Intrusive Thoughts...ptsd Or Ocd?

[Lionheart]

I was reading some information on a website about intrusive thoughts. It stated something to the effect that the main difference between intrusive thoughts in PTSD and OCD is that, with PTSD, the thoughts are of something that actually happened to you and with OCD, they are of imagined catastrophes.

I have both kinds of intrusive thoughts. I wonder if the statement is accurate or if intrusive thoughts of imagined catastrophes is common in people with PTSD? (or if it is possibly a sign of hypervigilence)?.

For instance, if I hear a plane flying overhead, I immediately imagine that the sound of it is a falling bomb from another country or that the plane is about to crash into my home. In the same manner, when I am a passenger in a car, I "see" images of car accidents and imagine that I will be in a horrible crash, complete with visuals of the gory details.

I am not able to just dismiss the thoughts and images as being false, exaggerated or imaginary, and I struggle to maintain my composure. I guess I am wondering if I have OCD or if I am suffering from symptoms of PTSD (such as hypervigilence)?

 

[NarcSis]

I have the same thing, a lot of my intrusion is actually based in reality as I've seen quite a bit over my career, but I do agree with you, much of it is what I call hypervigilance gone haywire.

Of course, it is human nature to imagine the worst, but when you're actually upset, afraid and "seeing" the worst while trying to convince yourself otherwise, it can be highly disruptive.

 

[Innordinate]

I have intrusive thoughts of imagined catastrophes, mostly involving children. Very graphic. I don't have OCD - at least, it hasn't been diagnosed and I've been seeing psychiatrists for about 18 years off and on. My current psychiatrist explained this as being part of the anxiety. Like Medic said, basically hyper-vigilance gone haywire.

When I was on anti-psychotic meds (Zyprexa, Risperidone) they went away. Now I'm off Risperidone and they've come back with a vengeance.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I have intrusive thoughts. Lately they have been acting up. I hate this kind of thinking. I want to think more positive.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I also have them. I have been saying - I'm gonna die - over and over in my head the past two days. I don't know how I would have gotten through yesterday without an ativan.

 

[quaintpapercut]

Monster- I have been experiencing the same thing. It only happens though when my stress really peaks - its like a mantra in my head "im going to die, I'm going to die". I think its my minds way of communicating to me that I've reached a breaking point in what I can take on as I don't actually feel stress as I'm consistently numbed out.

 

[girlshawn]

After seeing my psych the other day he said something that might help. He said if you have any hint of let's say OCD the PTSD exaggerates it.

I struggle with a lot of this. I have to drive or we will all die in a burning heap of mettle, or I have to sit in back and listen to music and read.

I have a very hard time with the dark in the country. Put me in the hood and I am fine. I know how to handle myself if attacked. But the country. Man I get a little sick thinking about this.

It was suggested I learn to meditate. Hahaha I asked the doc "where do I tell all my monsters and villains to go?"

Hahaha

I'm looking into a guided meditation group now.

Good topic - it helps with perspective.

 

[NarcSis]

Monster and quaintpapercut, I know what you mean with the mantra, the only difference with me is that my 'mantra' is more of a "is this how I die?" and to add to the oddity of that, I actually find it somewhat comforting rather than anxiety provoking.

If I'm driving, my body will relax and prepare for the inevitable - or at least, what my mind sees as the inevitable end. I find this reaction concerning.

 

[Hashi]

I think with OCD you have to have a compulsive behaviour in response to the obsessive thoughts.

An example would be that every time you saw a plane flying overhead you not only think about a bomb falling from it but as soon as it's passed you have to first drive around the neighbourhood and then check the internet/news for hours to make sure nothing happened. If the thought is about a plane crashing into your home, the behaviour might be to check flyover times ever day and then gather up your most important possessions and drive to a safe distance away whenever you knew a plane was due.

Sadly, I have OCD as well as PTSD and I know that with the anxious PTSD thoughts I might take reasonable precautions but I don't act on the thoughts compulsively and repeatedly. With the obsessive OCD thoughts I do.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Interesting to know the difference between OCD obsessive thoughts and PTSD obsessive thoughts.

Mine are most definitely PTSD obsessive thoughts as they are firmly based on things that have happened to me. I will say that I've often wondered if OCD obsessive thoughts aren't typically as bad as I can go from OK to suicidal and ready to act once the obsessive thoughts kick into full gear. I'm not minimizing anyone's OCD, it's just that you don't normally hear of this side of OCD, kwim?

 

[Abstract]

I think with OCD you have to have a compulsive behaviour in response to the obsessive thoughts.

.

I could be wrong but I think there is such a thing as "Pure OCD" which doesnt include obvious compulsions.

 

[saffy]

I found this article today and it made good reading. I thought I would share it with you all.

[DLMURL]http://www.craigmentalhealth.org/mental-health/anxiety-disorders-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-and-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/[/DLMURL]



best wishes
Saffy