EMPowerplus studies
A new scientific study from a researcher at the University of Canterbury demonstrates efficacy of micronutrient treatment as a primary intervention in obsessive compulsive disorder
April 1, 2009
Key Findings
This case study describes an 18-year-old male (at follow-up) with psychiatrist diagnosed OCD and Asperger’s Disorder. He had been symptomatic for five years.
At the age of 16 he underwent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for one year with a modest response (his OCD improved from severe to moderate). Because of this moderate response he was considered treatment resistant.
In the year following his CBT his anxiety and obsessions deteriorated back to the severe range and he experienced major depression.
The family was informed of treatment options and they were also informed of the case studies using EMPowerplus to treat obsessions and mood disorders as well as the experimental nature of the treatment. The family and patient chose to begin a trial using the multinutrient formula and provided consent.
At three weeks there was notable change in his symptoms. After 8 weeks on the formula, his mood was stabilized, his anxiety reduced, and his obsessions were in remission. Treatment was then discontinued for a period of 8 weeks, during which time his obsessions and anxiety worsened and his mood dropped. Reintroduction of the formula again improved the symptoms.
Placebo response cannot be ruled out, but there are several reasons it is unlikely to explain the therapeutic effects.
Background
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) currently affects between 0.5–2% of young people. Many are resistant to conventional treatments. Treatment-resistant cases are an area that is under-investigated. Overlapping diagnoses often exclude individuals from clinical trials.
read study
April 1, 2009
Key Findings
- Response to the intervention has been classified by others as an ‘‘excellent response.’’
- Response occurred within a shorter time frame than that reported for other OCD treatment studies
- The treatment response was replicated through an ABAB design, showing on-off control of symptoms with micronutrients.
- No side effects were reported with micronutrients
(POTS study).
This case study describes an 18-year-old male (at follow-up) with psychiatrist diagnosed OCD and Asperger’s Disorder. He had been symptomatic for five years.
At the age of 16 he underwent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for one year with a modest response (his OCD improved from severe to moderate). Because of this moderate response he was considered treatment resistant.
In the year following his CBT his anxiety and obsessions deteriorated back to the severe range and he experienced major depression.
The family was informed of treatment options and they were also informed of the case studies using EMPowerplus to treat obsessions and mood disorders as well as the experimental nature of the treatment. The family and patient chose to begin a trial using the multinutrient formula and provided consent.
At three weeks there was notable change in his symptoms. After 8 weeks on the formula, his mood was stabilized, his anxiety reduced, and his obsessions were in remission. Treatment was then discontinued for a period of 8 weeks, during which time his obsessions and anxiety worsened and his mood dropped. Reintroduction of the formula again improved the symptoms.
Placebo response cannot be ruled out, but there are several reasons it is unlikely to explain the therapeutic effects.
- No therapeutic benefit until 2 weeks after beginning the formula.
- The patient was adamant that the nutrient formula would not make a difference.
- The changes have been maintained now for over a 6- month period.
- Not all symptoms improved; motor tics were still present, minor OCD-like symptoms (but no longer within a clinical range), and the black and white thinking associated with Asperger’s Disorder had not changed.
Background
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) currently affects between 0.5–2% of young people. Many are resistant to conventional treatments. Treatment-resistant cases are an area that is under-investigated. Overlapping diagnoses often exclude individuals from clinical trials.
read study
|
previous study
|
study index
|
next study
|