Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) employs an implantable device that delivers mild, intermittently pulsed signals to the vagus nerve in the neck to alter neuronal firing in brain regions responsible for OCD symptoms.
Thalamus. The thalamus shows more activation in patients with OCD compared to healthy comparison subjects. This is likely related to the role of the thalamus as a relay and integrative site for other brain areas activated in OCD, such as the basal ganglia and the OFC.
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.
Your vagus nerve helps disengage your sympathetic nervous system — your fight-or-flight response. “When you're stressed or scared, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and you become focused on survival,” Dr. Lin explains. “Being in that stressful 'fight-or-flight' state can wear out your body.
When it comes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a common mental health disorder in which a person has reoccurring thoughts and behaviors they continually repeat, avoidance is often used as a coping mechanism. People with OCD may try to avoid unwanted thoughts or situations that may trigger their obsessions.
Deep and slow breathing is another way to stimulate your vagus nerve. It's been shown to reduce anxiety and increase the parasympathetic system by activating the vagus nerve (51- 52). Most people take about 10 to 14 breaths each minute.
The vagus nerve is the body's superpower and it's used to counteract your fight/flight system. It's how you develop a healthy stress response and become resilient. When stimulated, you feel calmer, more compassionate, and clearer. Stimulating the vagus benefits your autonomic nervous system and mental health.
The results of the study showed that OCD may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and there is a moderately negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and OCD symptom severity.
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. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood.
Chemical Imbalance Factors Associated With OCD
Changes in the neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate are normally present in OCD cases.
Presentation. Primarily obsessional OCD has been called "one of the most distressing and challenging forms of OCD."
The inheritance pattern of OCD is unclear. Overall, the risk of developing this condition is greater for first-degree relatives of affected individuals (such as siblings or children) as compared to the general public.
There are two main causes of vagus nerve dysfunction: previous infection or inflammation and physical or psychological stress.
When the vagus nerve itself gets damaged, you'll obviously deal with some pain in your neck - but other weird symptoms will present themselves as well. You'll notice issues with your voice, problems with your throat, an increased heart rate, brain fog, excessively high or low blood pressure, and gut problems.
Loud gargling with water or loud singing activates our vocal cords which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve. Foot massage: gentle or firm touch can assist in stimulation the vagus nerve. Cold water face immersion: immerse your forehead eyes and at least 2/3 of both cheeks into cold water.
Practice Mindfulness
Another way to manage OCD is through mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present and aware in a particular moment. It often involves techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your mind relax.
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. However, both trace elements and vitamin B12/folate can be affected by diet.