Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Parkinson's Disease (No-BPD)

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

Is it true that OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) can be considered a symptom of Parkinson's Disease known as the "Shaking Mind syndrome"? I read that on the internet but lost the article. Just wondered, because my dad has Parkinson's and I have the OCD which I have had since at least 6 or 7 years old. I was also molested by 2 family

advertisement

members and am presently in counseling and am on Zoloft which really seems to help the OCD. Now when I have the obsessive thoughts they just come and go and don't bother me as much. I started out with 50 mgs. and am now on 100 mgs. Just started Zoloft about 11 days ago and what a difference! My period also seems to make a difference. My husband pointed that out to me and I have been keeping track. About 10 days before my period I start getting more obsessive thoughts than usual. Even on the medicine I notice that. Is there something to that also? Have had my thyroid checked out and I have a goiter but it is functioning well. Life was hard till someone I knew who had OCD and started my med.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

There is no correlation between OCD and Parkinson's disease that I've ever encountered.

I'm extremely happy for you that you've responded to the SSRI treatment of OCD. The OCD can be an extremely disabling problem.

It would appear that progesterone is the culprit since that's what goes up during the second phase of your cycle. I've had many anxiety patients complain of increased symptoms whenever they get their Depo-Provera injections. You might want to consult with your physician about an oral contraceptive that keeps your progesterone levels constant and relatively low.

next: Autistic Child (No-BPD) ~ back to: Borderline Personality Disorder FAQs Table of Contents