Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Research suggests that a high number of people with OCD have vitamin D deficiency. A 2017 study found that children and teens with OCD tend to have significantly lower levels of vitamins D and B12 and higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine (an indicator of vitamin deficiency).
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.
Also cases of OCD that are due to a vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported (Sharma and Biswas, 2012, Valizadeh and Valizadeh, 2011). Circulating levels of homocysteine are accepted as a sensitive marker of folic acid and vitamin B12 (Folstein et al., 2007; Klee, 2000; Nilsson et al., 1999).
Individuals with OCD often have certain chemical imbalances present in the brain. Changes in the neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate are normally present in OCD cases.
The amino acid tryptophan, which has a direct influence on the production of serotonin, is present in a variety of foods, including protein-rich foods like turkey, chicken, milk, eggs and cottage cheese; whole grains like brown rice and quinoa; beans and legumes; pumpkin; sunflower and sesame seeds; nuts; and root ...
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 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters. Depending on their antioxidant effect, zinc and selenium can be used in augmentation therapy for OCD.
Research has also suggested that both estradiol and progesterone increase dopaminergic signaling and worsening OCD symptoms.
Since OC behaviors appear to be extreme versions of the behaviors induced by oxytocin, it is thought that the hormone may play a neuroregulatory role in OCD pathology [145].
What causes OCD? Experts aren't sure of the exact cause of OCD. Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is OCD Caused by a Chemical Imbalance? Changes in the neurochemical serotonin, as well as in the neurochemicals dopamine and glutamate, are likely present in OCD. Indeed, medications like the antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improve symptoms for many people.
Written by. Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder which, like many anxiety disorders, is marked by low levels of serotonin. Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, has a variety of functions that make a deficiency a serious and anxiety producing issue.
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.
At its most severe, OCD can lead to suicidal ideation or action. This can happen when the symptoms of OCD have fully taken a hold on a person and their entire life revolves around responding to OCD obsessions and compulsions.
Primarily obsessional OCD has been called "one of the most distressing and challenging forms of OCD." People with this form of OCD have "distressing and unwanted thoughts pop into [their] head frequently," and the thoughts "typically center on a fear that you may do something totally uncharacteristic of yourself, ...
People with OCD are more likely to have anemia.
Levels below 50 ng/mL can cause problems that exacerbate OCD symptoms.
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.
Magnesium (Mg) is one of the key nutrients I often recommend. I typically recommend magnesium glycinate, although most forms of Mg are helpful—except for magnesium oxide, which is poorly absorbed.
Individuals with OCD may also have other mental health conditions such as depression, attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), anxiety, Asperger syndrome, eating disorders and Tourette syndrome (TS).