Ocd/gad And Ncgi/celiac?

[BlessedMommy]

My OCD has been really flaring up lately.

 

I've learned since I joined this board, that I've made some mistakes in being gluten-free and not always been as careful about CC as I should have been. I thought that I didn't get violent symptoms when getting trace amounts of gluten (usually got a flaming itchy red face or the start of a skin rash, my primary symptom before gluten-free was skin problems and I often got no visible symptoms at all from mistakes like washing out a wooden utensil and using it on gluten free food) but could worsening OCD be related to gluten?

 

I went on vacation recently. When I got home, I have been transitioning my kitchen over to being exclusively gluten-free, because it's just too much hassle to do otherwise.

 

Thoughts?

 

I think that some people think that "sensitivity" is limited to throwing up, hives, and other obvious problems, so I'm not sure how much sympathy I would get if I said that I thought that gluten made my OCD and GAD worse.

 

Edited to add that GAD stands for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I think that most people already know what OCD stands for. 

[cyclinglady]

Before my diagnosis, I had anxiety and I was a little crazy. All this resolved when I went strictly gluten free. When my husband gets glutened even my daughter can tell as Dad gets grumpy. I get grumpy too when it happens to me. Gluten can do that to you!

Glad to hear that you are really addressing cross contamination issues.

[IrishHeart]

Yes, OCD and GAD symptoms (and most of us know what this one is, unfortunately) are indeed related to gluten and celiac. Go to the bottom of the list.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

 

Strict compliance to a G F diet makes those symptoms go away (in most people that report those symptoms pre-diagnosis)

 

I'm with Cycling lady--accidental CC and I am awake half the night with the "fidgets" and within a day or so, my usual calm and cheery demeanor...well, let's just say one of the 7 dwarves may show up.....grumpy, dopey, sleepy...or all 3. 

 

It's why whenever I notice someone is being particularly grouchy, short-tempered, or ridiculously anxious, worrisome, ruminating and "fussing over something" (and I know MANY peeps like this)  I think to myself .... "Yup,  there's another gluten head!"

[NoGlutenCooties]

Ditto what they said.  The one time I got glutened I was exhausted for about a week.  But I noticed my mood was off for quite a bit longer than that.  Impatient, quick to anger, even quick to get emotional over silly stuff.  My mother has finally figured out that she too has Celiac and I've noticed a change in her demeanor too.  She used to fret and worry and overthink EVERYTHING.  She's getting much more relaxed and go-with-the-flow now (she's about 4 months gluten free now I think).  My uncle was diagnosed with Celiac about 15 years ago and before that he was on depression meds - not sure how long after he went gluten free he was able to stop taking them but he's fine now.

 

I don't know if there is any scientific evidence of this, but I'm convinced that gluten impacts the chemical balance in the brain.  It's more than just malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies - you don't get that deficient immediately after ingesting a tiny bit of gluten after having been gluten free.  There's something more going on there - IMO.

[CaliSparrow]

I lived with OCD since elementary school and had pretty much accepted it as a genetic, permanent reality. After going gluten-free, the symptoms began resolving. Talk about emancipation that was completely unexpected! Also, my GAD, anxiety attacks and mood swings went away. I thought I'd spend my LIFE with these monkeys on my back and it took a lot of energy to keep them undercover. Not anymore!

(I have the same thoughts Irish Heart does about seeing others ruminating and fussing. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way.)

[IrishHeart]

(I have the same thoughts Irish Heart does about seeing others ruminating and fussing. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way.)

 

I just call 'em as I see 'em, hon. 

[Googles]

My worst symptoms aren't the digestive ones (though those do suck) they are my ones related to depression and anxiety and insomnia that happen when I get glutened. As the others have said, they can make these symptoms worse.

[SkyBlue4]

I have anxiety with OCD also and have been gluten-free since November (other than accidental glutenings early on). I had really hoped that going gluten-free would relieve my anxiety symptoms but I haven't noticed any improvement yet. Its a terrible cycle for me of stress= anxiety-> insomnia-> exhaustion-> anxiety -> etc. I want to get off this merry-go-round! 

 

For those that have felt relief with going gluten-free, I'm wondering- was it immediately noticeable for you?  I'm not a patient person but I was so hoping that things would improve by now.

[CaliSparrow]

I have anxiety with OCD also and have been gluten-free since November (other than accidental glutenings early on). I had really hoped that going gluten-free would relieve my anxiety symptoms but I haven't noticed any improvement yet. Its a terrible cycle for me of stress= anxiety-> insomnia-> exhaustion-> anxiety -> etc. I want to get off this merry-go-round! 

 

For those that have felt relief with going gluten-free, I'm wondering- was it immediately noticeable for you?  I'm not a patient person but I was so hoping that things would improve by now.

I'm not sure how you made the emoticon but that is the look, right there.

It did not happen fast for me and this journey can add anxiety in the beginning. It really was a roller coaster ride the first year. I recently read an article where I was surprised to read, (paraphrasing here), "if you feel better immediately upon eliminating gluten, keep it to yourself. It frustrates the many others who must go through the long process of healing". (I heard that!). I've experienced a lot of change but not a tidal wave of change; it's been more of a slow drip. When I look back, I can see how far I've come.

Be sure to have your vitamin levels checked. Vitamin deficiencies are common and can add to depression and anxiety. When I was at the four month point, I drove myself to the emergency room frightened and full of anxiety. So, I can tell you, I wasn't "there" yet.

I am also impatient and expect to be superwoman. When I become frustrated at the slow progress, I shorten my outlook to the here and now and focus on making good choices NOW (rest, water, food). OR I read the stories of those who have been doing this for a long time and how far they've come. I've had to learn that I'm not in control of everything and my body will heal at IT's pace, not mine. Somedays, the best I can do is go easy on myself. I voice my frustrations here.

I hope you begin to feel better soon. Hang in there!!

[BlessedMommy]

Thanks for all the input. I'm committing to really working harder than ever at keeping accidental gluten away.

 

My mood is great right now and I'm not feeling with anxiety and worry. I hope that this is a sign of good things to come!

[BlessedMommy]

Updating to say that I wonder if it's normal to feel this normal. 

 

Through the help of this board, I've learned how to be strict with my gluten-free diet and my chronic anxiety has improved by about 80%. I used to have literally days where I would go in circles worrying about the same issue over and over again. Now my mood is comparatively quite normal. I still have times where I worry about stuff, but it doesn't consume my life nearly the way that it used to.

 

The biggest change that I've made is that I've virtually eliminated glutening at home, since I've gotten rid of most gluten in my house and purged my kitchen from CC. If my husband wants to cook a gluteny prepackaged item he can do so on his own dedicated pan and with his own dedicated spatula. I've also tightened down my rules on when I will and will not eat food provided by other people. (Usually not, unless the foods are simple 1 ingredient foods or the person has been educated on celiac.)

 

Maybe being strictly gluten-free gives placebo help for my anxiety. If that's the case, give me more of this placebo. 

[cyclinglady]

Good for you! It will only continue to get better!