Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD?

There are various theories about the causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Psychoanalytical theorists often see the obsessive thoughts and compulsions as a defense against anxiety or repressed subconscious impulses. Other theorists believe that the causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may be learned through various mechanisms during childhood or adulthood.

There is also strong evidence that some people have an inherited tendency to develop Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and that OCD is linked to problems in brain chemistry, neurotransmission or receptor functioning.

Research suggests, for example, that people with OCD frequently have abnormalities or deficiencies in serotonin levels and that their symptoms improve when this serotonin imbalance is addressed with medication.

It is likely that there are no easily indentified causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and that a combination of factors may often be responsible.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an Anxiety Disorder which has as its main characteristics obsessive thoughts and ideas, which are sometimes accompanied by compulsive behaviors and actions, often designed to ward off the obsessive thoughts.

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There are currently no medical tests which can diagnose OCD. Diagnosis is usually based on information about symptoms as well as clinical observation. Diagnosis of OCD can be made by Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, medical Doctors, Pediatricians or by a multi-disciplinary team.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Depressed and nervous mood

Obsessive thoughts and other symptoms of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Excessive tearfulness

Disturbed sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)

Disturbed appetite (either loss of appetite or binge eating)

Loss of libido

Fatigue and loss of interest and motivation

Irritability and anger

Anxiety and Panic attacks

Low self esteem, lack of trust and paranoia linked to depression

In order to make a formal diagnosis of OCD, some specific symptoms must be present, although the same symptoms can be present in a less severe form. In this case, the person would not be diagnosed as suffering from a psychiatric disorder, but is rather said to have obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors.

This sometimes happens with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Most people experience some obsessive thoughts and behaviors. at some time in their lives, especially under stress.

Many psychiatrists feel that the only effective treatment for OCD involves medication with psychiatric drugs like clomipramine, Prozac or other SSRI's (drugs which prevent the uptake of serotonin).

While psychiatric drug therapy can often relieve the symptoms of OCD, there are associated risks of side effects as well as an effect on overall health. This often results in the individual having to take a variety of different prescription drugs, which is both expensive and not ideal from a health point of view.

It is important to realize that treatment with psychiatric drugs is not the only answer. Counseling and psychotherapy, especially cognitive therapy, has been shown to be very beneficial and can make a marked improvement in the symptom picture of people with OCD.

The earlier that counseling or therapy is begun, the less chance symptoms have of becoming entrenched, although therapy can be beneficial at any stage. Therapy should be carried out by a Licensed Counselor or Clinical Psychologist who is experienced in the the field of OCD.

There are also natural alternatives to the psychiatric drugs which will help to balance serotonin levels and therefore reduce or eliminate the symptoms of OCD.

Nutrients and herbs that are known to beneficial for the symptoms of OCD and depression...

vitamin B complex - injections under a doctors supervision

choline

inositol

free form amino acids esp. L-tyrosine

niacin

There have been many clinical studies which show the effectiveness of St John's Wort in the treatment of depression. A review published in the British Medical Journal quotes up to twenty-three clinical trials which demonstrate that St John's Wort works as well as many prescription anti-depressants, without the major side effects. Millions of people around the world have been helped by treatment with St John's Wort.

St John's Wort prevents the body from using too much serotonin and allows serotonin levels to build up naturally to optimum levels. Serotonin levels are important for many things, including mood, sleep, concentration, appetite, energy and sex drive.

An improvement in serotonin levels has been clinically proven to be associated with a reduction in the symptoms of OCD. Like most SSRI's, this can take from 3 - 5 weeks to take effect and regular use is important.

The herb Passiflora helps to reduce anxiety and soothes frayed nerves. According to Dr Earl Mindell (The New Herb Bible), Passiflora is one of nature's best tranquilizers. It works quickly and effectively and is an excellent addition to any treatment for anxiety and/or depression.

A natural remedy for OCD that contains both St. Johns Wort and Passiflora and works without the side effects of drugs Like Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil is Mindsoothe by Native Remedies.

We use Native Remedies formulas on a daily basis, and are very pleased with the results. We highly recommend them.

Wishing You Good Health!
The Editors i-health-info.com

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