According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over two million American adults have obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, in a given year. The disorder is anxiety-based and characterized by unwanted thoughts and performing repetitive behaviors to decrease the anxiety created by the unwanted thoughts. Variations of the disorder can focus on obsessions about contamination, cleanliness, sexual impropriety or the demise of loved ones. The rituals, or compulsions, can include turning a door knob several times, washing hands excessively or counting the tiles on the floor. The exact cause of OCD is unknown; however, an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters is a factor in the condition. Vitamin therapy aims to stimulate the balance of these chemicals.
OCD Treatments and Nutrition
The traditional treatment approach for OCD involves prescribed medications to balance brain chemicals like serotonin and engaging in forms of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying irrational thoughts and changing ritualistic behaviors. According to a 2008 article in the "Nutrition Journal," medications that increase serotonin, referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work well for individuals with OCD, thus indicating that serotonin-stimulating nutrients may also aid in reducing OCD symptoms. Foods containing vitamins that stimulate serotonin production or use of vitamin supplements are a possible alternative for treating this condition.
Vitamin Therapy for OCD
Vitamin therapy refers to using megadoses of vitamins, beyond the recommended daily intake, to treat disorders. The University of California Berkeley indicates that mental illness like OCD is linked to nutrient deficiencies and use of high-dose B vitamins raises serotonin levels, resulting in symptom reduction. Vitamin therapy requires more than adding a multivitamin to your daily diet and is an active treatment conducted by a physician or nutritionist certified in treating disorders in this fashion. Do not attempt to increase your vitamin doses beyond the recommended upper limits without consulting your treatment team.
Inositol for OCD
Inositol is part of the B complex vitamins and serves to protect your muscles and nerves as well as increase serotonin levels. The University of Michigan Health System indicates that research participants provided with high doses of inositol reportedly had a reduction in symptoms of OCD. The megadose of inositol given ranged from 12 to 18g per day. The normal daily intake of inositol is 40mg. Inositol is found naturally in foods like bananas, legumes and whole grains. Before considering inositol supplements, consult your physician.
Vitamins B3 and B6
Vitamins B3 and B6 aid in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which impacts mood and anxiety. The recommended daily intake for vitamin B3 is 14 to 16mg with an upper limit of 35mg. Fish, poultry and whole grains are a good source of vitamin B3 and fortified grains also contain vitamin B6. High-dose use of vitamin B3 may reduce OCD symptoms at doses of 500mg daily, notes the University of Michigan Health System. However, high-dose B3 has adverse effects like flushing and gastrointestinal problems. Vitamin B6 daily intake is 1.5 to 1.7mg with an upper limit of 100mg. Megadosing with vitamin B6 supplements may cause neuropathy. Consult your physician for proper dosing and safety in using vitamins B3 and B6 for OCD.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Anxiety
- KidsHealth: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- "Nutrition Journal": Nutritional therapies for mental disorders; Shaheen E. Lakhan and Karen F. Vieira; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- University of California Berkeley: Megavitamins may be useful treatment for many genetic diseases, or just good insurance to tune up body's metabolism
- National Institute of Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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