Martone:

I have a few questions, if you don't mind answering.

First, do you have true clinical OCD or obsessive compulsive traits? OCD is actually a very specific disorder but there are traits that are obsessive compulsive, or perfectionist in nature that are not really OCD but are often called OCD for lack of better label. The upcoming DSM V will have a classification "Obsessive Compulsive or Related Disorders Not Elsewhere Classified" to attempt to resolve this confusion. I would not be surprised if the success rate for CBT is lower in this disorder than it is for OCD, for various reasons.

What did the CBT entail? Did you continue it at home? And when you say it had no effect, do you mean you weren't able to resist the compulsions or you resisted but didn't see any lessening of them?

Also, were you on medication when you started the CBT or any time during it?

With OCD it's generally advisable you do the CBT whether you are on medication or not.

There are numerous medications for OCD. Most of them are SSRIs, a few are tricyclics. I don't know about their effects on muscles but Paxil can cause myoclonic jerks and one of the newer SSRIs is sometimes prescribed for fibromyalgia.

If you do ever try Paxil and it doesn't work or you need to go off of it, be sure not to just stop taking it. It can be physically addicting and the withdrawl can be severe so those wanting to quit it have to be weened off. I don't think any other SSRI has this problem. At least not to such an extreme extent. But some people are helped by it.

Type of Myotonia: Becker

Country: USA