OCD

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER?

The following are the most common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

an extreme preoccupation with dirt, germs, or contamination

repeated doubts (for example, whether or not the door is locked)

obtrusive thoughts about violence, hurting, killing someone, or harming self

spending long periods of time touching things, counting, thinking about numbers and sequences

preoccupation with order, symmetry, or exactness

persistent thoughts of performing repugnant sexual acts or forbidden, taboo behaviors

troubled by thoughts that are against personal religious beliefs

an extreme need to know or remember things that may be very trivial

excessive attention to detail

excessive worrying about something terrible happening

aggressive thoughts, impulses, and/or behaviors

Compulsive behaviors (the repetitive rituals used to reduce anxiety caused by the obsessions) can become excessive, disruptive, and time-consuming, and may interfere with daily activities and relationships. Examples of compulsive behaviors may include:

repeated hand washing (often 100 or more times a day)

checking and rechecking repeatedly (i.e., to ensure that a door is locked)

following rigid rules of order (i.e., putting on clothes in the very same sequence every day, keeping belongings in the room in a very particular way and becoming upset if the order becomes disrupted)

hoarding objects

counting and recounting excessively

grouping or sequencing objects

repeating words spoken by self (palilalia) or others (echolalia); repeatedly asking the same questions

coprolalia (repeatedly speaking obscenities) or copropraxia (repeatedly making obscene gestures)

repeating sounds, words, numbers, and/or music to oneself

The symptoms of OCD may resemble other medical conditions or psychiatric problems, including Tourette’s disorder.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF OCD?

There has not been a single proven cause identified for OCD. Researchers believe OCD is related to low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is thought that those that suffer with OCD may have receptor sites that are blocked or function incorrectly, preventing serotonin from exhibiting its full affects. A person with OCD may not have enough serotonin. Serotonin supplements which contain the precursors that enable the brain to make more serotonin have helped many OCD sufferers to function better.

OCD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. However, OCD may also develop without a family history of OCD. Recent studies suggest that streptococcal infections may trigger the onset or increase the severity of OCD, in some cases.

NATURAL TREATMENT REMEDIES FOR OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

The following OCD supplements may provide natural relief for OCD symptoms. We use these OCD supplements in our clinic either by themselves or in combination with an SSRI anti-depressant:

Homocysteine Metabolite Regulators is a formula that improves methylation. The methylation process has been shown to be deficient in most OCD sufferers.

Inositol helps in neurotransmission and is usually very helpful for those with high histamine levels. Inositol usually provides calming throughout the day and ability to sleep at night.

L Tryptophan or 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) increases serotonin levels, calming OCD symptoms. Also helps with sleep.

5HTP Plus is a serotonin supplement containing 5HTP and a proprietary belnd of neurotransmitters to increase levels of serotonin. Do not take with an SSRI.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective means of controlling anxious and intrusive thoughts, as experienced with obsessions and compulsions. Research shows that children can be taught to “challenge” their anxious or excessive thoughts by being taught to better understand what is taking place. Though not a full answer, study results are encouraging. Many are not aware of this method, and it is not always easy to find a practitioner.