Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that can affect people of any age and is believed to affect approximately 1-2% of the entire world’s population. This condition is classified as an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) as well as repetitive behaviors or mental acts (rituals or compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform. These behaviors are often extremely time-consuming and can severely interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Around 2.3% of all adults in the United States experience this at some point in their lives. In this article, I share the symptoms and causes as well as evidence-based remedies for OCD.

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Symptoms of OCD

Obsessions, which may include:

• Fear of contamination or germs
• Intrusive thoughts about harm or taboo subjects
• Excessive concern with symmetry, order, or exactness
• Doubts about actions (e.g., “Did I lock the door?”, “Did I pass thru a red traffic light?”, etc.)

Compulsions may include:

• Excessive cleaning or handwashing
• Repeated checking of locks or appliances
• Counting, tapping, or repeating words silently
• Arranging objects in a specific manner

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Causes and Risk Factors

OCD is a multifactorial condition involving a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental aspects.

Causes and contributing factors:

• Neurochemical imbalance involving serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine pathways
• Genetics
• Stress and trauma
• Infections such as PANDAS

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Mechanism Behind OCD

Neuroimaging studies suggest that OCD involves abnormal functioning in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit – this is a loop in the brain which plays an important role in the formation of habits and  regulation of behaviors. Imbalances in serotonin and glutamate may result in the brain’s inability to switch off intrusive thoughts, leading to compulsive actions.

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Natural Remedies for OCD

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an well-known adaptogen herb that has demonstrated significantly regulatory effects on stress response. It also appears to influence GABAergic and serotonergic activity. In multiple clinical trials, Ashwagandha demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects and was found to improve the symptoms of OCD when used on its own (see study) as well as an adjuvant to SSRI’s (see study).

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2. Myo-Inositol

Myo-inositol, sometimes referred to as Vitamin B10, is a carbocyclic sugar involved in neurotransmitter signaling, particularly for serotonin. It appears to reverse desensitization of serotonin receptors, thus helping with serotonin regulation and supporting the effect of serotonin-boosting medicines and herbs. In one clinical trial, the supplementation of 18g of inositol resulted in a significant reduction of OCD symptoms (see study).

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3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root is a sedative herb that enhances GABA activity, thus promoting relaxation. It is well-known as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety remedy among Ayurvedic doctors and other holistic practitioners. In one clinical trial, patients given 765mg of Valerian root extract for 8 weeks experience a significant reduction in symptoms of OCD (see study).

While Valerian is generally well-tolerated compared to the commonly prescribed SSRI medications, it does have some minor side-effects such as drowsiness and grogginess. It also appears to work on the dopamine pathways and should be used with caution in patients on treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

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(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

by Dr. Nishal R.
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