Gladis

Hi again I am so sorry to bump this topic again, but there are only nine days before the survey is closed. So far, I have received 211 completed surveys from all over the world. 211 is more that the number of patients participating in some medical trials for new drugs and treatments, so 211 has a lot of credibility. But every extra survey carries added weight. I am now, at last, receiving surveys from those of you with BPD or Schizophrenia as well as OCD and from those with Autism/Aspergers and OCD. This helps reveal the complexities of OCD, and, thus, why it is so hard for so many of us guys to get OCD under control. I know that there are many parents on this forum who have children with OCD or with OCD and other disorders. A few UK parents have been so keen to have their voice heard that they have completed surveys with or on behalf of their children. I was wondering if some of you would consider doing this too so I can add a chapter on OCD in childhood. I have learned so much from these particular surveys including: the fact that Prozac is prescribed for chilren and sometimes has serious sie effects and that many children with OCD end up with little or no formal education. I would alos love to hear from parents of children with PANDAS and OCD as so little is known about this still. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post. Very best wishes Anne Watkins. Ps all profits will be donated to OCD charities including this charity

Hi everyone. I thought I should introduce myself. My forum name is Gladis but my real name is Anne Watkins. I am 62 and retired and have been married for over 30 years. I have had contamination OCD for most of my life which has been extremely severe at times. Due to a long period of respite (after inpatient treatment) I managed to achieve a PhD in politics at Exeter Univeristy, UK. After I was awarded it, my OCD came back with a vengeance. I have been fighting to get back my control since November 2009 and currently have around 80% control as a result of private treatment. This is why I decided to write this charitable book about OCD. I felt that nobody understands OCD as much as we sufferers. I therefore felt that by writing a book I could help my fellow sufferers as well as raising awareness and getting rid of the stigma. I now have several partners from both sides of the Atlantic helping with the project - though only I know the identities of the contributers. I have almost enough contributions 9from several different countries) to fill the book - but could still do with book reviews and small articles on coping tips (ie sports and hobbies). We hope to get the book ready for publishing by the end of next summer. All the profits will go to OCD Charities. Thanks so much Sheila for advertising my project and survey and thanks so much to those of you who have already completed the survey. The survey is due to close on 30th September, but I could keep it open for one more week if it would help. If you would like to contact me privately the email address is: OCDsurvey@btinternet.com Thanks so much Very best wishes Anne

Hi I am so sorry to hear of your problems with OCD. Mine (severe contamination OCD) started when I was 22 but I had depression from 13 years onwards and I now realise I had religiosity from the age of 16 at the latest. Mine was clearly inherited, but I think I may be a PANDAS case too. I had never heard of this before. But after several strep infections and a tonsillectomy I did get depression and then OCD. So it seems like this was not a coincidence. I am now 62 years old and have had fairly good control since 1996 when I went as a voluntary inpatient in the Bethlem Hospital UK and had intensive ERP. As a result I was able to make it through Uni as a mature student. I have had two relpases in the last year but with the help of ERP and CBT and a small dose of citalopam to relieve the panic attacks and quieten the thoughts I am on the way up again. 10mg a day is enough to take the edge off it without taking away my ability to concentrate on my research. I am not sure what your symptoms are but I do think that ERP helps if you have compulsions. There are also a lot of very good self help books which may help. I personallly love 'CBT for Dummies', 'OCD for Dummies,' and Jonathon Grayson's 'Freedom from Obsessive Compuslive Disorder.' there are some wonderful self help tips in there. I do so hope you make it to UCLA. I found that studying did my OCD the world of good. While I was researching and writing essays I had no time to listen to my endless obsessional thoughts. This is also why I am writing my book on OCD. My therapist encouraged me to do it as part of my therapy and I have found that sharing with other OCDers is an amazing and helpful experience. Very best wishes Anne