OCD Causes: Environmental. Stress can, however, be a factor in triggering OCD in someone who is predisposed to it, and OCD symptoms can worsen in times of severe stress. Having a family history of OCD may increase the likelihood that you will also suffer from this disorder.Upbringing may play a significant role in the development of OCD, according to BBC Health. Each presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder is different. This is however a rare and temporary condition. 3 doctors agree . Serotonin is a prime candidate for a potential cause or contributing factor to OCD. Q: In OCD, do environmental factors simply act as a trigger for symptoms to begin in a genetically predisposed patient, or can environmental factors alone cause OCD? The relationship between environmental factors and OCD is based on the fact that all OCD risk factors related to environmental issues cause stress, and sometimes depression, which in turn causes more stress. âObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).â, Washington State University. Brain chemistry has long been an area of study for researchers trying to determine what causes OCD. Stress and parenting styles are environmental factors that have been blamed for causing OCD. represented an environmental cause of OCD, this does. Just like the link between socioeconomic conditions and OCD, research has also established a link between marriage and OCD and employment and OCD. A major environmental factor that can worsen the symptoms of OCD is stressful life events, especially traumatic events such as death of a loved one, major accidents, and physical or sexual abuse during childhood. Though OCD is a common anxiety disorder, it is still unknown if OCD is caused by genetic or environmental factors; therefore, this essay studies and evaluates genetic evidences of OCD acquisition from twin, family, and association studies, and researches about OCD causing environmental factors such as rearing practices, obsessive beliefs and parenting. Causes of OCD. Genetics are responsible for approximately 45-65% of the risk for developing OCD. None of these theories can fully explain every person's experience, but researchers suggest that these are likely to be involved in causing OCD: Personal experience; Personality; Biological factors; Even though we don't fully understand what causes OCD, it can still be successfully treated. Main theories include: 1. These rituals usually control the individual, instead of the individual controlling the rituals. Antidepressant medications that increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, called SSRIs, work well for most people … Unmarried people are more at risk of OCD, and so are unemployed people. Generally speaking, you must meet the criteria of having either obsessions or compulsions that significantly impact your everyday functioning in order to be diagnosed with OCD. Twin and family studies reveal a higher likelihood of developing OCD if first-degree relatives also suffer from the disorder. A psychiatrist is the best person to consult if youâre concerned that you or someone you love are suffering from OCD. Illness can also trigger OCD. Research on the relationship between environmental factors and OCD is still ongoing. Stress is another of the key environmental influences of OCD. For instance, the brain cannot turn off thought of contamination when leaving the restroom, triggering the urge to wash hands repeatedly. 20% of people who take an "anti-psychotic" will developed OCD from the drug while another 20% will see significantly worsening OCD symptoms[1]. Grisham, J., Anderson, T., & Sachdev, P. (2008, April). Artificial Aortic Valve Stenosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments Available, 7 Facts About Teen Depression Including Causes and Ways to Help Them. These lead to repetitive or ritualized behaviors as an attempt to lessen the anxiety. There are several theories about the causes of OCD, including: genetic - having a first-degree relative with OCD may increase the chance of someone developing it. Changes, deficiencies, or other abnormalities in these chemicals certainly play a role in many mental illnesses. Traumatic events such as the death of a loved one or frightening events in the news can also cause an increase in OCD behaviors and thoughts in an attempt to keep your worries at bay. 4 thanks. But no research has ever shown that stress or the way a person interacted with his or her parents during childhood causes OCD. It’s a bit more common in women than in … Exploring the Issues, The Three Common Medications for OCD: Effects and Side Effects, OCPD Decision Making: How to Make Better Decisions, Dealing with Contamination-Related OCD: Cleaning and Washing Treatments, Alternative Medicine & Natural Healing (1303), Arthritis, Joint & Rheumatic Conditions (381), Heartburn, GERD & Digestive Disorders (282), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (186), Autoimmune Diseases and Immune System Disorders, Binge Eating Disorder / Compulsive Overeating, The Signs & Diagnosis of Autism & Other PDD Disorders, Fitness Equipment Reviews and Buying Guides, Holistic Nutrition: Info on How Whole Foods Benefits Natural Health, Infections & Parasitic Diseases & Viruses, Fertility Issues & Infertility Treatments, Men's Diseases, Preventive Care and Treatments, Surgical Procedures to Remove Cancer & Tumors, Treatment, Living with & Coping with a Mood Disorder, Vegetarian Diet, Nutrition & Healthy Eating, the interaction of neurobiological factors and environmental influences with cognitive processes to develop OCD. 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