Do these factors contribute to OCD? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Poggle · 02-09-2005, 08:43 PM

As I'm going through a week of being distracted and disabled by an intrusive obsession I am wondering if my diet and sleep would make the anxiety and ability to think be more easier if stopped and started doing certain things? Even though I really want to get back on track, I was just wondering if it will help in particular with my mental state in regards to OCD and the anxiety that results from it?

For example, I've been drinking a lot of caffeine and sugar, have been skipping breakfast and having very 'unhealthy' and sometimes small lunches and haven't been drinking much water at all. I also have been missing a lot of sleep. I usually go to bed at around 2:00-30 AM and get out of bed at 9:30 AM. I've been wanting to lay off of the sugar/caffeine, drink more water, eat better and get more sleep since I feel very terrible but I am just wondering how those factors contribute to OCD/anxiety?

phobic · 02-09-2005, 08:52 PM

quick answere here........caffene is BAD BAD BAD for anxiety, and really pumps up my ocd's!!! Just that one thing may give your a bit of relief. I know many vitamins are needed to help balance ya out so mabie somone will help with that part

Blue102 · 02-10-2005, 10:02 AM

I'm a firm believer that taking good care of yourself is the best thing you can do for any affliction. Unfortunately, I don't always live by my own rules. I'm a caffiene addict, and I know for a fact it makes my OCD and anxiety worse. When I first started dating my hubby, I was so infatuated that I was really nervous and couldn't say a word (HA! Thinking back) but then I laid off the coffee for a while and everything was great. I wonder if we'd be married now if I hadn't!

My non-professional guess would be yeah, those factors do contribute, but eliminating them wouldn't necessarily make the problem disappear. Who knows though? I bet if you tried it for a while you'd see a marked improvement. PLUS, it would probably make you feel more in control of yourself. Good luck. (Was that a rambly answer? Sorry)

dgold · 02-12-2005, 05:36 AM

yes for sure. Caffenie and Sugar will increase your OCD and make it worse. I would avoid caffenine for good and cut back on sugar. Caffenine is much worse I think. Caffenine will lower your brain's serotonin levels.
Also, for OCD I would sleep a good 8 hours a night. The less sleep you have the more stronger OCD gets. I mean dont sleep like 10 hours plus but sleep until your rested and refreashed.