Re: obsessions vs. compulsions

[Guest guest]

It seems to me that you are seeing more of the type of OCD that appears to be

related to TS. (And who can even begin to discriminate between tics, compulsive

tics, tic-like compulsions, and actual compulsions). The research seems to show

that people with TS and OCD are more likely to have " just-right " types of OCD

where there isn't an underlying fear or anxiety about a specific thing, just a

need to repeat an action until it feels right.

So, in typical OCD, you might need to tap your foot three times to keep the

lions away, but in this type of OCD, you need to tap your foot three times

because you need to tap your foot three times.

Jeanne

> But here is my main question, one that's been nagging at me since we started

down this road with our older son. As far as we can tell, neither of our boys

have obsessions, only compulsions. The closest my 14 y.o. comes to obsessive

thought is his hyperfocusing (to the point of really struggling to put it away)

on fantasy role-playing games (D & D primarily but others as well). I think he

also has some minor phobias that keep him from participating in some adventurous

activities, but this doesn't seem to be debilitating.

>

> I have been reading and surfing the internet and cannot find information

about dealing with compulsive behavior only. I also have compulsions, primarily

counting, so clearly this is genetic. As far as obsessions go, mine would be

similar to my son's, where I have trouble shifting gears or setting aside a

preoccupation (such as deciding I want to go back to school and researching

obsessively about programs and schools etc.). But to my knowledge, none of it

is fear-based.

>

> It seems to me that the treatment strategies, such as ERP, are designed to

specifically address fear and anxiety in order to reduce both obsessions and

compulsions. But how does that work when the overwhelming majority of symptoms

are compulsions?

>

> We are working with a psychiatrist on medication management and CBT for my

older son. I am pleased with the med management but not with the CBT. I don't

think it's having any impact at all; in fact, my son is so annoyed about having

to go that I think it could be counter-productive. But before I make a change,

I want to understand what I'm looking for.

>

> I live outside Washington, D.C. and would be willing to drive even to a

neighboring state to have my kids evaluated properly, if anyone has suggestions

for specific therapists.

>

> Thanks,

> Stefanie

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Stefanie,

My son (now 17, around 11.5 when OCD began) seemed to have just

compulsions also when OCD began for him. You can have one without

the other (compulsions or obsessions). This year we seem to have the

opposite, obsessions although he does compulsions (I think) due to

the thoughts.

Regarding it being fear-based...I think (and I'm quickly thinking

here, LOL) that it doesn't have to be " fear " but just some anxiety,

an uneasy feeling persisting, bothers a person to not finish/do

something.... So, say, if your son tried to touch something less

than the number of times he usually does, he should feel *something*

(anxiety, urge to complete, can't *not* finish touching...). And

what he would work on is getting through that *feeling* and actually

not touching his usual number of times, working down to not even

feeling a compulsion to touch/tap/skip....

Gotta go!

single mom, 3 sons

, 17, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> My 14 y.o. son has diagnosed OCD as well as TS and ADHD. For

years, we have been watching our 11 y.o. son like hawks, analyzing

every possible hint of a symptom. Until recently, we have not

noticed any TS or OCD, although he was diagnosed with ADHD in

kindergarten.