah]

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in finding ways to cope with obsessions/compulsions and better incorporate them into rational thinking patterns.

I don't think you can do this alone. I suggest finding a good therapist who has experience in treating OCD. Some forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful, but only if you have a good therapist who can train you to use it and who can assess the severity of your disorder. Unfortunately, if your OCD is severe, you may need medication, but some less severe cases can be managed with therapy.

Anything is possible, but I don't think it has been proven. Generally mental health issues are chemical inbalances in your brain, and sometimes with time, that can change. If it's extremely severe. you may want to look to a Doc.

[KayMaxim]

Originally Posted by Terry

I have obsessive compulsive disorder and find it impossible to disobey my rituals of checking the doors many times to see if it locked or not. Anyone here can actually disobey their rituals and choose not to do it without any medication?I also check the sink hose many times to see if it actually closed or not.Sarah, do I need to take medicine? I don't want to take the medicine because it not effective.Can I just do the cognitive Cognitive behavioral therapy and don't take the medicine. Is it ok?

I don't have it but I know people who do. Medication is great if it works. There is lots of new medicine being developed all the time... so if yours doesn't work, check back with a doctor that is up to date with the latest. Here in California, UCLA used to have a great program for OCD and the doctors there were very knowledgeable. Universities and teaching hospitals are good places to look for doctors who keep up with new knowledge.

At UCLA years ago... they used behavioral thearpy that was basically desenitising yourself. You just put yourself in a position that would trigger an attach and then just suffer through it without giving in. I know that must sound impossible, but maybe with some updated medication or support ... you could have some success. The changes are over time and can be seen by PET scan. It will work... as hard as it is.

Good luck and God bless you.

[supmjay]

I don't believe you need medication to overcome OCD. There are many alternative options out there, including many types of behavioral therapies. My advice would be to seek out a therapist that practices transpersonal, gestalt, or some type of alternative behavioral therapy and does not prescribe medication.

Good luck!