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Suggest Treatment For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Posted on Wed, 9 Apr 2014

Question: Recently I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Bipolar along with depression. Would seeing a counselor/therapist/psychologist be helpful ??? Also: How do I stop thinking or obsessing about a person? I am 60 years old & have suffered with depression since age 11. In October of last year I had what my doctor describes as a nervous breakdown. I was juggling a full time job for 33 years, trying to help my daughter control her bipolar with medications and helping my dad who is now an invalid. I stopped working to live with him and take care of him. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for writing in to us. I do understand the situations you are going through and definitely feel it is treatable with professional help and care. As you have written about being diagnosed as depressive since age 11, it would be important to get a through psychiatric consultation done in your case. Mental health conditions need to be diagnosed accurately and then the treatment provided is more responsive. Obsessive compulsive disorder itself is a spectrum of disorders and in my experience it may be necessary to take few medications for a while along with sessions with a therapist. Coming to your obsession about a person, it must be investigated in detail. It might be that you are not able to focus your attention on important things in your life due to your obsession and this surely calls for intervention and treatment. It is good that you have realized your problems and this will make your solutions easier. Concerning the nervous breakdown, that episode must also be discussed with your doctor and if you are having problems relating to stress and anxiety. At the same time, your thyroid, high blood pressure and cholesterol treatment needs regular followup and medications to be taken. Thyroid disorders alone can heighten anxiety and cause stress. I assure you that you will be normal with a little help from a psychiatrist consultation and visiting a therapist as recommended. Wishing you good health. Do write back if you have any doubts, Regards, Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar