extreme paranoia

Before I ask my question, I just want to say that I know I am not well and am planning to seek psychiatric help. Nonetheless I would really appreciate a response.

I've had BDD and OCD for about a year but very recently both disorders have taken a turn for the worse. In this past month, I've suddenly become extremely paranoid about health issues, thinking that any problem with my body will somehow adversely affect my facial appearance.

For example, about a month ago, I used a pin to try to pop an under-the-skin pimple in my temple area. Shortly after, I became extremely paranoid that by doing this, I had caused a scar to form (I even began worrying that I'd hit my brain somehow...even though logically I know this is not possible.). Even now, I can't see a scar, but just the thought of what I did and the possibility that I caused even the tiniest scar fills me with extreme anxiety.  

Then today I woke up with extreme discomfort in one of my legs. I presume it's relates to starting a very low-calorie diet and exercise program this week, but nonetheless I feel really concerned that I've done permanent damage to my leg. Even more worrying to me is the thought that this leg injury will in someway affect my facial appearance. What if I've caused a bone problem in my leg that will upset my entire skeletal structure and eventually have an adverse effect on my facial bones? It's sounds absurd I know - but is it possible?

But what makes it infinitely worse is that once I start worrying, I then become paranoid that this worry/anxiety will trigger some sort of reverse placebo effect whereby everything I fear actually happens. This is want to ask - is it AT ALL possible that this is reverse placebo effect could take place and that anxious thoughts about my appearance could actually end up coming true simply because I fear/worry they will? Is there ANY chance?

Thank you so much

[susieq87]

No it is not medically possible.  You have a lot of fear, I can feel it.  I have been there.  This is what it's all about, fear.  Nothing happens without a significant reason.  It is a good thing you are going to a physciatrist because the fear is consuming you.  Work on self esteem issues with the physce, learn to trust yourself and your decisions.  I know about the snowballing thoughts.  The chain reaction thoughts, like dominoes falling.  Please get some help to find yourself so you can think outside of the box.

[marky444]

Susie,

I'm really sorry- this is my paranoia kicking in - but could you tell me how you KNOW that it's "not medically possible." I was on another forum and someone basically said that the placebo (in this case, nocebo) effect can be extremely potent and that she didn't doubt that it could impact one's facial appearance, citing the fact our bodies are really just made up of ever-changing cells. I honestly feel like my facial bones are changing; today, my jaw line looks different somehow and I have this strange ache in my jaw bone. And at the end of the day, isn't ANYTHING possible?

Sorry, I hope this message isn't coming across as rude... I'm just feeling extremely anxious and paranoid at the moment. I tried getting in touch with the local psychology clinic this morning but to no avail. I assume it must be closed over the weekend. Basically that means two more sleepless nights.

Thanks so much for your response btw.