Posted by Dr. William J. Moore on March 07, 19100 at 20:29:12:
In Reply to: Re: Dual Disorder posted by Joseph A. Barrett, M.D. on February 24, 19100 at 12:29:48:
I would have to say that within the character structure of the OCD we are looking at 18 months to 3 years, I would see alcoholic structures developing much earlier (pre-oedipal). I think you also need to look at the cognitive defenses in both which would include drives, affects and wishes. However, I think you may be on to someting here, we know the OCD patient fears to be 'out of control,' as does the alcoholic. Both alcoholics and OCD patients have similiar fears i.e., feelings, however differences are clear, OCD patients do not overutilize the defense of isolation as does the alcoholic. In addition OCD patients rely heavy on reaction formations, while alcoholics rely on denial.
To connect the two, OCD patients in doing and undoing will partake in deletrious compulsive behaviors such as overdrinking, overeating, taking drugs, gambling, shoplifting and sexualizing. Some brain studies have been done by the NIH, I would look into those in regards to your cognitive concerns.