Q:  OCD & Intrusive Thoughts

My question is in regards to OCD intrusive thoughts.  While I am on Effexor 225mg a day, and I do have OCD, verified by a psychologist.  I am want to know if my intrusive thoughts can in anyway program my subconscious to do me harm or damage me either physically or mentally? That is, since my intrusive thoughts are involuntary, can it in any way do me harm, aside from just causing anxiety.  I feel siily asking this question, but nonetheless I will ask it.  The question lingers in my mind, what if I lose control of my thoughts and it works against me.  While I know the fear is irrational, I want to know whether my involuntary thought can stimulate my subconscious to harm me?

Thanks

Dear J' -- 
The relationship between bipolar disorder and OCD is very complicated, but rises as an issue, a possible context for your question which would make answering it a good deal more complicated.  However, working just from what you've written, a good read on this particular subject would be Brain Lock by the head of the UCLA OCD treatment program.  You'll see his emphasis on "It's not me, it's my OCD", which I would interpret as pretty close to an answer to your question -- basically, "no". 

Dr. Phelps

Published March, 2004