Natural treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Natural treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) focus on alleviating the distress caused by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the resulting compulsive behaviors. While there is no definitive natural treatment proven to be effective, several options have been explored. Supplements like myoinositol, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and 5-hydroxytryptophan have been studied, though evidence of their efficacy remains inconclusive. Additionally, the herb St. John's wort is thought to have antidepressant properties, but reliable evidence supporting its use for OCD is lacking.
Alternative approaches such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and lifestyle changes, including improved diet and exercise, may help manage symptoms. Relaxation therapies and techniques like immersive exposure therapy have also shown promise. Importantly, while natural treatments may complement conventional methods, they should not replace prescribed medications or therapies. Individuals considering natural treatments are advised to consult healthcare professionals to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions with existing medications.
Natural treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- DEFINITION: Treatment of recurrent and persistent thoughts or images known as obsessions and resultant repetitive behaviors known as compulsions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: 5-hydroxytryptophan, myoinositol, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glycine, kava, milk thistle, relaxation therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, St. John’s wort, lifestyle changes, valerian root, yoga
Introduction
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychological condition that involves recurrent and persistent thoughts or images known as obsessions that are experienced as intrusive and that cause distress. These obsessions are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems; they take on an unrealistic quality. To combat their obsessions, people with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors known as compulsions, and they often do so following rigid and self-imposed rules.
The causes of OCD are still being investigated. However, a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors is believed to be involved. Antidepressant drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), often relieve symptoms significantly, but the reasons for this effect are not clear. Psychotherapeutic and behavioral methods may also help to treat OCD.
Proposed Natural Treatments
The supplement myoinositol is thought to increase the body’s sensitivity to serotonin. On this basis, inositol has been studied for several psychological conditions, including OCD.
In a small, double-blind trial, the use of inositol at a dose of 18 grams (g) daily for six weeks significantly improved symptoms of OCD compared with a placebo. However, some evidence suggests that inositol does not increase the effectiveness of standard drugs for OCD. Still, because inositols like myoinositol were believed to be involved in the communication between neurons and cells, they remained subject to continued study for their ability to increase the effectiveness of SSRI medications.
One study found that people with OCD have lower-than-normal levels of vitamin B12. This suggests, but does not prove, that vitamin B12 supplements might be helpful for the condition.
The herb St. John’s wort has antidepressant properties and is thought to affect serotonin levels. On this basis, it has been tried for OCD, but there is no reliable evidence that it is effective for the disorder. On a similar basis, the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan has been suggested as a treatment for OCD, but again, there is no meaningful evidence that the supplement works.
Several other supplements have undergone limited study in the treatment of OCD, and though they showed little benefit and require additional scientific study, they also proved to cause little harm. Studies of these substances are not evidenced-based but were conducted to determine efficacy. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant studied for treating OCD, along with the amino acids glycine and tryptophan. A 2016 study appeared to show that NAC, when combined with specific SSRIs, could decrease the symptoms of OCD. Further, herbs such as borage, milk thistle, valerian root, and kava were also studied to treat OCD. A meta-analysis of studies on omega-3 fatty acids found that while supplementation did appear to boost mood and lessen anxiety, more study was needed, specifically about OCD. These natural supplements should not replace a patient’s medication but should be used as a complement to medical advice.
A form of magnet therapy called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise for the treatment of depression. However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of eighteen people with OCD found no evidence of benefit through the use of rTMS.
In a small, randomized trial, a yoga meditation technique called kundalini was more effective for OCD than a relaxation therapy involving mindfulness meditation after three months. However, another small study found mindfulness meditation more helpful than no intervention for OCD symptoms. An integral part of any treatment program for OCD is mindfulness against the intrusive thoughts that often accompany the disorder, and learning methods to view these thoughts without perceived threat. Immersion therapy is also highly successful in treating OCD. Finally, although behavioral therapy has often proved the most effective at teaching patients to manage their OCD symptoms, making lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. Paying attention to one’s overall health through diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene can help manage OCD symptoms.
Herbs and Supplements to Use with Caution
Various herbs and supplements may interact with drugs used to treat OCD, so persons with OCD who are considering the use of herbs and supplements should first consult a doctor to discuss safe treatment options.
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