Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
Has anyone had any luck with Inositol for OCD, depression, and general anxiety?
I read that higher doses can work well for anxiety.
I take Lexapro, but I would like to add Inositol as a supplement because anxiety and depression tend to spike for me during this time of year with less sunlight.
I read that higher doses can work well for anxiety.
I take Lexapro, but I would like to add Inositol as a supplement because anxiety and depression tend to spike for me during this time of year with less sunlight.
I have OCD and depression as well, and my dietitian has mentioned inositol in the past. I have been seeing this dietitian for three years and she is extremely knowledgeable about mental health, so I really trust her opinion. I also remember doing some of my own research and remember coming across a few clinical trials of inositol vs antidepressants. I remember in one study, inositol was found to be just as effective as an SSRI (I believe it was Luvox) in reducing symptoms of OCD.
I have yet to try it, though, mostly because of cost and the fact that I have been trying out antidepressants (without much success, might I add). I have never thought of taking the inositol in addition to an SSRI. I would think it would be okay, since inositol is just a B vitamin, however, I would definitely check with your doctor just to make sure it would be okay to take the two together.
Other supplements that might help include the B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, as they are needed for proper brain function. Vitamin D is also important and it has been found that low levels are correlated with depression. You can easily have your Vit. D levels checked with a blood test. Also, there is research examining the link between folic acid deficiency and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Many people with these conditions actually have a genetic mutation that inhibits their ability to convert folic acid into its usable form. It is called the MTHFR mutation if you want to google it, and they actually have genetic tests that can tell you whether or not you have this genetic variant. For those that do, supplementing with methyl folate is important. Unlike folic acid, methyl folate does not need to undergo conversion in the body and is already in its usable form.
Another supplement I have tried that has really helped is l-theanine. This works on GABA receptors in the brain and helps reduce anxiety and gives me a sort of calm, but not drowsy, feeling. I also feel like it helps elevate my mood as well. I take 1 100mg capsule as needed and I start to feel the effects in about an hour. I believe this is OK to take with an SSRI since it does not affect serotonin, but again, I would check with your doctor just to be safe.
Sorry for rambling on - I just figured I'd add that info about other supplements that might be useful, just in case. I truly believe that supplements can be helpful in many cases and I hope you are able to find something that helps. Take good care.
Have you tried the genetic test yourself?
The test might be worth looking into, even if just to see if adding a methyl folate supplement might be helpful.
That's good you had your vitamin D levels tested. That is interesting about the therapy lamp - I have heard of them being used for depression and insomnia especially, but am not sure if it can provide vitamin D. I got my levels up by supplementing with pretty high doses of Vit D. I had it retested and it's good now, so I just take a maintenance dose.