Suffer from OCD and TIcs

I am a 42 year old woman who has had OCD since I was a child. I have been on Lexapro for quite some time even though I am not sure it really helps me which is bothersome to me because I don't like to take meds. unless they help. I also struggle with tics. But here is the thing, my tics are brought on by the thought to make the movement. So they are voluntary and not involuntary. Once I get the thought I do it and then the vicious cycle begins where I will continue to do the tic to the point that I have to take pain medication for a jaw movement, or I have to see the chiropractor to have my back adjusted because I intentionally messed it up by feeling compelled to make these uncomfortable movements. In fact, the more I worry that I have hurt myself by doing the movement, the more I tic. Even when the movement hurts or is uncomfortable, I still do the tic. Does anyone have OCD like this?

When I sought treatments from a specialist, she was great with treating how to deal with the mental obessions such as being worried that I might have hurt my new born baby when I held her head to nurse (this was 8 years ago) but I made tremendous progress with her. We did exposure therapy and I would actually take my baby to her office and we would practice. However, she was never ever to help me with these odd body movements that I do.

I want to know if anyone else experiences this and if you take a drug to help you.

hi iris and welcome to support groups, sure hope you find the people here helpful for your ocd with tics. i don't have ocd myself but know someone that does although not with tics. there may be others here that can advise otherwise. if you don't know about it already can i suggest that you check out nami.org this is where i met the person who has ocd as this is an organization for mental illnesses with lots on info, resources and support. there may be a chapter near you. had some illnesses in my family and found nami to be life saving.