OCD / Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Ayurvedic Treatment For OCD / Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised by obsessive thoughts, which are recurrent, unwanted, and typically anxiety-provoking, and compulsions, which are repeated acts performed to relieve feelings of tension. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a co-morbid condition of psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. It is characterised by uncontrollable unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors one feels compelled to perform.

Obsessions are involuntary, seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and all over again in one’s mind. Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that one feels driven to act out again and again. Usually, compulsions are performed in an attempt to form obsessions. The obsessive thoughts usually return stronger. and therefore, the compulsive behaviors often end up causing anxiety themselves as they become more demanding and time-consuming.

Some examples of compulsions are cleaning, repeating, ordering, arranging, checking, and mental compulsions.

Etiopathogenesis:

•  The possible cause of OCD is abnormally low levels of serotonin.
•  Family history: having members of the family with the disorder can increase
• the risk of the development of OCD.
•  Environmental factors: brain injuries, infections, etc.
•  Stressful life events.

Ayurvedic view:-

Ayurveda embraces aspects of the well-being of living creatures, physical,  mental and spiritual health. It systemizes and applies the knowledge to revive this health and cure the disease through purification therapy and herbal medicine. Psychiatric disorders are explained in classics, where there’s a function of a mentally deranged, including intelligence, cognition, and memory.  OCD is such a disorder that may disturb all of those in a considerable manner.

In Ayurveda’s classical text, there’s no direct or exact correlation with a modern interpretation of OCD. However, some references are present which mimic the symptoms of OCD. One of them is Atattvabhinivesha in which the person sees predominantly the unreal as real and vice versa. Atatva means false, nonelementary having no existence and therefore the term abhinivesha means
interpretation, knowledge to take in sense or indulgence.

Management

The Ayurvedic line of treatment for OCD includes the use of internal medicines, Nasya (inhalation therapy), and Shirodhara followed by lifestyle modification. Internal Ayurvedic herbs like Brahma Rasayana. Brahmi Ghrita, Vacha Churna, Shankhpushpi, and Brahmi Vati are beneficial.

Note: you must consult an authorized physician before taking any Ayurvedic supplement.

Diet and lifestyle:

• Have a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep. This helps in relaxing the mind, a relaxed mind helps to alleviate anxiety and stress.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol intake, and drug use.
• Practice Yoga, Meditation, and do Pranayama.
• Intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in
  your diet. Avoid caffeine, tea, coffee, and chocolates.
• Practice Pranayama- deep breathing and other relaxation techniques.