What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

People often ask what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?  To answer this question studies have been done to determine what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  These studies have shown that a combination of environmental and biological factors are likely involved in what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Our brain is a very complex structure. As such, it contains billions of nerve cells.  These nerve cells are called neurons and they must communicate and work together in order for the body to function normally. These neurons communicate via electrical signals. These electrical signals take place through the use of special chemicals, called neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitters help move these electrical messages from neuron to neuron.  So to answer the question of what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) research has found a link between low levels of one neurotransmitter, called serotonin, and the development of this condition.  Additionally, to answer the question of what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), there is a lot of evidence that a serotonin imbalance could be passed on from parents to their children. This means that the tendency to develop this condition could be inherited.  However, this doesn’t mean a child will definitely develop symptoms if their parent has the disorder.  In fact, a child could also develop this condition without any previous family history.

Furthermore, in exploring the question of what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), there are environmental stressors that can trigger this condition in people.  These include such events as: abuse, illness, work- or school-related problems or changes, death of a loved one, changes in living situation, and also relationship concerns.

Lastly, in exploring the question of what causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), some studies also have found a link between a certain type of infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and this condition. This infection, if recurrent and untreated, may lead to the development of this condition and other disorders in children or adults.