Abstract:
Introduction: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most disabling mental health challenges, often forcing individuals to repeat certain thoughts or actions to find relief. These rituals can take over a person’s daily life, affecting their work, relationships, and emotional well-being. In recent years, as mental health issues have become more widespread, researchers have taken a closer look at how different treatment approaches can help. This article explores how homeopathic medicine, when combined with psychological therapy, may offer relief for those struggling with OCD. Growing evidence suggests that homeopathy can play a meaningful role in supporting mental health, especially when tailored to the individual’s unique emotional and behavioral patterns.[5]
Keywords: Introduction/Etiology/Pathophysiology/General management /Homeopathic Approach /Conclusion
Introduction
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that can make everyday life feel like a constant battle. Those affected often deal with relentless, unwanted thoughts—such as fears of germs, causing harm, or inappropriate behavior—that lead to intense anxiety. To find temporary relief, they may feel compelled to repeat certain actions or rituals, which can become exhausting and interfere with their daily routines.[3]
OCD is more common than many realize, affecting around 2.3% of adults and 1 to 2.3% of children and adolescents. It usually appears in the teenage years, often earlier in boys. While it was once grouped under anxiety disorders, DSM-5 now classifies OCD as a separate diagnosis. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the burden, worsening symptoms for many people.[3]
Many individuals with OCD also face other mental health conditions. Children often experience ADHD or other anxiety disorders, while adults may struggle with depression, social anxiety, or substance use.[4]
Although CBT and medication remain widely used and effective treatments, some people explore more natural, personalized options. Homeopathy, especially when paired with relaxation
techniques or therapeutic support, can offer a gentler route to healing. There is also growing interest in newer approaches like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that may help ease OCD and anxiety symptoms.[6]
Ultimately, healing from OCD requires a flexible, compassionate approach—one that honors each person’s unique experience and offers the support they need to find relief and regain control of their life.[6]
Etiology/Pathophysiology
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition with no single known cause, but research suggests that several factors may play a role. People who have close family members—like a parent or sibling—with OCD, especially if the condition started in childhood, are more likely to develop it themselves. Brain imaging studies show that certain brain areas involved in decision-making and emotion are overactive in people with OCD, and there’s also evidence that serotonin imbalance may contribute to the symptoms. In some cases, traumatic experiences during childhood may also increase the risk.[6]
OCD often shows up as a cycle of obsessions—unwanted, distressing thoughts—and compulsions, which are repeated actions done to relieve the anxiety those thoughts cause. These can include fears of contamination, intrusive thoughts about harm, or a need for things to be perfectly ordered. Compulsions like excessive handwashing, checking, or arranging objects can take up hours of someone’s day, interfering with work, relationships, and overall well-being.[5]
To be diagnosed with OCD, a person’s symptoms must be time-consuming or significantly disrupt daily life. The symptoms shouldn’t be caused by medication, drug use, or another mental illness. Once these criteria are met, a formal diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional.[5]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people with OCD found their symptoms worsening— especially those with fears around germs and contamination. Repeated handwashing, cleaning rituals, and fear of getting sick led to more intense suffering. Some even avoided visiting doctors out of fear of exposure. In such situations, relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and ongoing support from family members and mental health professionals can make a big difference. Education, empathy, and guidance help individuals manage their condition and adjust to life’s new challenges with more resilience.[5]
General management of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder )[3]
Psychological Therapies
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The most effective and evidence-based treatment for OCD. Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps individuals face their fears without giving in to compulsions.
2. Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Teaches patients to observe their thoughts without reacting emotionally. This reduces the power of intrusive thoughts over time.
3. Psychoeducation & Counseling
Helps patients and families understand OCD, reduce guilt, and learn healthy coping
strategies.
Medications
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine. These help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, easing obsessions and compulsions.
Clomipramine
A tricyclic antidepressant sometimes used when SSRIs are not effective.
Homeopathic Management[1][2][7]
Homeopathy offers a gentle, individualized approach to OCD, focusing on the person as a whole rather than just the diagnosis.
Commonly used remedies (must be prescribed constitutionally):
Arsenicum album:
Fear of contamination, perfectionism, restlessness
Excessive need for cleanliness and order.
Anxiety about health, safety, and small details.
Restlessness — mentally and physically.
Feels better in warm surroundings.
OCD Type: Compulsive cleaning, checking locks, arranging items.
Calcarea carbonicum:
Overthinking and repetitive worrying about safety, money, or health.
Slowness in doing work due to repeated checking.
Fear of misfortune and disease.
Physically often chilly, sweats easily on the head.
OCD Type: Repetitive checking due to fear of bad events .
Syphilinum:
Repetitive behavior, obsessive thoughts about cleanliness or destruction.
The compulsion is strong, especially washing hands due to fear of contamination. The obsession is linked with deep-seated fear of disease, decay, or loss of control.
There’s an inherited or long-standing destructive tendency in the case history (syphilitic miasm background).
Thuja:
Fixed ideas, religious obsessions, hidden guilt
Fixed ideas, especially about the body or health.
Compulsion to hide perceived flaws.
Obsessive about appearance.
Sensitive to cold and damp weather.
OCD Type: Repetitive grooming, mirror-checking, body-focused concerns.
Natrum muriaticum:
Suppressed grief, silent brooding, inner conflict.
Quiet, reserved, holds grudges, broods over the past.
Repetitive mental replay of painful events.
Perfectionism in work, dislike of consolation.
Often associated with grief or suppressed emotions.
OCD Type: Mental obsession with past memories or emotional hurt.
Anacardium orientale: Internal conflict, abusive thoughts, dual personality feeling.
Lycopodium clavatum :
Fear of failure, yet puts on a confident face.
Desire for control and order in the environment.
Obsession with planning ahead.
Often digestive issues along with mental strain.
OCD Type: Overplanning , mental rehearsal, fear of public mistakes.
Carcinosin:
Extreme perfectionism from childhood.
Desire for harmony; very sensitive to criticism.
Often history of prolonged stress or strict upbringing.
Can be restless, yet works tirelessly.
OCD Type: Compulsive perfection and fear of making mistakes.
Medorrhinum: (Rare Nosode for OCD)
Mental traits: Feels compelled to do things in a hurry; constantly washing hands; tendency to bite nails.
Obsessions: Fear of going insane, repeating thoughts of past mistakes.
Modalities: Feels better at night, loves the sea, craves oranges.
OCD Type : OCD with impulsive behavior and history of gonorrheal miasm.
Hyoscyamus Niger:
Mental traits: Jealousy, suspicion, and inappropriate behavior.
Obsessions: Uncontrollable talking, muttering, repetitive gestures.
Modalities: Worse at night, in company.
OCD Type : OCD with sexual or socially unacceptable intrusive thoughts. Veratrum Album:
Mental traits: Extreme religiosity, feels compelled to pray or perform rituals repeatedly. Obsessions: Counting prayers, confessing sins over and over.
Modalities: Worse in cold; better from warmth.
OCD Type: OCD with exaggerated morality or religious compulsion.
Lachesis Mutus:
Mental traits: Talkative, suspicious, strong emotions.
Obsessions: Fear of being poisoned, betrayed; repetitive checking of food or locks. Modalities: Worse after sleep; cannot bear tight clothing around neck.
OCD Type : OCD with paranoia and jealousy.
Lifestyle and Self-Care
Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts mood and reduces anxiety.
Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a healthy sleep routine improves emotional regulation.
Healthy diet: A balanced diet supports mental and physical health.
Yoga and Meditation: These help calm the nervous system and increase awareness of compulsive urges.
Journaling or expressive writing: Allows the release of obsessive thoughts in a safe, non judgmental way.
Support Systems
Family involvement: Educating loved ones about OCD helps create a supportive environment. Support groups: Connecting with others facing similar struggles reduces isolation. Online therapy or helplines: Especially useful during times of social restriction or relapse.
Emerging Therapies
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions involved in OCD.
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation): For treatment-resistant OCD; involves surgically implanted electrodes.
Conclusion:
OCD is a challenging condition marked by distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors that deeply affect daily life. While traditional treatments like CBT and medication are effective, homeopathy offers a holistic, gentle approach by addressing the emotional and psychological roots of the disorder. Homeopathic remedies, when selected individually and combined with counseling and lifestyle support, can promote long-term mental and emotional healing. This
integrative approach empowers individuals with OCD to achieve better balance, resilience, and quality of life.
References:
1. Boericke William;Boericke’s New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory;9th edition;2011;B.Jain Publishers; New Delhi.
2. Nash E B;Leaders in therapeutics with grouping and classification;sixth edition; 2008;B.Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd;NewDelhi
3. American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5).5thed.Arlington:American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013. 4. Stein DJ, Fineberg NA, Bienvenu OJ, Denys D, Lochner C, Nestadt G, et al. Should OCD be classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM-V? Depress Anxiety 2010;27:495-506. 5. Janardhan Reddy Y C, Sundar A S, Narayanaswamy JC, Math SB. Clinical practice guidelines for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.IndianJPsychiatry 2017;59, Suppl S1:74-90 6. Davidson Stanley;Principles and Practice of Medicine;22nd edition;2010;Elsevier health -UK 7. Lilienthal Samuel;Homoeopathic Therapeutics,2015,B. Jain publishers Pvt Ltd new Delhi
Author: Dr. Aruna Karole, MD Scholar, Department of Psychiatry, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Phone no.: 9131947672, E-mail: [email protected]
Co-Author: Dr. Santosh Hande, Head of Department, Department of Psychiatry, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
