What is the chemical imbalance in OCD?
Disclaimer Show Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always … More Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding. You do not currently have access to this chapter. DisordersObsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder which, like many anxiety disorders, is marked by low levels of serotonin. Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, has a variety of functions that make a deficiency a serious and anxiety producing issue. This article will discuss the various functions of serotonin in the body and how they can affect obsessive compulsive disorder. Serotonin Levels Can Be ControlledSerotonin is the chicken/egg argument in anxiety. It's impossible to tell which came first - the anxiety, or the low serotonin. But what science does know is that you can cure both at the same time with proper coping tools and techniques. The Many Jobs of Serotonin Serotonin is a highly useful neurotransmitter to have in your brain and body. It has all kinds of important jobs that, all together, help to make us the balanced and healthy people we are - or want to be. People suffering from anxiety disorders like OCD are often low in serotonin. Serotonin is thought to be at least partially responsible for regulating the following functions within your body:
Serotonin clearly affects a variety of different functions, and when you suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, any of these issues may be affected. How Serotonin Causes OCDUnfortunately, the exact way that serotonin to cause OCD isn't known. All that's known is that low serotonin and OCD are related. But since serotonin acts as a chemical messenger in the brain, there is likely some component of the mind that is being told to have more negative thoughts and engage in compulsive behaviors. It's also possible that obsessive compulsive disorder leads to lower serotonin levels. Since controlling OCD can raise serotonin, this is also something to consider. Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications for OCD. SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain by limiting their reuptake or reabsorption by neurons, or brain cells. Serotonin normally leaps between cells to transmit various messages having to do with its many jobs. In people with naturally low or depleted levels of serotonin, too much of this serotonin is reabsorbed by the neurons, preventing it from transmitting messages between the neurons as it should. SSRIs cause serotonin to linger between neurons in the spaces called synapses so that they can do their jobs without being reabsorbed. How to Naturally Increase SerotoninHowever, medications are not the ideal treatment for any anxiety disorder - even one caused by low serotonin. Serotonin can be naturally increased and mood regulated through engaging in the following activities:
Also, remember that controlling your anxiety in general by learning the right ways to cope with it has also been shown to be successful at raising serotonin, so make sure you treat your anxiety and don't just focus on serotonin levels. Questions? Comments?Do you have a specific question that this article didn’t answered? Send us a message and we’ll answer it for you! Ask Doctor a Question Read This NextGet advice that’s rooted in medical expertise:Sign up for our newsletter and get science-backed tips to better manage anxiety and boost your mental health. Nurture yourself with mental health advice that’s rooted in medical expertise. Your privacy is important to us. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside of the EU. If you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information.
Calm Clinic is a free mental health resource site. It was founded in March 2009. At CalmClinic, we believe that information is only as helpful as its accuracy. That is why all of the content that we publish is always reviewed and analyzed by professionals in the psychology and healthcare fields. © 2009-2022 Calm Clinic. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Calm Clinic does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. What chemicals are linked to OCD?Changes in the neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate are normally present in OCD cases. Due to these chemical imbalances, a specific class of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are normally prescribed in order to improve symptoms.
Is OCD low or high serotonin?Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder which, like many anxiety disorders, is marked by low levels of serotonin. Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, has a variety of functions that make a deficiency a serious and anxiety producing issue.
Is OCD a dopamine deficiency?Reduced dopamine D1 receptors and dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum have been reported in people with OCD, along with both increased and decreased reports of dopamine transporter (DAT) binding.
Is OCD caused by lack of serotonin?These parts of the brain primarily use serotonin to communicate. This is why increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain can help to alleviate OCD symptoms. However, even though researchers know that low levels of serotonin can cause OCD symptoms, there is no laboratory test to diagnose OCD.
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