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What are the Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)and how is it diagnosed? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an Anxiety Disorder which has as its main characteristics obsessive thoughts and ideas, which are sometimes accompanied by compulsive behaviors and actions, often designed to ward off the obsessive thoughts. There are currently no medical tests which can diagnose OCD. Diagnosis is usually based on information about symptoms as well as clinical observation. Diagnosis of OCD can be made by Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, medical Doctors, Pediatricians or by a multi-disciplinary team. In order to make a formal diagnosis of OCD, the following symptoms must be present (DSM lV-TR) Obsessions
Compulsions
While the above symptoms are necessary to make a formal diagnosis of OCD, they can be present in a less severe form. In this case, the person would not be diagnosed as suffering from a psychiatric disorder, but is rather said to have obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. This sometimes happens with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. Most people experience some obsessive thoughts and behaviors at some time in their lives, especially under stress. In small children it is very common and quite normal (e.g. don't step on the cracks or the bears will get you!) to have some compulsive behaviors. In both adults and children, it is only when the above criteria are fulfilled and there is a great deal of anxiety and distress associated with the thoughts and behaviors that a formal diagnosis can be made. What causes OCD? There are various theories or explanations for OCD. Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theorists often see the obsessive thoughts and compulsions as a defense against anxiety or repressed subconscious impulses. Other theorists believe that the symptoms of OCD may be learned through various mechanisms during childhood or adulthood. There is also strong evidence that some people have an inherited tendency to develop OCD and that OCD is linked to problems in brain chemistry, neurotransmission or receptor functioning. Research suggests, for example, that people with OCD frequently have abnormalities or deficiencies in serotonin levels and that their symptoms improve when this serotonin imbalance is addressed with medication. It is likely that there is no one single explanatory cause for the development of OCD and a combination of factors may often be responsible. Are
Psychiatric drugs the only alternative for Many psychiatrists feel that the only effective treatment for OCD involves medication with psychiatric drugs like Clomipramine, Prozac or other SSRI's (drugs which prevent the uptake of serotonin). While psychiatric drug therapy can often relieve the symptoms of OCD, there are associated risks of side effects as well as an effect on overall health. This often results in the individual having to take a variety of different prescription drugs, which is both expensive and not ideal from a health point of view. It is important to realize that treatment with psychiatric drugs is not the only answer. Counseling and psychotherapy, especially cognitive therapy, has been shown to be very beneficial and can make a marked improvement in the symptom picture of people with OCD. The earlier that counseling or therapy is begun, the less chance symptoms have of becoming entrenched, although therapy can be beneficial at any stage. Therapy should be carried out by a licensed counselor or clinical psychologist who is experienced in the field of OCD. There are also natural alternatives to the psychiatric drugs which will help to balance serotonin levels and therefore reduce or eliminate the symptoms of OCD. Michele Carelse, our Clinical Psychologist, has had many years of experience treating people with depression. Together with experts in the field of natural medicine, she has developed MindSoothe - a combination of St John's Wort and Passiflora - two highly effective herbs in therapeutic medicinal dosage. MindSoothe contains two potent remedies in one treatment and offers immediate as well as long term relief to people suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, OCD and even those with eating disorders. How does Mindsoothe work? MindSoothe is a remedy containing two natural remedies in one and is therefore excellent value for money! 1. Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) has been scientifically shown to relieve the symptoms of depression if used regularly over a period of 3 - 5 weeks. St John's Wort is often called 'Nature's Prozac' and is widely used as the anti-depressant of choice in many countries like Germany and in other parts of Europe. There have been many clinical studies which show the effectiveness of St. John's Wort in the treatment of depression. A review published in the British Medical Journal quotes up to twenty-three clinical trials which demonstrate that St. John's Wort works as well as many prescription anti-depressants, without the major side effects. Millions of people around the world have been helped by treatment with St. John's Wort. Many clients say that it feels like 'the black cloud' has been lifted from their heads and that they have more zest for life! 2. The St. John's Wort in MindSoothe is combined with Passiflora - a calming herb that reduces anxiety and soothes frayed nerves. According to Dr. Earl Mindell (The New Herb Bible), Passiflora is one of nature's best tranquilizers. It works quickly and effectively and is an excellent addition to any treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSoothe has been specially formulated by a practicing clinical psychologist and has been safely and effectively prescribed to real people with real problems for years! How has MindSoothe Helped others? "Dear Native
Remedies, "Due to the endless intrusion of violent images and thoughts, I walked around counting everything - to try and control them. I counted my steps, I counted how many times I chewed my food, stirred my coffee, you name it! If I ended on an even number it was OK, if the number was ever odd, I had to start again. I can't tell you that my life was worth living. Forever the skeptic, I hardly believed that a tablet could help, but I thought that if there was a remote possibility, I had to try. I took Mindsoothe and the Triple Complex Nerve Tonic and with each passing day I felt more at ease and even relaxed at times! Three months later I am beating the counting habit, which is now more of a habit than a necessity. It feels pretty weird sometimes to be 'normal', but now I know just how scrambled my brain was. Thank you for your amazing products and sympathetic help. You have truly changed my life!!"- GGW, Milnerton. "One psychiatrist after another and all I got was worse. OCD is not anything I would wish on my worst enemy. In fact I never realized that such a disorder existed until I consulted Michele - all I did was swallow tablets that were prescribed to me. What a relief to find out that I was not going mad, which I was convinced of! Your Mindsoothe capsules have brought my anxiety levels down and the thoughts and other behaviors that used to drive me mad have really disappeared completely. I can't say how grateful I am."- Gillian S. "I used to be so anxious about everything! Every time I had to go out I had a panic attack. I avoided people because I felt like they all thought I was stupid. All I could do was to talk to strangers online and pretend to be Mr. Confident! Talk about low self esteem! I started on a combination of MindSoothe and PureCalm. After a month, I began to feel more confident. I have made some real friends now and can go out at last. I still sometimes feel nervous, but it is getting better all the time. At least I can work on my problems now and not hide away all the time. I just know that I'm getting better now!"- Peter, single, 24 years old. "I bought this for my son who has OCD, and have noticed a difference halfway through our first bottle... I bought the first time thru EBAY, but kept your paperwork, and I am now ordering from you direct... thanks for a great product, and for giving our house its first restful sleep in months!!!"- Tamara W., VA "Your MindSoothe remedy helped my depression so much! It felt like the black cloud had been lifted from my head to let the sun through again!"- Fran, USA, married, 32 years old. How do I use MindSoothe? Adults: Take two capsules in the morning and two at night. Ages 3-15 yrs:
Please see our
MindSoothe Jr. formula for children If necessary, MindSoothe can be taken together with PureCalm for maximum effectiveness against anxiety and depression. How long do I need to take Mindsoothe?
Thereafter it is recommended that Mindsoothe be continued for at least 6 months to prevent relapse. Some people who have chronically low serotonin levels (e.g. OCD, chronic depression, anxiety disorders) may have to use Mindsoothe indefinitely. How long will a bottle last? One bottle of MindSoothe contains 60 capsules and will last 15 days. A 45-day initial supply, which is
recommended, would be three bottles.
Proven Products. Excellent Service and Delivery |
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