What Causes OCD?

What causes OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect adults and children, but although there are many different theories that attempt to explain the exact causes of the disorder, experts still remain unsure of what is at the root of this anxiety related disorder.

The current theory in medical circles is biological factors are the most likely explanation for OCD, but many experts believe that in all probability, obsessive compulsive disorder is caused by a combination of different things.

One of the things that scientists investigating the disorder have examined when considering what causes OCD, is brain function, and the results of research appear to indicate that people with OCD have a certain abnormalities in the brain.

Scans show that inappropriate responses in the brain occur as a result of anxiety, although scientists are not sure why this is the case. The brain of an OCD sufferer becomes fixated on certain repetitive behaviors and thoughts, rather like a broken record, and this feeds into the body’s fight or flight response and creates further anxiety if the compulsive behaviors are not carried out.

The symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder are thought to be related to abnormal levels of serotonin in the brain—in OCD sufferers the normal flow of serotonin is blocked, which triggers false danger signals in the brain and causes the person to experience irrational anxiety and fear.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is also linked to depressive illnesses and many people suffering from depression also develop the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. Unfortunately it then becomes very difficult to treat the symptoms of OCD.

What Causes OCD in Children?

Genetics is a known risk factor in cases of OCD and if there is a family history of the disorder, children are much more likely to develop the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as other related problems include eating disorders, trichotillomania, and body dysmorphic disorder.

Stress is also linked to the development of obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms in children, and although stress is not exactly a cause, it is undoubtedly a trigger of the disorder in children who are already predisposed towards the condition.

There is also a link between streptococcal infections and the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, so in answer to the question, what causes OCD in kids, the answer could be a simple strep throat infection (which is fairly common in children). However, this type of OCD, the symptoms of which come on very fast, is rare.

What Causes OCD to get Worse?

The symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder tend to worsen the more the sufferer gives in to their compulsions, so each time a person with OCD gives in to their urges, their thoughts and behaviors are strengthened and reinforced.

Stressful situations and a feeling of being out of control can also make OCD behaviors and compulsions much worse.

Changes in the normal routine, for example going away to a different place or spending time with relatives, can make the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder worse.

Other types of stress can also exacerbate the symptoms of OCD, which is why teenagers are often vulnerable to OCD during puberty.