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Hypothyroid and OCD

I've had panic attacks since I was 12 years old and started having OCD symptoms about a year ago.  I noticed that around the time my OCD started I was always really cold or really hot and never had energy after I wake up. I left a job because I just wasn't feeling well or like myself.  To this day, I still feel the same.  My doctor told me I was fine and probably just had a slow metabolism leading to feeling cold.  Now I can't even walk two steps or move my arms without heating up and sweating!!  And then after sweating I would go extremely cold.  Anyone here have Hypothyroid and OCD? Does it go away after treating the thyroid?  Are these different disorders even related to eachother? Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Ok well I finally got to see my rheumy after 3 months of waiting and lets just say it was a waste of time.  To give you an idea of my situation these were the results from my last blood test..

Ultrasound showed enlarged thyroid(goiter)
Blood cell counts are all normal range
Free T3:   4.4  (range 3.5- 6.5)
Free T4:   16   (range 9- 23)
TSH:       0.97  (range 0.35- 5.00)
Antinuclear antibody:  POSITIVE
TITRE:   1:320  HI  (range <1:40)
ANA Pattern:  Speckled and Homogeneous pattern
RHEUMATOID FACTOR-SERUM:   <12   (range <14)

I went into his office, he asked me about my symptoms, checked my joints and movement and basically said that there's nothing he can do for me as my thyroid levels are all normal.  They really do make you feel like you are wasting their time =( I pressed on and said how can they be normal when I don't FEEL normal and if they had trial medication I can try.  He went on that if it's normal they can't treat it and he even mentioned himself about only treating people cause they didn't catch the condition in time and their thyroid is pretty much gone.  Are you kidding me?!? So he's saying that even though I might have something he can't treat till its too late and everything is out of wack!!  I have an appointment with another rheumy in a month but I feel that their answer will be the same.  I am at my wits end and don't know who to turn to. Anyone here from Toronto, Ontario? Is there anyone I can see here that might be able to help me?  Should I see an endo instead of rheumy...Thanks for reading.
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676032 tn?1315674063
http://www.recurrentdepression.com/site/more/anxiety-disorder-due-to-a-general-medical-condition/
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Avatar universal
If you spend a little time on this Forum and read some of the many posts, you'll notice a lot of people recommend being initially tested for FT3 and FT4 (not total T3 and total T4), along with TSH.  The "Frees" are the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and many other body functions, so it is important to know what their levels are.  Many doctors don't acknowledge this and sometimes resist testing for the "Frees", especially FT3, but make sure they do anyway and then get a copy of the results and post them here, along with reference ranges, so that members can help you interpret the results.  
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676032 tn?1315674063
What makes us worry is that the docs dont agree that its a symptom of hypothyroidism! And thats what does my head in! I wish they would be more open minded and treat us the way we need!!!! My mind is the scariest part of my thyroid disorder!

Your not alone!
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Avatar universal
Thank you thank you for replying all!!  I feel so much better reading the posts and I hope to find a solution soon.  I do feel like my own worst enemy and rarely feel like myself.  I use to be so outgoing and care-free and now i can't help but worry about EVERYTHING!!!  I'm trying cognitive behavioral therapy right now along with Zoloft and it just helps a teeny weeny bit..not earth moving though.
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676032 tn?1315674063
I know what ye are all saying!!! Its so hrad to get better when doctors wont let me!! Im going back to get bloods done soon and Im wondering what they are at now!!! My brains seems to be my enemy! It latches onto the most scariest thing and plays with it!!!

I think my worst enemy is me some times!
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393685 tn?1425812522
Those thought are c r a z y - I know. I actually planned two weeks of meals and froze them thinking it was over for me and I seriously was whacked out until I found optimal levels with thyroid meds.

It's scarey... I was never so scared in my life on what I was doing - going - or going to think!

I had no control over it either...

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Avatar universal
my symptoms where so severe that I didn't control my thoughts !
well the repetitive continuos thoughts became less severe now  ,however I don't have clear mind yet ,maybe I need to increase the dose of the med !

feel well !
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393685 tn?1425812522
I was labeled all those conditions above back in the day when I was so ill.

Low and Behold!!  when I got on correct thyroid meds for me - I was cured!
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393685 tn?1425812522
Yes they are linked and more and more you find doctors will Dx OCD and medicate - instead of looking deeper into the hormone panels correctly.

I find - that Intergrative Medical Doctors zone in on the root cause of these conditions more that traditional medicine.

There is a Dr. Kim here on Med Help - that recently blogged about health care costs. I see he is Intergrative Medicine and could give you some thoughts.

This is only my thought - but I am a firm believer that OCD - ADHD - ADD - Fibromylasia - etc and all the symptoms that accompany them - are hormonal imbalances that no one wants to spend the time to look into.  It's easier to cram a  over rated mental medication down someone then chart out things and trial proper meds to assist the body in preformance.
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Avatar universal
I am a little OCD and I most definitely have both anxiety and panic attacks.  I have had thyroid for over 12 years now [I am 21].  They say my thyroid levels are normal and yet I still have the anxiety and am a total GERM FREAK
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Avatar universal
Thanks for replying guys!  I have compulsions and they range from washing my hands over and over and showering to drinking a water bottle repeatedly.  It is worse when I haven't slept or am overly anxious.  I have a enlarged thyroid and I am not on any medication yet because I had to wait for 3 months till my appointment with my specialist.  It is coming up though..in a WEEK!!  I'm so excited cause I hope they can help me find a solution.  What meds are you guys on? I have heard awful things about the synthetic meds and I am hoping to try dessicated thyroid meds if I need them.
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676032 tn?1315674063
Ya, I dont have compulsions, just bad thoughts :(.......

have yours gone??
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Avatar universal
I had panic attacks since I was in the garden ,more than 20 years now !
I have many OCD-like symptoms ,it's supposed to relieve after reaching the proper dose !
OCD is obsessions and hypo causes obsessions ,this is how I see it !

Helpful - 0
676032 tn?1315674063
In my personl experience I think they are connected in some way! last september I started have intrusive thoughts but at the time I was in a really bad relationship that caused a lot of anxiety and stress! But my thyroid was being monitored bofore that, so I went back and got my tests done and was put on meds for hypothyroidism! I started counselling too, jus for extra support! I don't know what is causing my anxiety but I think its got to do with my thyroid to some degree! I cant explain how my life has been effected..

My counsellor doesn't think I have OCD but bad anxiety!

What are your OCD symptoms??
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