What Causes OCD?

It’s estimated that about 2% of the world’s population has OCD. While that might not seem like much, it equates to about 1 in 100 adults in the U.S. Chances are, someone you know has the disorder. You might even have it yourself and are curious about where it stemmed from. So, what causes OCD?

Unfortunately, experts aren’t 100% certain as to what triggers the disorder in certain people. Things like genetics, differences in the brain, and even your environment can play a role. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the possible causes of OCD. More importantly, we’ll talk about what you should do if you’re dealing with it. 

The Theories of OCD

Again, researchers haven’t been able to completely pinpoint what causes OCD, but the most common theories include biology, genetics, and learned behaviors. The environmental factor is what makes the cause of OCD so difficult to pin down. If there are no abnormalities in the brain, something as simple as watching family members express OCD-like behaviors can end up influencing the way you think and behave. 

Who Is at Risk?

While we might not be able to state exactly what causes OCD, it’s clear that certain people are more at risk of developing it than others. Some of the most common factors contributing to or triggering OCD include a family history of the condition or stressful life events. For example, if you go through something traumatic, it might cause intrusive thoughts to start creeping in. You might turn to obsessive-compulsive behaviors to feel more in control or even “safer.”

That’s why people with mental health conditions are also at a greater risk of developing the disorder. People with anxiety, depression, or even substance abuse disorders can end up “using” OCD for the same reasons. They need to feel in control of something and have a sense of security. 

Signs of OCD

Typically, the signs and symptoms of OCD are pretty clear. Some of the common signs of obsession include: 

• Fear of dirt

• Doubting things

• Difficulty with uncertain situations

• Unwanted thoughts

• A need to keep things orderly

When it comes to compulsion symptoms, things like washing, counting, checking, and orderliness are common. These symptoms can become severe and complicate everyday life. While things like washing your hands frequently might not seem like a big deal, someone with OCD might wash until their skin becomes raw. They might have horrible unwanted thoughts about hurting a large crowd of people or even themselves. 

Complications can include everything from having a difficult time holding a job to dealing with troubled relationships. The disorder takes over almost everything, and you’ll spend so much time engaging in ritualistic behaviors that you might not be able to make space for anything else. Simply put, OCD is plaguing, and it’s never anything to take lightly. 

What Can You Do?

Because we aren’t completely sure what causes OCD, there’s no way to prevent it completely. However, that doesn’t mean the symptoms aren’t manageable. Clearly, many people deal with the effects of OCD, and many of those individuals can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

If you’re concerned about your own well-being with OCD, or someone you care about, don’t hesitate to reach out for help quickly. Many cases are treated with a combination of self-care, talk therapy, and medication. 

Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment for ocd therapy. Not only will you learn how to manage your OCD better, but we can work together to dig into your past and develop a better idea of what might have triggered your condition.