The causes of OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder have yet to be fully understood. However, there has been a great deal of research conducted to pinpoint what exactly causes this oftentimes debilitating condition. OCD is defined as a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable fears and thoughts (obsessions) that drive you to perform repetitive behaviours (compulsions).
Although research studies have not been very conclusive, OCD can be rooted to a variety of factors. Here are the main theories which are speculated to cause obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorders:
Chemical Dysfunction in the Brain Chemical imbalances in the brain, such as insufficient levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, can contribute to OCD behavior. Abnormalities in some parts of the brain, such as the basal ganglia, cinglium and the frontal lobes are common in OCD sufferers.
Genetic Predisposition Genetics is one of the leading OCD causes. This means that if you have a family member with a problem related to obsessions or compulsions, you have increased chances of suffering from one as well.
Infection Strange as it may sound, a streptococcal infection in the throat can lead to obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder. If this infection spreads to the brain, the body's natural infection-fighting system tends to attack the nerve cells of the brain's basal ganglia. As mentioned above, this brain abnormality can result in the development of OCD symptoms. Infection-caused OCD is reported to start quickly, usually within a week or two.
Psychodynamics Psychodynamics have been found to be one of the possible causes of obsessive compulsive disorder. It is believed that disturbances in early development (sexual or general) as well as wishes in the subconscious level have a lot to do with OCD. According to this theory, a compulsive checker who, as a child, wanted to flood the house, would develop guilt feelings that would drive him to develop OCD later on in life.
Life Experiences Shame and guilt are among the predominant features of OCD. These feelings are developed by one's life experiences, such as early on in life. Research studies have also established that OCD develops from behavior-related routines and habits that you learn over time. Stressors such as physical or sexual abuse, divorce, change in living situation, ill relationships or occupational problems can illicit the full-blown development of OCD.
Depression Depressed people are quick to develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Similarly, those with OCD often develop depression.
To make matters worse, people suffering from OCD have uncontrollable compulsions and obsessions which further cause them anxiety. This anxiety can progress into severe feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. Although they realize well that their behavior is unreasonable and their obsessions are a lot more excessive than normal, they are unable to control them either. OCD is a chronic problem that can last one a lifetime.
However, proper identification of the causes of OCD is usually the start of a journey towards treatment. Treatment of OCD can come in many forms - medication, counselling, therapy, or a combination of them, has been known to minimize or treat OCD symptoms.
