Amino acid availability for neurotransmitter synthesis is dependent upon certain digestive enzymes, and their activation is dependent on hydrochloric acid. But what exactly causes this glitch that leads to serotonin deficiency syndrome? A number of factors including genes, diet, stress, neurotoxins, and inflammation are responsible for inadequate serotonin synthesis. It is clear that enhancing serotonin neurotransmission through psychotropic medications helps the brain “shift into gear” so to speak. The brain gets ‘stuck in gear’ and can’t shift to the next thought” (Schwartz, 1997). In other words, the brain’s automatic transmission has a glitch. In a person with OCD, however, the caudate nucleus is not shifting gears properly, and messages from the front part of the brain get stuck there. According to Schwartz, “The caudate nucleus works like an automatic transmission for the front, or thinking part, of the brain…the putamen is the automatic transmission for the part of the brain that controls body movements… the caudate nucleus allows for the extremely efficient coordination of thought and movement during everyday activities. The brain is made up of two structures called the caudate nucleus and the putamen, which can be compared to a gearshift in a car. To fully grasp the inner workings of OCD, consider Jeffrey Schwartz’s description of “Brain Lock” (Schwartz, 1997) where four key structures of the brain become locked together sending false messages that the individual cannot interpret as false. Gender does not affect susceptibility, as men and women are equally affected by this detrimental disorder. Despite its prevalence, it is often under diagnosed and under treated with more than half of those suffering receiving no treatment at all for their condition. In fact, OCD is said to be more common than asthma and diabetes (Schwartz, 1997). The fourth most common psychiatric illness in the United States, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or “OCD” onset typically occurs by adolescence usually between the ages of 10-24, with one third of all cases appearing by age 15. Therefore, the combination of aforementioned nutrients taken in therapeutic dosages should be part of integrative treatment approach for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Specifically, natural therapies including: 5-HTP, niacin (B3), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), folate (5-MTHF), vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, inositol, and taurine are important to serotonin synthesis. Though unlikely to be caused by deficiencies alone, addressing vital nutrient depletions is a critical aspect of treating OCD since certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids significantly impact serotonin neurotransmission. Inadequate treatment and limited biomedical options contribute to the high relapse rate as conventional medicine does not address underlying nutritional deficiencies or the root cause. Sadly, the likelihood of complete recovery from OCD has not been shown to exceed 20% and relapse is quite common. Psychotropic medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) and Anafranil and cognitive behavioral therapy are the conventional treatment options for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Sufferers stagger through life with a sense of pure powerlessness against their disorder fully aware that the behavior is abnormal, yet unable to stop. These senseless obsessions often drive the individual to perform ritualistic behaviors or compulsions, in an effort to temporarily relieve their anxiety. Relentless ideas, impulses, or images inundate the brain leaving the individual mentally imprisoned to an existence of recurrent, irrational thought patterns. However, for those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), letting go of repetitive thoughts is not so effortless. While it is human nature to occasionally ruminate or overanalyze important decisions, these thought patterns normally dissipate quickly freeing us of those fleeting moments of inner turmoil. Intro Training for Depression & Mood Disorders.Intro Training for Child & Adolescent Mental Health.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |