Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a severe mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Patients with OCD often spend excessive time participating in compulsive behaviors such as cleaning to ease unwanted thoughts, such as fear of contamination. OCD can interrupt daily functioning, causing problems such as anxiety, isolation, strained relationships, shame, and low self-esteem.
Growing research is exploring the connection between gut health and the presence of mental health disorders. One of these discoveries is the influence of the gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract that play an essential role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.
For years, OCD has been treated through a combination of behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychiatric medication. Although these are typically effective, new treatments continue to emerge for more difficult cases of OCD or simply to improve conventional treatment outcomes.
The Science of The Gut-Brain Axis in OCD
The gut-brain axis is a communication network between the gut and the brain. Surprisingly to some, the health and microbiome of the gut play a major role in nervous system activity and the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. The gut produces 95% of serotonin, according to the American Psychological Association [1]
Dysregulated serotonin production is thought to contribute to symptoms of OCD, depression, or anxiety such as mood swings, changes in sleep or appetite. The gut-brain axis also plays a significant role in essential physical functions such as metabolism, hormonal imbalances, and immunological function.
Why Your Gut Might Be Driving OCD Symptoms
Studies have found that patients with OCD often have an imbalance in their gut microbiome make-up known as dysbiosis. This is characterized by low microbacterial diversity or too many of just one type of bacteria. Dysbiosis has been found to correlate with the severity of OCD, depression, and anxiety symptoms [2].
Gut inflammation from dysbiosis can increase gut and blood-brain barrier permeability, increasing inflammation in brain circuits involved in OCD. On the other hand, OCD symptoms such as excessive handwashing, cleaning, or use of antibiotics can also alter gut health and in return, exacerbate OCD symptoms.
Treatments Targeting The Gut-Brain Connection and OCD
There is a range of treatments that increase healthy bacteria in the gut and restore balance to the gut microbiome. When paired with more conventional, evidence-based therapies, these can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of OCD.
Probiotic Therapy
Probiotics are foods or supplements containing live yeast, thought to have several health benefits. They are often described as good or healthy bacteria, found in foods such as yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.
Although there is no extensive evidence that probiotics can cure ailments or mental health disorders, studies have linked them to improved digestive health. One study from the Journal of Food Microbiology found that probiotics contain certain bacteria that are helpful in supporting healthy glucose levels and reducing inflammation in the gut [3].
Common probiotic supplements include:
- Bifidobacteria: Thought to manage digestive symptoms like constipation or nausea, and boost the immune system.
- Lactobacilli: Thought to help reduce harmful bacteria in the gut and relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance.
- Bacillus coagulans: Thought to aid in gut health, improving symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
IV Nutrition for Gut Repair
IV nutrient therapy provides high concentrations of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and amino acids directly to the bloodstream. IV nutrition is still an emerging field and there are few peer-reviewed research studies to back up claims of its benefits. However, many patients have reported vitamin IV therapies have helped heal the gut lining, boost immune function, and aid in stress management.
They may be particularly helpful for those who struggle with digestive issues such as leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, as they help food or dietary supplements absorb more quickly in the bloodstream.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation is a medical field focusing on modifying or regulating nervous system activity, typically using a combination of electrical or chemical stimulation. Treatments focus on regulating brain activity and nervous system functions to reduce stress and unwanted physical or behavioral symptoms. Two common treatments that do this are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Neurofeedback.
- TMS Therapy
TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient treatment that uses small magnetic pulses on the scalp to stimulate various brain regions. This is not electroshock therapy! TMS is an evidence-based therapy that regulates various parts of the nervous system such as the vagus nerve in the gut, to reduce symptoms of physical or mental stress.
It is particularly helpful for patients with OCD and was approved by the FDA in 2018 as a first-line treatment. TMS stimulates and regulates deep brain regions responsible for negative thinking patterns and intrusive thoughts [4].
A typical TMS session lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is done 3 to 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Throughout the treatment, patients may feel tapping or hear vibrating sounds. TMS is safe and has few side effects. Some patients may have a headache that quickly subsides within the day.
- Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is an emerging neurotechnology to help patients observe and regulate brainwaves. It treats OCD by training the brain to self-regulate nervous system activity, decreasing unhealthy patterns of stress associated with OCD. It uses behavioral modification conditioning, providing real-time feedback so patients can train their brain to normalize functioning.
OCD involves hyperactivity in certain brain circuits, specifically in the CSTC loop that includes the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. These areas are linked to emotional regulation, stress response, habit formation, and cognitive control [5].
During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to monitor blood flow and oxygen levels in regions of the brain such as the pre-frontal cortex and hippocampus. It also measures the speed, frequency, and size of the brainwaves.
Some of the brainwaves involved in neurofeedback and their associated functions include:
- Gamma: Focus and concentration
- Beta: Alertness, increased energy
- Alpha: Creativity, relaxation, stress management
- Theta: Thought to be linked to memory and states of meditation
- Delta: Deep sleep, relaxation, stress relief
Harper Clinic’s Integrative OCD Treatment
Harper Clinic provides holistic, integrative treatment to address Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, other mental health challenges, and chronic health problems. Our OCD treatments include TMS and blend cutting-edge, evidence-based neuroscience with holistic whole-body approaches to address all factors of mental health.
Reach out to Harper Clinic either by phone, text, or through our direct booking system to schedule your mental health consultation. Our providers can help you verify insurance benefits and set up a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique mental, physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Sources
[1] Carpenter, S. 2012. That Gut Feeling. American Psychological Association.
[2] Bendriss G, et al. 2023. Microbial Reprogramming in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Review of Gut-Brain Communication and Emerging Evidence. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 26;24(15).
[3] Sarita, B. 2025. A comprehensive review of probiotics and human health-current prospective and applications. Front. Microbiol., 05 January 2025 Sec. Food Microbiology. Volume 15 – 2024.
[4] Cocchi, L., et al. 2018. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A focus on network mechanisms and state dependence. Neuroimage Clin. 2018 May 23;19:661-674
