Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition which is caused by a combination of factors- biological, psychological and social factors. OCD may run in families and can be inherited. Certain infections can cause it. The personality of the person and their coping mechanism to stress also play a role in the expression of OCD. OCD may be triggered by stress in a person’s life.
Are people born with OCD, or does it develop later?
It is now known that OCD is inherited and runs in families. People who later present with OCD may carry the gene responsible for the disorder. However, for the condition to express itself, there may be other precipitating factors such as stress, one’s coping mechanism to stress, lifestyle factors, etc.
Can OCD develop suddenly?
The onset of OCD in an individual is usually gradual. However, OCD can develop suddenly in response to infections or a sudden traumatic incident.
What triggers OCD to develop?
Even if one is predisposed to developing OCD genetically, it is often triggered by trauma, such as stress. This can be acute stress or chronic stress. This is known as epigenetics and emphasises how important the environment is in expressing mental illnesses. Death of someone close, illness, losing a job, or divorce can all be a source of stress. One must learn to manage stress effectively as a lifestyle factor.
What are the various theories of the causation of OCD?
Various psychiatrists over the years have put forward theories of causation of OCD, including biological, behavioural and cognitive (thinking). Now, it is known that there is no single cause that makes OCD express as a mental health condition. A variety of factors make OCD express.
Can OCD be inherited?
It is known now that OCD runs in families and can be inherited from blood-related family members.
What is the chemical imbalance that causes OCD?
Several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, are present in the brain. These chemicals are known to be altered in people with OCD. However, research has also found changes in the way parts of the brain communicate with each other and some structural changes.
Does low serotonin cause OCD?
Though not a direct cause, serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain, and it is low in people with OCD. We also know that some Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which are medications that increase the serotonin in the brain, improve symptoms of OCD.
Can a traumatic childhood cause OCD?
It has been found that traumatic events and suffering trauma as a child have an increased risk of developing OCD later in life. This can be addressed in therapy if one presents with OCD.
Can your personality cause OCD?
There is a type of Personality disorder known as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or Anankastic personality disorder, which should not be confused with OCD. Certain traits in a person, such as perfectionism, impulsivity, and being too responsible, are all factors that may predispose a person to develop OCD.
Can alcohol cause OCD?
Alcohol abuse can trigger OCD as it is a stress to the body. Alcohol addiction also makes treatment of OCD difficult and can make the symptoms worse. Alcohol also causes co-morbid depression and anxiety, along with OCD.
Can infections cause OCD?
Some infections can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the brain, causing it to get inflamed (that is… the antibodies produced against the infection by one’s immune system attacking the brain). This can trigger OCD.
What is PANDAS?
PANDAS is a short form for a condition called Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder associated with Streptococcus. This occurs in children as an autoimmune response to Streptococcal infection. The body’s immune response to Streptococcal infection causes it to attack specific areas of the brain, causing symptoms of OCD, anxiety and tic disorders.
Chennai Minds offers OCD Treatment in Chennai and any co-morbid conditions such as depression. Online Counselling for depression is available.
