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What Vitamins Help OCD & Anxiety

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety can both have a significant effect on a sufferer's quality of life. There are many treatments available, including conventional methods such as pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy. However, many alternative-health specialists say both ailments can be treated with natural remedies, including vitamins.

  1. Alternative-Health Approach

    • Compared with traditional Western medical practices, alternative medicine focuses on treating patients with non-synthetic remedies found in nature. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not sanction several alternative remedies, many patients who use alternative treatments report successful experiences.

    Vitamins for OCD

    • Alongside numerous herbs and supplements, patients with OCD can take the daily minimum requirement of vitamin B-complex, which is about 50 mg per day for adults. B-complex vitamins contain inositol, which helps regulate serotonin receptors in biochemical processes that are typically out of balance in OCD patients.

    Vitamins for Anxiety

    • Like OCD, anxiety can be treated with B vitamins, including biotin, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, B6, B12 and folic acid. These elements play a key role in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters and help to offset the neurotransmitter imbalance that anxiety causes. Again, patients can take a B-complex supplement of around 50 mg per day.

    Effectiveness

    • While prescription drugs produce results within hours or even minutes of ingestion, taking vitamins to treat OCD and anxiety may work more slowly but can produce positive results over extended periods of time.

    Side Effects

    • Even though the risk of side effects from B vitamins is fairly low, consult with a physician before taking any new medication. Avoid using B vitamins if you discover that you have an allergy to them.

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