My daughter who is 20 was diagnosed recently with OCD. She has excessive worry with it also. Our MD is suggesting that she take Effexor which is an anti-depressant that also works for OCD. We are not really wanting to go this route, but we want some relief for her. Any suggestions?
Cindy

Usually, mental disorders are helped with essential fatty acid supplementation. Since fish oil helps with ADHD and depression, it might help with OCD as well; however, I have not researched OCD and fatty acids. Take a look at her diet and see if there is ample omega 3-6-7 and 9 being consumed. Fish, flax powder, hemp nut butter, unrefined virgin coconut oil, nuts, sesame seeds/oil, olive oil, avocados/oil, etc. B vitamins are important for brain function too.

Thanks so much. I have recently added flax to my breakfast. I like it sprinkled on my blueberries and yogurt. She is pretty good about eating healthy, so I might suggest that for her breakfast also. So you think a supplement might be best added also?

Hi Howitt,

The Omegas in flaxseed/oil need to be converted to the longchain type, & not everyone's physiology is adept at doing so. With an Omega 3 EPA fish concentrate supplement, one often sees a mellowing out within a few days. That's what I would recommend for starters. Nordic Naturals brand & Carlsons EPA concentrate are two I would brands I recommend from personal experience, and they are quite widely available at health food stores, sometimes even nutrition sections of dept. stores.

The B vitamins are also important, as is magnesium. Mag helps to calm the brain, slow down brainwaves a bit. In OCD there is at least one area of the brain that runs "hot." Inositol is a vit in the B-family that many have found helpful for OCD.

Daniel Amen, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, has written a number of books on psychological healing using alternative med techniques, supplements, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Check your local public library for titles.

CES, cranial electro-stimulation, can be very effective for anxiety & obsessions. My son got a LOT of help from a unit called Alpha-Stim, an FDA approved device that can only be obtained by prescription from a physician or licensed psychologist.

HTH.

Thanks for your information. I will definitely check out the library for the book. I have also heard others recommend the Omega 3 EPA.