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Causes of OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. OCD is usually characterized by frequent uncontrollable thoughts and a feeling of being compelled to perform repeated, ritualized tasks. OCD behaviors are often categorized in to washing actions, repeated checking of things like door locks or checking to make that sure the oven or stove is off, people who are afraid of horrible consequences for not doing things right, people obsessed with symmetry and counting and people who hoard out of fear of throwing things away. There are a number of causes of OCD. A particular case of OCD may have one cause, or be caused by a combination of causes. Two cases of OCD with similar symptoms may be triggered by very different causes.

  1. The Role of Seretonin

    • In some cases of OCD, the neurotransmitter seretonin appears to connect some brain cells in different ways than in a normal brain. Low levels of seretonin are thought to be one possible trigger for OCD. If seretonin is linked to OCD, treatments can include, among other things, prescribing seretonin re-uptake inhibitors.

    Brain Abnormalities

    • Brain scans of some people suffering from OCD have shown abnormalities in the orbital cortex. The orbital cortex is the part of the brain above the eyes. In other cases, brain scans have shown abnormalities in the basal ganglia or thalmus. Treatments for OCD related to brain abnormalities are very complex and often will involve neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists.

    Genetics

    • Recent research points to a possibility that OCD sufferers have family members with OCD or OCD-like symptoms. OCD-like symtoms can include body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondriasis, binge eating and trichotillamonia. Although there is a possible genetic link, the research is not conclusive.

    Infection

    • In very rare cases, a streptococcal infection, or strep throat, can cause damage to cells. This damage can affect the basal ganglia, which can sometimes result in OCD symptoms. Strep triggered OCD symptoms usually manifest within a week or two of the infection. In many cases, the symptoms will go away after the infection is cured.

    Depression

    • People suffering from clinical depression sometimes report symptoms of OCD. Conversely, people suffering from OCD sometimes report symptoms of depression. OCD and depression can be related.

    Psychodynamics

    • Non-physical triggers of OCD have been reported to include early sexual or development traumas. Other psychological triggers can include deeply repressed unconscious wishes. Psychodynamic triggered OCD is very complicated and often requires the consultation of a number of mental health disciplines.

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