Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Synopsis
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress or prevent imagined harm. While individuals with OCD may recognize that their thoughts or behaviors are excessive or irrational, they often feel powerless to stop them, leading to significant emotional distress and functional impairment.
Common obsessions include:
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Fear of contamination (e.g., germs, chemicals)
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Doubts about having done something (e.g., locked the door, turned off the stove)
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Intrusive violent or sexual thoughts
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Need for symmetry, order, or exactness
Common compulsions include:
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Excessive hand washing or cleaning
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Repeated checking (locks, appliances, etc.)
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Counting, tapping, or repeating words silently
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Arranging or ordering items to exact standards
Possible causes:
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Genetic predisposition
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Brain chemistry imbalances, particularly involving serotonin
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Stressful life events or trauma
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Co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or tic disorders
When to see a doctor:
If obsessions and compulsions are frequent, time-consuming (over 1 hour/day), or interfere with relationships, work, or daily life, seek help from a mental health professional. Diagnosis is clinical and treatment often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and/or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Natural Remedies
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Helps build tolerance to distress without reacting.
Keep a Thought Journal: Identifying triggers can help reduce compulsive responses.
Limit Stimulants Like Caffeine and Sugar: Can increase anxiety and worsen symptoms.
Follow a Regular Sleep and Exercise Routine: Stabilizes mood and reduces obsessive tension.
Avoid Reassurance-Seeking: Refrain from reinforcing obsessive cycles.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
passionflower
reishi mushroom
rhodiola
spirulina
vitamin B6
vitamin B12
vitamin D
zinc
ashwagandha
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
lavender
lion's mane
magnesium