OCD is a symptom of low serotonin levels. I had OCD for many many years notably due to untreated B12 malabsorption (in my case due to autoimmune pernicious anaemia) but also to a lesser degree when under a lot of stress and with thyroid imbalances (in my case Hashimoto's thyroiditis). I also find exercise extremely helpful with boosting both serotonin and dopamine levels.
Symptoms of low serotonin levels include:
Anxiety
Fatigue
Depression
Pre menstrual syndrome
Problems in thinking, concentrating and decision making
Scatterbrained and poorly organized
Panic, fear and phobias
Needless feelings of unworthiness and/or guilt
Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities
Loss of sexual interest
Social withdrawal
Emotional sadness and frequent crying spells
Low self esteem and self confidence
Sleep disturbances
Chronic depressive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Fantasies of escaping
Developing a need to change your life panic eg: midlife crisis, divorce
Preoccupied with experiences that may have happened years ago
Bulimia
Alcoholism
Loss of appetite/weight loss or a craving for sweets and carbohydrates
Headaches/migranes
Violent temper
Anger and aggression
Poor impulse control
Agoraphobia syndrome
Thoughts of harming or killing others
Self harm
Suicidal thoughts
Suicide
The following factors can cause low serotonin levels:
* Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
* Caffeine
* Cigarette smoking
* Diabetes
* Ecstasy, diet pills, and certain medications
* Chronic opioid, alcohol, amphetamine & marijuana use
* Hormone imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, estrogen)
* Hypoglycemia
* Insulin resistance
* Inflammation
* Infections
* Poor diet
* Lack of exercise
* Stress and anger
* Lack of sunlight (lack of vitamin D)
* Problems converting tryptophan to serotonin
* Problems with digestion (low stomach acid is a major issue)
* High cortisol levels (stress hormone)
* PCB’s, pesticides and plastic chemicals exposure
* Under-methylation - folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 deficiency
* Iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B3, B6, folate & vitamin C deficiency
* A lack of omega oils
* Glutathione deficiency
* Genetic serotonin receptor abnormalities
* Human growth hormone deficiency
* Progesterone deficiency
* Impaired blood flow to brain