Ocd sufferer. i irrationally worry about everything from being gay to a killer to a schizophrenic. cbt and medication isn't helping. i know my intrusive thoughts are symptoms and not my actual thoughts, but am frustrated? i just want to be normal.

Psychotherapy: and a 1-2 week stint in a mental health facility with a support team and group support may be beneficial. I suggest inpatient care and consultation with your therapist.

Second opinion: Hi, Do you seen a psychiatrist for medication management or a general doctor? If you see a psychiatrist, have you brought up your lack of progress to them? A psychiatrist may need to try different medications before finding the right combination to support you. Last, are you practicing the coping mechanisms CBT such as thought stoping, checking if there is evidence for irrational thought

See below: People w/ OCD can have thoughts they find disturbing or shocking. If you were gay, so what? If you were a serial killer, then you would turn yourself into the authorities and have yourself locked up to protect the public. If you had schizophrenia, you can be treated w/ meds. Chances are you're not a serial killer b/c you're concerned about being one. Examine the evidence and check the facts.

OCD treatable: If you have not a trial of indicated SSRI's, consider fluvoxamine which can be very effective with often a low side effect profile. The OCD Workbook, The Woman Who Thought Too Much and OCD for Dummies are both regarded highly. The International OCD Foundation for referrals, bibliography, articles, and support. Food allergy investigation, anti-inflammatories, exercise, neurofeedback as options.

Add insight oriented: You seem to have some good capacity for insight. Perhaps insight oriented therapy should be added to the CBT that you have had. An evaluation of the meds may also be in order.

Short term/Long term: CBT tends to focus on symptoms relief and the effects of the therapy tend to lessen fairly quickly, compared to psychoanalysis, which is a much richer, and emotionally deeper type of treatment, with effects and benefits that are much longer lasting. Read the work of Jonathan Shedler for a better understanding.