Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. While the exact cause of OCD is unknown, many experts believe the underlying causes include a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes OCD, when it often appears, and how you can get help for your symptoms.
Is OCD genetic?
Research suggests that a family history of OCD increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Some studies estimate that 10% to 20% of people diagnosed with OCD have an immediate family member with OCD.
Studies looking at OCD in twins have also found that when one twin has OCD, it significantly increases the odds that the other will develop the condition. This finding seems to be especially true among identical twins.
That being said, please note that while a family history of OCD may play a part in developing the condition, there is no specific gene responsible for the condition.
When does OCD develop?
OCD can appear at any point in your life, but it typically develops during childhood or early adulthood. In rare instances, OCD symptoms may develop after the age of 35, which is known as late-onset OCD.
There’s also acute-onset OCD, which refers to the rapid onset of symptoms, usually in children between the ages of 3 and 12 diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) or Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANDAS/PANS develops after a streptococcal (strep) infection and can include OCD symptoms, a tic disorder, or both.
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Is OCD a result of brain differences?
Some theories suggest that OCD may be due to differences in the brain. In some people with OCD, certain regions of the brain appear to be overactive or differ in size. Some evidence also points to chemical messengers or neurotransmitters in certain brain regions being responsible for OCD, but more research is necessary to confirm this.
Studies suggest that serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, might be associated with OCD. Serotonin sends signals between nerve cells and plays a role in mood, sleep, anxiety, appetite, digestion, and more. Additionally, research suggests that certain levels of glutamate, another neurotransmitter, may contribute to OCD. Glutamate is responsible for brain functions such as learning and memory.
While these biological factors may play a role, it’s important to remember that OCD is much more complex than a simple chemical imbalance.
Is OCD caused by environmental factors?
Trauma
It’s possible that experiencing traumatic events could increase your chances of developing OCD. One study found that people with OCD were much more likely to report a stressful life event in the six months before the onset of their symptoms. Another showed that people who experienced traumatic events during childhood were five to nine times more likely to be diagnosed with OCD in adulthood than those without a history of trauma. Many people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also experience OCD.
Although there’s evidence to support trauma as a potential factor for OCD, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop OCD simply because you’ve experienced a traumatic event.
Substance use
No evidence suggests that using drugs or other substances causes OCD. However, it’s common for OCD and a substance use disorder (SUD) to co-occur. Many substances can worsen OCD symptoms, but OCD can also worsen substance use issues. People with OCD sometimes find temporary relief through alcohol or drugs—and can become dangerously dependent on these substances.
How can I get help for OCD?
If you believe you have OCD, the first step is to get diagnosed. It’s best to seek a diagnosis from an OCD specialist who can help you create a personalized treatment plan.
Can OCD be cured?
While there’s no cure for OCD, the condition is highly treatable with exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to treat all forms of OCD.
With the help of an ERP therapist, you’ll work through exposures and response prevention techniques that teach you how to address your fears head-on without engaging in compulsions. This process helps you learn how to sit with the discomfort and anxiety from obsessions rather than resort to compulsions that perpetuate the OCD cycle and make it worse over time.
Bottom line
OCD is a complex mental health condition that experts are still trying to understand. Research thus far indicates that the condition may develop from a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. However, you don’t need to know the exact cause of your OCD in order to treat it.
If you think you have OCD, it’s important to seek treatment from a mental health professional—preferably an ERP therapist. They can help you identify your triggers, obsessions, and compulsions and create a customized treatment plan that can help you get your life back from OCD.
