Evaluating Treatment Outcomes of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patients With Deficiencies: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) imposes a considerable impact on day-to-day functioning. Many people experience insufficient symptom relief even after taking the optimum dose of OCD medications. Reduced levels of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂, along with elevated homocysteine (HCY), have been suggested as possible factors in the persistence of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. This study investigated how supplementation of vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affects OC symptoms and related biochemical markers. Methods A comparative study enrolled 72 OCD patients. For eight weeks, the conventional treatment group received SSRIs or other anti-obsessive medication. In contrast, the nutrient-supplemented group received supplements of vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, and SSRIs. Micronutrients HCY, folic acid, and vitamin B₁₂ were measured at baseline and after eight weeks. Besides, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was applied to assess the severity of OCD symptoms at the baseline, four-week, and eight-week visits. Results Group A (conventional treatment with nutrient supplement) showed significant improvements in vitamin B₁₂, blood folic acid, and reductions in HCY levels compared to Group B (conventional treatment). However, no substantial differences in insight levels were observed between the groups. Both groups exhibited decreased Y-BOCS scores, indicating a reduction in OCD symptoms; however, the improvements in Group A (conventional treatment + nutrient supplement) were statistically significant. Conclusions When taken with SSRIs, vitamin B₁₂and folic acid supplements seem to improve OCD patients' clinical results. These results imply that this supplementation could be a useful therapeutic adjunct.