Increase consumption of foods high in Vitamin B12 These neurotransmitters are important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress which are all indicators of OCD. There is an inverse relationship between homocysteine and Vitamin B12 in that homocysteine levels rise as the Vitamin B12 levels drop.
Vitamin B12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters.
Vitamin D may play a role in the pathophysiology of OCD and may be related to the severity of the disorder.
B vitamins
Along with vitamin D, B vitamins also help alleviate the symptoms of OCD. In addition, they play a key role in stress response, as chronic stress can quickly deplete them. Taking supplements containing B vitamins and folate will be beneficial.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
The education includes information that helps to expose myths about the causes of OCD. Part of the therapy involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their obsessions and, at the same time, helping them to reduce their compulsions and avoidance behaviours.
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.
Magnesium Improves Brain Chemicals that Help Anxiety, OCD, Depression, and ADHD. Magnesium plays an essential role in neurologic function, including involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis, nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction.
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.
OCD symptoms can either improve or worsen over time. But, if a person who has OCD is able to recognize that they are experiencing excessive unwanted thoughts or unable to control their behavior, they may be able to take steps to help themselves.
Trauma, stress, and abuse all can be a cause of OCD getting worse. OCD causes intense urges to complete a task or perform a ritual. For those who have the condition, obsessions and compulsions can begin to rule their life.
B12 acts as a cofactor in synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thus B12 deficiency affects mood, emotions and sleeping and can lead to psychiatric disorders.
Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
The most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and/or medication.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy has been used effectively to treat OCD. This type of therapy works especially well when it is combined with medication. Your therapist may suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with your OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that works well for OCD.
This, in turn, has a calming effect that can help relieve stress, anxiety, and fear. According to the study's findings, the B12 group experienced a minor improvement in anxiety and depression when compared to the placebo group. Above all, Vitamin B6 produced a statistically significant difference.
Which is better to take: B6 or B12? Neither vitamin is better than the other—they're both equally essential to your well-being. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to consume the correct amount of all vitamins and micronutrients.
Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications for OCD. SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain by limiting their reuptake or reabsorption by neurons, or brain cells.
It's considered an adaptogen, a substance that simultaneously calms and energizes, while increasing your resilience to stress. Ashwagandha increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), low levels of which are linked to OCD. One study found ashwagandha reduced obsessive behaviors as well as SSRIs.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms generally wax and wane over time. Because of this, many individuals diagnosed with OCD may suspect that their OCD comes and goes or even goes away—only to return. However, as mentioned above, obsessive-compulsive traits never truly go away. Instead, they require ongoing management.