Question
I am 44 years of age and have had MS for 16 years. I was fingolimod before switching to ocrelizumab. I have weakness in both legs and can manage about 200 yards with a stick. I also have bladder and bowel problems. Over the last few years, I have developed obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I have developed a germ phobia and can’t touch anything; I have to wash my hands, so my hands are raw from using soap and alcohol spray. As a solution, I have started using latex gloves when I go out. I also started worrying about my ocrelizumab infusion being contaminated, and this caused me to have a panic attack. My family doctor has started me on fluoxetine and has made a referral to see a psychiatrist.
Is OCD common in people with MS? Would you recommend I do something else to treat the condition?
Many thanks
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Prof G’s response
Is OCD common in people with MS? YES
Would you recommend I do something else to treat the condition? YES, CBT and ERP
