Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Also known as:  OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a type of Anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and intrusive thoughts and compulsive, time-consuming behaviors that shape and sometimes dominate a person's life.  The OCD patient often is aware that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational.

 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder afflicts approximately 2.3% of the world's adult population.  It occurs with equal prevalence in men and women.

Amino Acids

 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) (50 - 200 mg per day) may be an effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (according to anecdotal reports).  ^[1]

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may be useful for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  ^[2]

 Tryptophan may alleviate the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (by functioning as a precursor for the endogenous production of Serotonin).  ^[3]

Hormones

 It has been speculated that supplemental Pregnenolone may be useful for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  ^[4]

Minerals

 Lithium therapy may alleviate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  ^[5]

Neuropeptides

 Oxytocin (administered intranasally) may alleviate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  ^[6]

Neurotransmitters

 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is believed to occur as a result of insufficient production (or excessive destruction) of Serotonin.  ^[7]

Prescribed Medications

 Clomipramine (Anafranil) is the standard FDA-approved treatment for OCD - usually in high dosages of 200-300 mg per day.

 Fluvoxamine - a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - is believed to be superior to Clomipramine in the treatment for OCD.