Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a form of anxiety disorder characterized by irrational thoughts, fears or worry that leads to engaging in repetitive behavior to alleviate escalating anxiety. According to MayoClinic.com, individuals with OCD often realize the obsessive thoughts are not rational and desire to ignore the compulsion to act out rituals, yet are unable to do so without feeling significant distress. Common forms of OCD are based on fears of contamination, needing orderliness and having aggressive or sexually based impulses. Traditional treatment includes use of prescription medications and attending cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Niacin
Medicinal treatment focuses on increasing serotonin levels in the brain and sedating the sufferer from engaging compulsions, notes the "Nutrition Journal." Vitamin B3, or niacin, synthesizes in the liver after ingesting a form of the amino acid tryptophan. Enzymes from iron and other B vitamins aid in the absorption of niacin and result in the production of serotonin. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that very high doses of niacin are required to create the calming effects needed to help anxiety; however, a dosage that is too high is toxic. The average daily allowance of niacin is 14 to 18mg and doses exceeding 100mg must be monitored by a physician.
Pyridoxine
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is important for making serotonin and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that influence mood and fear related to obsessions. Vitamin B6 is also significant in regulating the sleep cycle and the fight or flight response. This vitamin is abundant in animal meats such as chicken, salmon and beef liver. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the daily recommendation of B6 is 1.3 to 2.0mg with large doses for treating OCD not to exceed 100mg without physician monitoring. If you are taking antidepressant medications, taking vitamin B6 can aid in improving the effects of your medications.
Thiamine and Folic Acid
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, and folic acid, or vitamin B9, can induce a calming effect to reduce obsessive thoughts as well as work with the other B vitamins for maintaining the nervous system, memory and energy, notes Holistic Online. Taking 150mg of thiamine a day and 400 to 600mcg of folic acid a day can aid in reducing symptoms associated with OCD. However, a B complex vitamin will decrease the amount of pills you take daily and also provide the range of B vitamins needed for managing OCD symptoms.
Additional Nutrients
Inositol is a B vitamin found helpful in decreasing the symptoms of excessive worry in OCD, as is the supplement tryptophan, according to the "Nutrition Journal." Calcium and magnesium have a tranquilizing effect and also decrease nervousness, muscle spasms and irritability associated with OCD, notes Holistic Online. Calcium taken at 2,000mg and magnesium at 1,000mg a day are suggested doses for treating OCD-related anxiety. Vitamin and mineral treatment is not intended to replace psychiatric intervention and all options should be discussed with your treatment provider.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- "Nutrition Journal"; Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders; Shaheen E. Lakhan and Karen F. Vieira; January 2008
- Holistic Online: Anxiety Vitamins and Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
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