What Causes OCD Disorder?

By Mark Berman, Tue, August 02, 2011

It is not known exactly what causes people to develop obsessive-compulsive disorders. Research is ongoing, and many different theories are being examined.

There could be a genetic component. According to AnxietyCare.org, many studies say that OCD sufferers likely have a family member who is also OCD. One study said 30% of teenagers with OCD have a family member who shows symptoms. The Mayo Clinic points out that the possible genes have yet to be identified.

Then there is the brain. Some studies point to Seretonin, which is a chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate. Seretonin is linked to people's mood, aggression and pain, and there is a chance it is also responsible for OCD.

The Mayo Clinic writes:

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder who take medications that improve the action of serotonin often have fewer OCD symptoms.

Or it could not be a physical thing and is a product of environment. People could simply pick up habits as they go through life. Or it could have to do with something that has happened to the person.

AnxietyCare writes:

Guilt and shame seem to occur strongly in some people’s OCD, particularly that of young people... Children tend to feel guilt about their natural needs from a very early age and it can be said that guilt and feeling over-responsible is endemic to obsessive people of our culture.

All of these theories can be right, all can be wrong. Right now we just don't know.

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