A&E's New Show on OCD: Obsessed

[sfgirl]

I am sitting here watching the new show after Intervention, Obsessed which documents people suffering from OCD. So far I am struck by how similar OCD and addiction to substances is. They both are behaviors used to avoid emotions. Both seem to be triggered by trauma. The result of being deep into OCD is similar as to being deep into addiction. Life becomes unmanageable. They try to hide their behaviors from loved ones. It seems to get progressively worse.

The interesting thing is that in the show and I am sure this is common practice as well the therapy they are using is CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy. I wonder about the long term effects of the exposure therapy. If they are exposed to living through the discomforts of not performing their rituals, it is well documented that they get better. However, is this long lasting? Would it be better coupled with not necessarily 12-step work but something like that, some sort of longer spiritual program or holistic recovery? And vice-versa if CBT is so effective for OCD why isn't it more used and accepted as a form of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse addictions?

I don't know just thinking. Also anxiety disorders and substance abuse seem to co-occur often. I know I suffered panic disorder with random onset panic attacks daily for an extended period of time. I can't imagine what sort of hell the OCD is making these peoples' lives and wish them relief from their pain. Any thoughts? Any one else see the show?

[suki44883]

I watched it. I thought it was very good. I was thinking of my daughter the whole time. She has the problem with setting and rechecking, over and over again, the alarm clock. She has HUGE social phobia and intense fear of talking on the phone. She has never gotten any treatment for this because of all her other issues. Hopefully, once those other issues are under control, the OCD will get better.

I really enjoyed the show and will probably watch it again.