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

• Recurring and persistent ideas, thoughts or images that are often experienced as senseless, intrusive and difficult to control.
• Attempts to ignore or suppress these thoughts or to neutralize them with another thought or action.
• The person realizes that these thoughts, images or ideas are the product of his or her own mind, yet finds them almost impossible to resist.

Compulsions

• Repetitive, intentional and often stereotyped behavior performed in response to an obsession or according to certain rules.
• Although the behavior is intended to neutralize or prevent some dreaded event or situation, it is clearly not connected in a realistic way with what it is designed to prevent or is excessive (e.g. repetitive hand washing in order to prevent death).
• The obsessions or compulsions cause a great deal of distress and anxiety, are time consuming (take more than an hour a day) or significantly interfere with the person's health, social or occupational functioning. The person is often secretive and may attempt to conceal the compulsive thoughts and behaviors.

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.

There are natural alternatives to the psychiatric drugs which will help to balance serotonin levels and therefore reduce or eliminate the symptoms of OCD.

Michele Carelse, a 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?  What are the ingredients?

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.

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

Caution: Safety in pregnancy has not yet been established. Do not take Mindsoothe together with other anti-depressants. If you suffer from high blood pressure, only use Mindsoothe under medical supervision.

If necessary, MindSoothe can be taken together with Purecalm for maximum effectiveness against anxiety and depression.

How long do I need to take Mindsoothe?

This all depends on the nature and severity of your problem. Although many people feel an effect almost from day one, Mindsoothe takes approximately 3-5 weeks before the full effect is reached.

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.