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 handwashing 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.

For detailed discussions relating to obsessive-compulsive disorder see Medline Plus.

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 OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)?

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 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.

Native Remedies is so certain that you will be completely satisfied with their wonderful, natural products, that they offer a 60-day unconditional money back guarantee*.

How does Mindsoothe work?

Mindsoothe works in two ways:

1. St John's Wort prevents the body from using too much serotonin and allows serotonin levels to build up naturally to optimum levels. Serotonin levels are important for many things, including mood, sleep, concentration, appetite, energy and sex drive.

An improvement in serotonin levels has been clinically proven to be associated with a reduction in the symptoms of OCD. Like most SSRI's, this can take from 3 - 5 weeks to take effect and regular use is important.

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.

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.

Symptoms of OCD are known to increase during periods of stress and anxiety. The Passiflora in Mindsoothe helps to reduce the anxiety and stress associated with OCD, thereby also contributing to the reduction of symptoms.

What is the difference between Mindsoothe and other remedies with St John's Wort or Passiflora?

It is very important that herbal remedies are correctly prepared and that they are pharmaceutically manufactured according to acknowledged therapeutic dosage. Because there is no standardization in herbal medicine, it is unfortunately true that many herbal preparations are substandard or do not contain therapeutic dosages. This has not been good for the reputation of natural remedies.

Like all Native Remedies products, Mindsoothe has been prepared according to the highest pharmaceutical standards and personally supervised by our Clinical Psychologist, who has been able to observe the results on real people in her private practice.

All ingredients are in accordance with correct therapeutic dosage and the combinations of herbs chosen ensure maximum effectiveness with minimum side effects. This means that you can be sure that you are getting the remedy that you need.

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.
(see the 'Buy 2 Get 1 FREE' special)

Is there anything else that can help?

Most herbal remedies are designed or formulated to deal with a specific health condition, to tackle that one condition directly. However, the origin of most health problems can be traced back to ill-functioning cells within our bodies. A company, not associated with Native Remedies, called ForeverGreen is now making a general, whole body tonic that appears to be truly revolutionary. What makes it so unique is that its main curative ingredient is marine phytoplankton, the one celled herbs that are the foundation for all life in the sea. Click Here for information on this whole body tonic.

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What People Using Mindsoothe Have Said

“Taking MindSoothe has been an absolute savior for me. When I started suffering from anxiety/depression/de-realization following the birth of my second son, I thought I was losing my mind. I struggled to cope with day to day things; felt self-absorbed and couldn’t enjoy my children anymore. I was losing control and thought I was a terrible mother. I didn’t want to have to tell my doctor (a stranger) how I was feeling and I was adamant that I wouldn’t go down the endless anti-depressants road. I started looking for alternative remedies and came across the Native Remedies website. I started taking MindSoothe and something amazing happened - over the following months, bit by bit, I started to feel normal again. I’m now almost back to my normal self. I still get anxious moments but nowhere near what I felt before taking MindSoothe (a more controllable anxiety). I enjoy my family again; I can go out of the house and see other people without feeling terrified; and, I can look forward to doing all the things I enjoyed doing before. MindSoothe has given me my life back, and has given my children their mother back. Thank you so much Native Remedies!!!” - Tina, Wales, UK

"Since I started using MindSoothe I have felt much better. I have been sleeping better and wake up feeling refreshed. I have an all around sense of well-being now. Thank you!" - Michael, FL, USA

"After taking Zoloft for years, I began to feel that I wanted to change to something more natural and better for me. With the guidelines you gave me, I made the transition with very few problems and can truly say that your MindSoothe is helping me even more than the Zoloft did - and I feel much better about it! I can recommend MindSoothe anytime!" - Joe, USA

'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.

Your MindSoothe really helped me. I have been going through some bad times in a relationship and I felt as though I had hit rock bottom. After only three weeks, I could feel myself returning to normal again. You will be glad to know that I felt so good after six weeks that I dumped the guy who was causing all the trouble and I am having a great time now! MindSoothe helped me believe in myself again!! - Linda Solomons, USA

"The products you recommended (MindSoothe and PureCalm) have more than lived up to their billings. Josh is doing better now than he has been in the past 6 years and after numerous attempts with medications and supplements. My wife and I have noted a tremendous positive change in him and it is wonderful. Josh has not done the stalling behaviors which he always has done since diagnosed and he seems happy and content.

I am grateful beyond words to your team. We have reordered the product and will keep him on it for now. I assure you that I will recommend your products to anyone I talk with.

I would like to ask if you have a recommendation for severe Bipolar disorder. My brother's son has it and is doing quite poorly. I would appreciate any direction that you might give.

AGAIN, A MILLION THANKS FOR THE HELP YOU HAVE BEEN!
Best Wishes", - Jay Bryan, U.S.A.

"Having suffered with anxiety and panic attacks on and off over the last twelve years, I became fed up taking Doctor prescribed drugs such as Temazapam,Diazapan etc and all the after affects these drugs came with. By chance I came across your website and decided to purchase three canisters of MindSoothe DEPRESSION CAPSULES. Within four days the tablets were working, by taking as advised, two in the morning and two at night, I felt more at ease,more confident and nowhere near as anxious as previously. On top of this I was and still am sleeping a lot better and the big advantage is that the tablets do not leave you feeling drowsy or sleepy. MindSoothe definitely works for me and I have tried all sorts of drugs and herbal remedies to counter my anxiety/depression, I will categorically recommend these tablets to anyone who has anxiety/depression. Without doubt I will be reordering when my supplies run out. Normality has returned!! Thanks." - A.Derrick, Devon, England

"I think I had postnatal depression after my baby was born, although everyone said that I just had the blues. I understand that, but almost two years later, I felt even worse! I could hardly get up in the morning to face each day, which was soooo unlike me! MindSoothe has made such a difference. Now I have the energy to play with my little boy and my husband says he has the old me back again!" - Vanessa Muller, USA

"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.

"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.

Get Ordering and Pricing Information for MindSoothe and PureCalm
Volume Discount - Buy 3 MindSoothe for the price of 2
Volume Discount - Buy 3 PureCalm for the price of 2

Shipping Policy