What Causes OCD & Anxiety?

OCD is an anxiety disorder entailing obsessive thoughts that the patient feels he cannot control. He may (though not all OCD patients do) engage in compulsive rituals designed to ease those thoughts, such as repetitive hand-washing or the organization of objects. OCD and other anxiety disorders can often be treated. Therapy is very helpful, and, in some cases, medication can be prescribed as well. The root causes are not entirely understood but likely revolve around a combination of factors.

General Anxiety

• Anxiety connected to OCD comes about as a result of the obsessive thoughts. Both the thoughts themselves and their recurring, intrusive nature, can lend a sense of powerlessness to the patient, as well as being upsetting in and of themselves.

Behavior

• OCD may be connected to environmental factors, such as the conditions under which the patient grew up. OCD habits are often learned over time in response to the patient's environment.

Biology

• Some people may be genetically disposed towards obsessive behavior. While OCD likely does not have a solely genetic cause, genetics may put some people at greater risk.

Serotonin

• Some studies suggest that levels of serotonin--a neurotransmitter--may play a part in the development of OCD. Medications that boost serotonin levels are sometimes prescribed for OCD, lending further evidence to the theory.

Strep Throat

• Controversial studies draw a link between cases of strep throat in children and the development of OCD. Such studies remain the subject of heated debate, however.