Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder in which a person gets caught in an often debilitating cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Research suggests that a high number of people with OCD have vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a commonly overlooked cause of psychiatric and even some neurological illnesses. Common neuropsychiatric illnesses associated with B12 deficiency are dementia, neuropathies, depression, and irritability. Authors concluded that OCD was an early manifestation of B12 deficiency.
Increase consumption of foods high in Vitamin B12
These neurotransmitters are important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress which are all indicators of OCD.
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B6 could be useful, as it may help convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin(xvi). Some natural health practitioners also recommend folic acid– another B vitamin – for patients with OCD, as it may be needed for serotonin production in the brain.
Studies have shown that anomalous changes in serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine may contribute to the development of OCD (37–40). In this meta-analysis, we found a statistically significant higher homocysteine level and lower concentration of B12 vitamins in patients with OCD.
It is well-recognised that consuming a lot of sugary foods and drinks — such as soda, candy, chocolate, fruit drinks, desserts and other sweets — can cause blood sugar fluctuations. The “sugar high” triggers OCD symptoms like exhaustion, mood swings, and anxiety neurosis.
Magnesium plays a key role in balancing mood and relaxation, and its deficiencies are linked with depression. Thanks to its calming effect, magnesium is nicknamed nature's tranquilizer. This is also the reason magnesium supplements can help those with OCD manage the condition.
The two main treatments for OCD, medication and talk therapy, can be very effective for relieving OCD. 13 Medications can help relieve symptoms of OCD, and talk therapy can help people learn to manage OCD thoughts and learn to better tolerate feelings of distress.
Although the etiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is largely unknown, it is accepted that OCD is a complex disorder. There is a known bi-directional interaction between the gut microbiome and brain activity.
Vitamin B12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters.
Estrogen plays a role in augmenting feelings of anxiety, so high levels of estrogen can increase or lead to the development of OCD symptoms. Conversely, progesterone tends to inhibit anxiety, so a deficiency in that might lead to similar effects on OCD symptomatology.
It often involves techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your mind relax. Rather than stopping intrusive thoughts, mindfulness challenges you to acknowledge them for what they are – just thoughts – without acting on them.
Hormonal and neuropeptide changes in peripartum. The commonly accepted pathophysiology of OCD involves low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin with high levels of dopamine.
The study shows that OCD patients have a disrupted balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area of the frontal lobes.
Reduced dopamine D1 receptors and dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum have been reported in people with OCD, along with both increased and decreased reports of dopamine transporter (DAT) binding.
Other studies have found that lactobacillus rhamnosus decreases stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour, and researchers have concluded that it can protect against anxiety (5, 7). Lactobacillus rhamnosus has also been shown to reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviour in mice.
Imaging, surgical, and lesion studies suggest that the prefrontal cortex (orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortexes), basal ganglia, and thalamus are involved in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
However, one thing that is clear is that comorbidities, stress, anxiety, and major life changes or circumstances can all play a significant role in how much worse OCD might become. As symptoms increase or intensify, people with OCD may also experience the following: Failure at work and/or school.
The best way to put an end to the cycle is to practice exposure and response prevention. This means you “accept” the thoughts, live with the uncertainty, and refrain from engaging in compulsions.
The gold standard treatment for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a kind of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) called “exposure with response prevention,” or exposure therapy.
I typically recommend magnesium glycinate, although most forms of Mg are helpful—except for magnesium oxide, which is poorly absorbed. Improvement in symptoms once beginning Mg supplementation can take many months.
Researchers have found that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety condition, is linked to low levels of serotonin. Serotonin, a hormone/neurotransmitter, performs a variety of functions in the body, which is why a serotonin deficiency can lead to anxiety-provoking OCD symptoms.