Obsessive compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person has unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead him to engage in repetitive  behaviours (compulsions). A person affected by OCD may realize that his obsessions are not reasonable and may try to ignore or stop them but he is driven to that behaviour that ultimately affects his life.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person has unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead him to engage in repetitive  behaviours (compulsions). A person affected by OCD may realize that his obsessions are not reasonable and may try to ignore or stop them but he is driven to that behaviour that ultimately affects his life.

OCD suggests two domains in it viz. obsession and compulsion. An obsession is recurrent thought, feeling idea or sensation. A compulsion is a conscious standardized, recurrent thought or behaviour such as counting, checking or avoiding.

A person with OCD can find his obsession disabling as it can be time consuming & can interfere significantly with person's normal routine.

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The exact cause of OCD has not been identified. It is thought to have neurological basis with neuroimaging studies showing that brain functions differently in people with this disorder.

Genetics

27-40% genetic factors contribute to its occurrence.

Behavioural 

This theory suggests that people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder associate certain objects or situations with fear.

Cognitive

The theory, however focuses on how people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder misinterpret their thoughts.

Neurological

Imbalance in the brain chemicals serotonin and glutamate  may play a part in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Ayurvedic View

Ayurvedic texts find references that mimic the conditions illustrated in OCD under 'attavabhinevsha.

Common obsessions noticed in patients of OCD are:

1.            Excessive hand washing, hygiene & cleanliness freaking attitude. These patients tend to wash their hands innumerable times a day fearing contamination.

2.            The need for symmetry or exactness, if anything goes a little here or there these patients tend to react.

3.            Checking things repeatitively for example fear of forgetting to lock the door or turn off the gas stove.

4.            Some people letter a name or phrase or repeat a behaviour several times, like silently enchanting prayers or phrases out of fear all day.

5.            Checking & counter checking facts fearing that people tend to fool them and thus become highly suspicious.

Famous Personalities  With  OCD

•             Charles Darwin, the survival of fittest theory propounder.

•             Michael Jackson.

•             Nikola tesla, the inventor of modern day ac electric supply

•             Charles Dickens, famous play writer & author

Management of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The treatment begins from screening the patient for the extent of obsession.

Medical / Psychiatric Counselling

A psychiatric counselling by the psychiatrist figuring out OCD extent in the patient can be of great help. The purpose of counselling lies in helping the person's fears or irrational phobias be overcome by assistance. Also devising newer techniques for him like avoidance of the repetitive act by diverting one's attention, keeping oneself busy can help the patient.

Ayurvedic Management

Panchkarma

The ayurvedic treatment based upon Panchkarma can be of significant help. It helps to detox one's body, improve mind's natural fruitful tendencies and making the senses work normal.

Nasya

Involves instillation of herbal oils, juices or powders through nasal route works significantly in rejuvenation of mind as nose is considered to be the door to brain (mind).

Common preparations that can be used for Nasya-

1.            Sahacharadi taila

2.            Brahmi ghrit

3.            Ksheerbala taila

4.            Dhatryadi ghrit

Shirodhara

It is the form of ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids like milk, butter milk, medicated oils over the forehead. It can be very helpful for patients suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders.

Common Preparation of Shirodhara

1.            Herbal formulated sesame oil

2.            Bala oil

3.            Sandalwood oil

4.            Aamalki oil

Ayurvedic herbs for keeping the mind  calm & organised.

•             Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

•             Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens)

•             Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)

•             Madhuk (Glycyrriza glabra)

•             Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

•             Vacha (Acorus calamus)

•             Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

•             Medhya Rasayanas (Nervine rejuvenators)

Shankhpushpi

It helps in enhancing brain power improving memory and concentration and increasing ability to recall. It is beneficial for sleeplessness, stress disorders, mental debility or sensitivity. It is included in some formulations used for schizophrenia, OCD, depression, epilepsy etc.

Brahmi

It improves the memory, restores cognitive defects and enhances mental function. It opens & clarifies the mind, supports focus & concentration. It can be used as an oil preparation & paste externally and can be internally be consumed as powder, tablet or  as extract.

Mulethi

The root of mulethi helps in nervousness & depression by encouraging the function of adrenal glands as the adrenal glands control stress hormone including the cortisol.  The low level of stress hormones can result in persistant fatigue and anxiety.

Kapikachhu

This powerful herb can have direct influence on brain's neurotransmitter & potentially has beneficial effects on mental state, energy levels and rise in the ability to relax the body. In ayurveda, kapikachhu is known as nerve tonic & adaptogen that helps the body to deal with stress.

Vacha

This herb helps in people suffering from scattered thinking and confusion. It is known for inducing lucidity in the mind. It promotes cerebral circulation.

Guduchi

It possess learning and memory promoting action. Acts as anti stress and enhances the cognition.

Jatamansi

This medicinal plant is helpful in enhancing faculties of brain & combats the mental problems. Thus imparts calmness and peace to mind.

Yoga & Mental Health

Yoga is the foundation to a concrete & sound mental health. Common yoga asanas suggestive for mental health/OCD patients are-

1.            Garudasana (Eagle pose)

2.            Uttanasana (Standing forward bend)

3.            Shavasana (Corpse pose)

4.            Salmba Sirsasana (Head stand)

5.            Ardha Chandrasana (Holy moon pose)

6.            Matsyasana (Fish pose)

7.            Vrkshasana (Tree pose)

8.            Baalasana (Child's pose)

9.            Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported shoulder stand)

By following ayurvedic medication, panchkarma procedures and lifestyle modifications, majority of people with OCD can be completely cured and few may still have OCD but they can feel significant relief from their symptoms.

 

According to World Health Organization, OCD is one of the top 20 causes of illness related disability world wide.

 

 The purpose of counselling in patients suffering from  obsessive compulsive disorder is to help them coming out from their fears or irrational phobias.

 

Shankhpushpi plays a role of sheet anchor in OCD due to its qualities like psycho stimulant, anti stress, anti anxiety, anti depression and marvelous brain tonic.

 

Fortunately OCD treatment has improved over the past twenty years and it is now recognized as a very treatable condition.

 

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

•             Getting up early in morning, avoiding keeping awake at night, doing physical exercises, playing games etc. do good to mind.

•             Eating fresh food, vegetables, seasonal fruits and avoiding non veg,  fast food & liquor, maintaining regular timings of taking meals with peaceful mind. Avoiding lot of discussions & TV watching during meal etc.

•             Making prayers, reading spiritual texts & reading good literature, listening to thought provoking lectures, hearing mantras & music also help improve mental strength.

•             Social support helps in combating stress & keeps mental strength in challenging situations.