RWD
01-25-2014, 05:52 PM
Hello, I'm a 41 y.o. man and suffer from what most closely resembles OCD. I have taken almost all of the "major" SSRI's over the last 13ish years with marginal results - before this I didn't take meds.
The SSRI's, I have figured out, seem to help with depression but not anxiety and not the obsessive thinking. The only reason I suspect they do anything at all is that in the distant past when I've come off of them, I've felt depressed. In 2011 I was on a mission to get professional help. I went thru a minimum of 5 psychol's before one of them referred me to a Dr. who specializes in OCD. 3 months and and empty wallet later, I wasn't helped at all for all practical purposes.
My history in school would indicate the possibility, at the very least, that I have ADD. I didn't pay attention in class and generally just got by for the most part. By the time I was in high school I took some remedial courses (the "special" classes, they were labeled "Resource" classes WTF that means). By my senior year in HS I believe I only stuck w/the "resource" classes in math.
I was 17 when I started having OCD-like symptoms and by the time I got to college I was having some textbook symptoms. Incidentally, I was able to get through a Bachelor's degree, but it wasn't easy.
That's the abridged/plenty missing history. So on to Vyvanse - this med has given me consistent relief from OCD - in frequency of obsessions and compulsions and perhaps consequently from these factors alone, gives me much more ability to focus. Most literature, "stuff" in general indicates, generally, stims are contraindicated for those with anxiety disorders; this is most definitely NOT the case for me. I spoke to my shrink about getting adderall - it's much cheaper (I've tried that too) - but he cited the concern that it could make me MORE anxious. I alluded to my taking some in the past and doing fine, but I didn't want to give the impression that I was taking unprescribed meds too willy-nilly. He advised I should see a psychologist who specializes in ADD/testing.
My fiancee has given me the Vyvanse on occasion off and on (emphasis on "off") over the last 8 months.
I definitely have never had hyperactivity, so if I do indeed have ADD, it would be JUST that. Anyway, I wanted to share this because I feel like I have done so much "by the book stuff" and found no relief. In 24 years, only an amphetamine has given me the focus and ability to redirect myself from spending too much time obsessing. I don't think this is the answer for most, but I thought I would throw it out there. I realize this is not the answer for most who have anxiety. Feel free to share thoughts.
The SSRI's, I have figured out, seem to help with depression but not anxiety and not the obsessive thinking. The only reason I suspect they do anything at all is that in the distant past when I've come off of them, I've felt depressed. In 2011 I was on a mission to get professional help. I went thru a minimum of 5 psychol's before one of them referred me to a Dr. who specializes in OCD. 3 months and and empty wallet later, I wasn't helped at all for all practical purposes.
My history in school would indicate the possibility, at the very least, that I have ADD. I didn't pay attention in class and generally just got by for the most part. By the time I was in high school I took some remedial courses (the "special" classes, they were labeled "Resource" classes WTF that means). By my senior year in HS I believe I only stuck w/the "resource" classes in math.
I was 17 when I started having OCD-like symptoms and by the time I got to college I was having some textbook symptoms. Incidentally, I was able to get through a Bachelor's degree, but it wasn't easy.
That's the abridged/plenty missing history. So on to Vyvanse - this med has given me consistent relief from OCD - in frequency of obsessions and compulsions and perhaps consequently from these factors alone, gives me much more ability to focus. Most literature, "stuff" in general indicates, generally, stims are contraindicated for those with anxiety disorders; this is most definitely NOT the case for me. I spoke to my shrink about getting adderall - it's much cheaper (I've tried that too) - but he cited the concern that it could make me MORE anxious. I alluded to my taking some in the past and doing fine, but I didn't want to give the impression that I was taking unprescribed meds too willy-nilly. He advised I should see a psychologist who specializes in ADD/testing.
My fiancee has given me the Vyvanse on occasion off and on (emphasis on "off") over the last 8 months.
I definitely have never had hyperactivity, so if I do indeed have ADD, it would be JUST that. Anyway, I wanted to share this because I feel like I have done so much "by the book stuff" and found no relief. In 24 years, only an amphetamine has given me the focus and ability to redirect myself from spending too much time obsessing. I don't think this is the answer for most, but I thought I would throw it out there. I realize this is not the answer for most who have anxiety. Feel free to share thoughts.