Posted by Dinah on December 26, 2002, at 20:38:46
In reply to treating a delusion, posted by Dave1 on December 26, 2002, at 20:26:53
Dave, is it a belief or an intrusive thought? Intrusive thoughts are the hallmark of OCD, but they aren't the same as beliefs. My therapist says that on the face of it, OCD thoughts do seem delusional. The difference is in recognizing it as an intrusive thought.
If it is an intrusive thought, as opposed to a belief, I've learned a lot of tricks. My therapist gave me some. I've read a lot. My favorite tips came from the book "Stop Obsessing!: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions" if I remember correctly. I've found singing the thought to be effective, or anything else that robs the thought of power. I've found that the thoughts lose power when I laugh at them or when I express them. They gain power when I fight them or try to keep them secret.
I don't suppose the same techniques would work for true delusions, and it's not fool proof. But cognitive behavioral therapy techniques designed specifically for OCD have a pretty good track record.
Good luck!
poster:Dinah
thread:133295
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133297.html