ocd AND anxiety disorders
Dr. Gulliver's approach to obsessive compulsive disorder is patient centred and unique to the circumstances of the patient. Traditional treatment involves the use of medications, more specifically medications that increase serotonin. SSRI's are today's general standard, however, older medications like TCA's or even adjunctive anti-psychotics are in use as well. OCD is notorious for poor and delayed response, taking several months before improvement in seen, often resulting in partial responses. OCD is also common in other psychiatric disorders and it's co-mobidity is high. Anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, communication issues, social dysfunction and more are all peripheral issues induced by OCD.
As more research comes to light, we are learning more and more about the inner workings of OCD. Other neurotransmitter systems are being implicated, namely glutamate (the brains major excitatory neurotransmitter) and dopamine. Growth factors such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) also appear to deranged in OCD, Leading to cognitive dysfunction. A comprehensive treatment plan should take into account all systems in order to achieve optimal response and symptom resolution.
Dr. Gulliver focuses on several key areas.
Positive outcomes include:
As OCD can be a severe life altering disorder, medications may be needed in conjunction with nutritional, behavioural and lifestyle modifications. Increasing the effectiveness of medications is also possible, partial responses can be improved as remission is the primary goal!
As more research comes to light, we are learning more and more about the inner workings of OCD. Other neurotransmitter systems are being implicated, namely glutamate (the brains major excitatory neurotransmitter) and dopamine. Growth factors such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) also appear to deranged in OCD, Leading to cognitive dysfunction. A comprehensive treatment plan should take into account all systems in order to achieve optimal response and symptom resolution.
Dr. Gulliver focuses on several key areas.
- Increase serotonin naturally through diet and supplementation.
- Lowering glutamate
- Reducing neuroinflammation and excessive oxidation
- Cognitive strategies such as response prevention to reduce compulsions
- mindfulness training
- Correcting abnormal signal transduction
Positive outcomes include:
- Reduced obsessions
- Reduced compulsions
- Reduction in intrusive thoughts
- Uncertainty tolerance
- Lowered stress/anxiety levels
As OCD can be a severe life altering disorder, medications may be needed in conjunction with nutritional, behavioural and lifestyle modifications. Increasing the effectiveness of medications is also possible, partial responses can be improved as remission is the primary goal!