Essay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Nutrition

OCD and Nutrition OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which affects 2.3% of the American population between the ages of 18 and 54. This condition is characterized by irrational or unwanted thoughts, obsessions, urge for repetitive rituals and compulsions. Symptoms usually start during early childhood or adolescence and the exact cause is still unknown. Some thought that OCD manifests due to personality defects and bad parenting, but this is not the case. OCD impacts the communication systems in the brain and according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, it produces a chemical imbalance in the brain wherein low levels of serotonin have been recorded. Serotonin plays an essential role in mood†¦show more content†¦It also helps in stimulating alpha brainwave production that promotes deep relaxation. IL-theanine also has properties that can protect against environmental neurotoxins. This amino acid can be found in green tea, black tea, and boy bolete mushroo m. St John’s wort - This herb has been widely used in treating depression and other psychological disorders. It also has hypericum, which is a chemical that has been found effective in modulating serotonin levels. Supplements Natural supplements have a distinct advantages than drugs and medications. They provide larger amounts of raw materials in the brain for the development of serotonin. However, they may become ineffective if the person has deficiency in one or more critical nutrients needed in producing serotonin. It is best to consult your doctor on how you can address and relieve OCD symptoms. N-acetylcysteine - N-acetylcysteine is a nutritional supplement used in treating compulsive disorders such as OCD. It has been found to be very effective on hard-to-treat disorders like hair-pulling (trichotillomania). Flax seed oil - Several evidence shows that taking flax seed oil can help manage OCD behavior. It is rich in essential fatty acids that enriches the brain cells’ communication and development. Vitamin B complex - These B vitamins have been found helpful for those suffering panic disorders, depression, and OCD. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in controlling blood sugar, which has a major impact on anxiety.Show MoreRelatedAnimal Hoarding Essay1261 Words   |  6 PagesAnimal hoarding is an obsession that is growing in victims and recognition throughout the world today. The typical animal hoarder has a serious psychological condition called obsessive compulsive disorder. Animal hoarders also may be suffering from different kinds of addictions, delusional disorder, attachment disorder, dementia, and even zoophilia. These people feel they have the responsibility to keep and care for an overabundant amount of animals, thinking that they are helping these creaturesRead MoreThe Effects Of Eating Disorders On Children And Young Adult Adults998 Words   |  4 Pageslaxatives.† (nationaleatingdisorders.org). Eating disorders are an exceedingly serious illness that anyone c an suffer from, and can lead to death. Most of the time, when someone has an eating disorder, they show at least some of the common signs and symptoms. Eating disorders are an extremely serious illness that can affect anyone, no matter what gender, race, or age. However, most commonly about 90% of the people that suffer from eating disorders are teens and young adult females (Cooperman 3)Read MoreAll About The Hoarding Syndrome1036 Words   |  5 PagesDelucchi, Matthews, 2011) but does not discriminate in terms of age, gender, educational levels, or socioeconomic status (Singh Jones, 2013). However, researchers have found a very strong association between having a family member who has a compulsive hoarder and coming a hoarder yourself (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Stressful life events, a history of alcohol abuse, and social isolation are also risk factors associated with the hoarding syndrome (Mayo Clinic, 2014).   Hoarding effects emotions, thoughtsRead MoreNutrition And Its Effects On Health933 Words   |  4 PagesJust as nutrition can have drastic effects on one’s physical health, nutrition can affect one’s mental health as well. The most common mental disorders that are prevalent in numerous countries are depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The dietary pattern of the general population in many countries reflect that they are often deficient in many nutrients, especially essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiency in these vitamins canRead MoreAnorexia Case Study Jess Essay1488 Words   |  6 PagesIm here. Theyre making a big deal about nothing.† She appears to be extremely thin and pale, with dry and brittle hair, which is very thin and patchy, and she constantly complains about being cold. As you ask questions pertaining to weight and nutrition, she becomes defensive and vague, but she does adm it to losing â€Å"some† weight after an appendectomy 2 years ago. She tells you that she used to be fat, but after her surgery she didnt feel like eating and everybody started commenting on how goodRead MoreBehavioral Addiction Specifically Internet Gaming Addiction2092 Words   |  9 Pagesindomitable, and each era provides its own new trend to further distress people; and what comes along with that is the dangerous wide range of symptoms in the addition model, but explains little (Paris, 2013). With that being said, Internet gaming disorder is what is new in this era, and it is causing a lot of distress for people This is a case study of a young African American male; around early to late teens, who came for a session with is elderly mother. He was well dressed, well groomed andRead MoreThe Effects Of Muscular Dysmorphia On Adolescents1844 Words   |  8 PagesMuscular Dysmorphia in Adolescents Body image disorders which can be very serious severe conditions are often considered to mostly affect women, men, however can also suffer from Body image issues. In men, a body image disorder typically presents itself as Muscular Dysmorphia. Men who are suffering from Muscular Dysmorphia often resort to hazardous ways to gain more muscle, such as over-exercising unhealthy amounts and steroids. Treatment for Muscular Dysmorphia frequently includes prescription anti-depressantsRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa1724 Words   |  7 PagesEating disorders are characterized by a high preoccupation with weight and an intense dissatisfaction with one’s body image (Institute of Psychiatry, 2015). Some of the most common Eating Disorders (EDs) include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder, however it is important to note that not everyone fits neatly into any of these categories and could display symptoms and behaviors interchangeably. People who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa can be characterized as having very low bodyRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa1830 Words   |  8 Pagesfelt like she needed to be thin. She would do all she can to get thin. She would look in the mirror and see herself as being fat and ugly. So she chooses not to eat or she binge eat and then purge. Now Addie has what is called an eating disorder. An eating disorder is can be described as abnormal eating to alter the body image due to psychological reasons. According to Janet Belsky, it can also be classified as a pathological obsession with getting and staying thin. (Belsky 252) They are associatedRead MoreAnorexia Nervosa Essay2607 Words   |  11 Pages Introduction Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder in which a person has an abnormal eating behavior, to be able to lose weight. The word anorexia nervosa was first used in 1873, by one of Queen Victoria’s physicians known as Sir William Gull. There are two types of anorexia which are the restricting type and the binge-purge type. According to the medical term, this disorder is said to be lack of appetite (Kaye, 2009, p.450). A person who is suffering from anorexia has a fear of gaining