Can ocd make you feel paranoid and see things?

With me i feel more paranoid.

It does for me

Me too

By see things, what do you mean?

Tqh, you are not alone. Check this out. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18850462/

Tqh, it appears what you are experiencing is called pareidolias (seeing things in objects such as clouds or patterns on walls), and it looks like this study shows how someone else has gone through it and found relief from the SRI clomipramine. Though, this is an older OCD med and does carry side effects that newer SSRI's don't have. Have you tried any kind of meds before?

Thank you! You’re the first person who cared enough to look it up. I read about that case before, but apparently, it’s the only one (at least that i could find on the internet). I didn’t know about the clomipramine though, I haven’t tried any meds cause I’m not seeing a therapist right now, but I will soon, cause this symptom is so exhausting and literally everything can be a trigger.

@Tqh Honestly, even though I don't know you, I do care about you. We are all in the same boat here on this site (suffering with OCD), though we are on different parts of the ship and experience different things. I will say, if you and another person experience it, then I am sure more people do, but just don't talk about it on the internet (or they do, but it's probably buried deep in some online forums and doesn't use specific searchable terminology). So, this next bit might be a little longer. I strongly suggest seeking therapy, only because in my personal experience I went so long trying to do things myself, and though I did get through it up until now, I realize having a trained and specialized professional there with you helping is crucial because they can tailor your therapy to your own experience. Here are some great resources to finding a therapist. https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/find-help/ I suggest starting here because the therapists are all specialized in OCD and ERP/CBT and are part of a large OCD community and network. If that doesn't yield any promising results, then check here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists You can filter for OCD and other conditions. I strongly suggest finding a therapist who is specializes in OCD and is trained in ERP because they "get" OCD and have helped many others with this condition. Now, for meds, I do recommend trying some out. Just know, that meds are more of a trial and error approach because each pill interacts differently with each person due to our complex chemistry and most of the time the first few you try aren't the best fit. It sucks yes, and I have started the journey myself (currently on fluvoxamine for 12 weeks and am working up to maximum dose, but so far no relief?). But! The reason I am going to keep trying and the reason I suggest you to try is because people have gained DRAMATIC relief from them. I have read hundreds of reviews and it gives me hope (here is a link to the meds for OCD and reviews on them https://www.drugs.com/condition/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.html). Now, I will say, it is important to note, that OCD takes much longer to respond to meds then depression does (8-12 weeks where depression takes 3-6 weeks) and higher doses than prescribed for depression. But, if a pill (or dose of a pill) will work, you should notice some type of positive benefits well before then. Also, meds do carry side effects, and you kind of have to figure if you can weigh the side effects and benefits. But, don't just settle on a pill if it works but has unbearable side effects (fluvoxamine for me has 0 side effects so I reeaalllyy hope it works for me). Also, it is important to note that only a psychiatrist (or general doctor) can prescribe pills, but therapists can't (at least from what I understand). Here is a wonderful app/online site I use for my psychiatrist it's called LiveHealthOnline, and you can literally see a psychiatrist within a few days or even same day. Personally, I suggest maybe trying a couple of the SSRI's before trying Clomipramine only because it is a much older pill and does carry heavier side effects(that is if you get them), but I suggest speaking with your psychiatrist/ general doctor about that. Also, perhaps of interest is there is a new pill that is currently in trial that works different in that it effects glutamate. Here is a link to the study if you are interested in trying it https://ocdtrial.org/. I hope with this long message to give you good direction to go. There is hope, Tqh, you don't have to suffer like this. After seeing my first therapist a few days ago, and reading all the reviews on meds, I honestly have something I haven't had for a majority of my life: hope. I hope you can find it to, and I hope for all of us here, one day we find the freedom and peace of mind that is rightfully ours. Good luck?

@Bambezzy I get that. I will say I have done the same thing, but just recently seen a therapist and feel like it may be more effective. If you ever need to find one, the links I gave Tqh can be helpful. Good luck to you!

@Tqh I understand. Here might be something of interest then. It's called BetterHelp, here is a link: https://www.betterhelp.com/ The cost for therapy is $40-$70 a week (billed monthly). They have an online and mobile app option so you can get therapy right from your home. So this could be a more cost effective option. I'm not sure if they can prescribe meds, but you can certainly ask them. If you do choose this method, I recommend contacting them and asking them for a therapist specialized in OCD and/or ERP/CBT. Hope this might help!

Thank you!

More have a paranoid seeing things. Like I thought I just seen a cat, maybe not.

Ah, I have had that at times, especially things involving my triggers. Are you seeing any professionals at the moment?

Infinite1010 what kind of things do you see? I see things that trigger me all the time

No. I was just curious.

@tqh a lot of things trigger me?

@bambeezy14 is there any reason you haven't seeked any professional help? I went a very long time and wish I did so long ago.

I ask cause I struggle with something that no one else seems to have, I see my triggers even on patterns on the wall, shadows, stains, etc it’s similar to when you see shapes on the clouds, but with my triggers ☹️

I prefer to not do therapy. It’s hard to find a good ocd therapist that doesn’t thing your nuts. I don’t see things, but when I am alone I get paranoid like someone is going to get me.

Sorry, I meant to put @Tqh in the last message? but, Bambezzy14, why do you say that (about OCD therapists)? Have you tried any of the therapists from IOCDF?

No. I usually manage mine on my own pretty well, just lately I have been having a relapse and trying push thru.

Thank you so much @infinite1010. I’m trying to go to a psychiatrist but it’s hard because I have kids and I live in the USA (I’m from Mexico) so it’s hard for me, because I don’t have a nanny or even someone I can trust with my kids, and my husband works mon-fri. There’s an ocd clinic an hour away from here, so imma try to get an appointment there as soon as I can. I was gonna try online therapy but it’s more expensive ☹️ it sucks, but I really need to get some help.