Question:
Hello Dr. Schwartz,
First off, thank you for your website. I have been diagnosed as having OCD/Depression. My question is that I have had intrusive revolving thoughts only three times in my life after a stressfull event or depression. And then years go by with no symptoms whatsoever. Can OCD come and go like this and be episodic in nature? Is it common? I am currently on medication as well doing CBT and my psychiatrist says I have a great prognosis since my OCD seems to have such long periods of no symptoms. Im not even sure if it is OCD or just Depression…
AdAd
- Dr. Schwartz responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
- Dr. Schwartz intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
- Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
- No correspondence takes place.
- No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Schwartz to people submitting questions.
- Dr. Schwartz, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Schwartz and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
- Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.
Ad
Ad
Answer:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is associated with depression and anxiety. It is an unsuccessful attempt to reduce symptoms of both of these problems. It most certainly worsens in times of stress, increased anxiety and increased depression. This why you have episodes of this disorder. You can certainly trust your doctor when he tells you that you have both ocd and depression.
OCD, depression and anxiety are very common illnesses and it is not unusual for them to happen when life gets tough. Disorders such as these vary in intensity so that one person may have mild cases while others very severe cases. In other words, they occur along a continuum. It appears that you doctor believes that you case is mild and, therefore, you have very good prognosis.
Ad
My advice is that you do not obsess over this!-smile.
Best of luck
Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health Needs
Ad
Ad
More "Ask Dr. Schwartz" View Columnists
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
