The Six Accepted Causes Of OCD
The Six Accepted Causes Of OCD
Despite the growing awareness of the condition and the suffering that it causes, there is still no certainty as to what are the causes of OCD. A great deal of research has gone into the subject and six issues and conditions have been identified as being the most likely causes of OCD. In many cases the condition is caused by a combination of more than one of the conditions.
Possible Causes Of OCD To Discuss With Your Doctor
Among the most common accepted causes of OCD is that of serotonin imbalance in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that connects some brain cells. Low levels of serotonin are thought to affect the way the brain functions and trigger uncontrollable impulses to keep repeating tasks. This is the easiest cause of OCD to treat. Regular doses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors can bring the condition under control.
Depression and OCD are often closely related and people suffering from one often have symptoms of the other. It is important that the root cause of the problem be indentified, that is whether the OCD caused the depression or vice versa. Once that is established, treating the root cause usually provides, if not a cure, at least alleviation in the symptoms of the other condition.
In many cases brains scans of people suffering from OCD have shown abnormalities of the brain. It is now accepted that brain abnormality may be a cause of OCD. Treatments for OCD arising out of brain abnormalities are very complex and involve various forms of psychological and neurological treatment which is usually a long drawn out process.
Recent research points towards a link to genetic causes of OCD. While the link has not been positively established there appears to be evidence that a family history of OCD or even OCD type symptoms can increase the likelihood of a member of the family developing the condition. Research is ongoing and no definitive forms of treatment have been established.
It is extremely rare but cases of streptococcal infection (step throat) have been known to cause damage to certain brain cells and apparently cause OCD symptoms. There is doubt as to whether this is really OCD as in most cases the symptoms disappear once the infection is cured.
Childhood developmental or sexual traumas are thought to be one of the causes of OCD. It is also thought that deeply repressed unconscious desires can trigger OCD. These kinds of psychodynamic triggers are usually very complicated and treatment involves a variety of specialized psychological and neurological treatments.
While the causes of OCD have not been clearly defined, there is no doubt about the symptoms. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should consult a mental health professional immediately. Diagnosing the cause of the condition is part of the treatment.
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