These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Obsessiveness
Question: My 84 year old mother has become obsessed with believing her granddaughter is stealing from her, but I know this is not possible. I cannot deal with her cruel and hateful behavior. What can I do?
Answer: People often get obsessed with different thoughts that they are unable to rid themselves
of, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This is basically an obsessive thought disorder.
Sometimes treating them with anti-depressants (especially SRI drugs like Prozac, Paxil, etc.)
can be very effective. Also, a medical examination to rule out metabolic problems is in order
if it has not already been done.
Obsessive Compulsive Anxiety
Question: what causes Obsessive Compulsive Anxiety
Answer: I don’t really know currently. Some are researching the human genome for the cause since it does appear to run in families. Clearly, drugs like SRI anti-depressants have been a major treatment advance and will give a clue as to the cause in the future.
