(Information for this essay comes from
the following sources: books “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Dr. Norman
Doige, M.D., “Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” by Dr. Jonathan
Grayson, PhD., and “Love, Medicine and Miracles” by Dr. Bernie Siegel. M.D. )
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I do not take medications for my OCD. That
is my personal choice. They work for some but not for others. I’m just not a
big fan of meds.
Medications do have a place in the
recovery process.
However, I’ve been to doctors who write
me a prescription and simply send me home. You cannot cure anyone this way.
My experience with psychiatry is that
meds are the first line of defense. Doctors say that OCD is bio-chemical.
Therefore, meds must be used.
Let’s face facts. All emotions are bio
chemical. Should we start popping pills for every human emotion? And meds are
prescribed because much of the research in medicine is sponsored by the
pharmaceutical companies.
Medications may quell our anxieties but
often don’t eliminate the problem. The genesis of our fears must be confronted.
Medications have terrible side effects
including leading to suicide thoughts. To find the right balance that works can
take up to 6 – 8 weeks.
There are many factors why medications
work for some and not for others.
Generally speaking, in medical research,
a quarter to a third of patients will show improvement if they “merely believe”
they are taking an effective medication even if the pill has no actual healing
ingredient. This is called the “placebo” effect.
But the following must be present:
(1) meaning of illness experience for patient is
altered in a positive manner
(2) patient is supported by caring group and
(3) patient sense of mastery and control over
illness is enhanced.
Another factor to consider for meds to
work: those patients who had a higher level of trust and rapport with their
doctor.
Why do meds work for some OCD sufferers and
not others? Meds reduce symptoms in about 30% – 50% of patients. Patients still
have to practice Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. As a matter of fact, meds are not
that helpful unless accompanied by CBT.
We don't know why meds work for some OCD
sufferers and not for others. There have never been any studies done to find
commonalities among those who have succeeded. It is often a "hit and
miss" or "trial and error" approach.
But medical researchers would be wise to
ask if the patient truly wants to take meds and believes he is taking meds that
he feels will work. This is called the “power of suggestion”. The patient is
more likely to work at his recovery if he truly wants to take meds.
I also believe in a holistic approach in
treating OCD. Medicine should treat the entire needs of the patient - i.e. love, hope, faith, a sense of purpose,
etc., and not just the illness. Personally, when I have a focus, a passion for
something, my OCD symptoms are drastically reduced.
There is a problem on relying on meds
exclusively. By saying that meds are mandatory for recovery allow patients not
to accept any responsibility in their recovery. I have met patients, over the
years, who refuse to accept this responsibility. They feel the only way for
recovery is by taking meds.
Medications can help in bringing relief.
It’s part of the healing package.
But we must come to terms that much of
our recovery is in our own hands. Confronting our fears that will pass if we
allow them to expire, living with doubt, etc.
It’s a lot of work. And I never said it
was easy.
Remember: we are being bluffed by
sensations that lie to us!
It’s been said that the brain chemistry
associated with OCD is capable of healing itself. We just have to be shown the
way.
Finally, medications cannot do
everything. They may relieve some of the suffering. But there are some things
that they simply cannot do:
Medications don’t give me the wisdom to
combat my fears. Only humans are capable of doing that.
Medications cannot feel my pain, show
empathy and compassion towards me. Only humans can do that. Values that bring
on healing.
And, finally, medications do not love me
back to health. Only humans with caring hearts can do that. This, too, can ease
my pain.
- Ken Munro
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