Mind - Body - Spirit
OCD is complex, and research shows that it is multifaceted disorder that can be influenced by genetics and interpersonal interactions in one’s environment that can affect brain development and functioning. Stress and anxiety can have a significant affect on our neurobiology, affecting both our physical and mental health, which can increase the likelihood of OCD symptoms.
It is integral to pay specific attention to the cognitive and physiological effects of the fear producing thoughts and environments in order to accurately assess, recognize, and react to these experiences. Doing so provides an opportunity to properly build effective therapeutic techniques to manage OCD symptoms and resulting anxiety and potential depression.
Physiologically, our body’s reaction to fear, anxiety, and stress has an affect on our HPA Axis (hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal) and can dictate the magnitude of the response and consequence of the perceived fear. Our heart rate increases, and hormones are released, such as cortisol, which can, over time, prohibit proper brain functioning and neuroplasticity, altering the ability to appropriately respond to stress. The OCD sufferer may receive an erroneous confirmation that their thoughts and feelings are real, which leads to compulsions, and ultimately this can affect the self-esteem, spirit, and functioning of the individual.
Neurobiologically, the misappraisal of fear and potential consequence are due to a heightened response in the amygdala, where fear is processed in the brain. OCD will attach itself to stored memories in the hippocampus and will search for the most frightening outcome and meaning to connect itself. Research illustrates that malfunctions in the circuitry between an over-reactive orbital frontal cortex, where planning and judgment are influenced, and the caudate nucleus, where communication is processed, may lead to a barrage of problematic thoughts. Motor control in the basal ganglia can be compromised, leading to the repetitious behavior often times seen in OCD, BDD, excoriation and trichotillomania. The anterior cingulate regulates autonomic senses, cognition, and impulse control, which can be seen in excoriation and trichotillomania (Abramowitz & Jacoby, 2015). Imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and memory has been implicated in contributing to OC symptoms and depression (Hyman & DuFrene, 2008; Young, 2007). We can see that OCD, as with many mental disorders, is very much physical as it is mental. It is a medical condition that, with work, can be understood and managed.
There are many ways to combat, diminish, and cope with the symptoms associated with OCD, anxiety, depression, and related disorders. Our bodies physiologically respond positively to exerting ourselves. Healthy amounts of physical exercise plays a major role in the increase of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, among others, which affect our mood, pain, emotional regulation, appetite, energy, and memory. Research suggests that exercise and the corresponding release of neurochemicals literally helps our brains regenerate neuron growth that assists in brain functioning, emotional regulation, and even structural change (Bergland, C. (2015)).
Eating non-processed foods, getting sufficient sleep, soaking up sunshine, and making emotional connections can greatly affect our MIND – BODY – SPIRIT, lifting the load when “life” happens.
Along with SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) medications, natural supplements, such as panothentic acid, inositol, Gabba, and SAMe, may lower anxiety and stress levels. Staying present, in the moment, through mindfulness, can keep us grounded and focused on what’s real and important in our lives.