Do you know what causes OCD? This is a question that many people want to know the answer to, as OCD can be a very mysterious mental disorder. While the cause of OCD is still unknown, there are several theories that attempt to explain its origins. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the possible causes of OCD and how they may contribute to this condition.
Contents
What Is OCD? 
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) that drive them to do something over and over again (compulsions).
People with OCD may be troubled by obsessions such as a fear of germs or of harming others. They may also feel compelled to wash their hands over and over again, check things multiple times, or hoard items.
What Are The Symptoms?
There are many symptoms of OCD, but some of the most common include:
- Excessive hand-washing or cleaning
- Checking things repeatedly
- Arranging things in a certain order
- Hoarding objects
- Constantly seeking reassurance
- Avoiding situations that may cause anxiety
- Experiencing intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges
These symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
What Are The OCD Causes?
There are many risk elements associated with OCD. Some of these include:
Having A Family Member With OCD 
It’s not fully understood what causes OCD, but there are some risk factors that seem to be linked with the disorder. One of the biggest risk factors is having a family member with OCD. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. In fact, studies have shown that people with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) with OCD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
OCD is often thought of as a genetic disorder, and research has shown that having a family member with OCD does indeed increase the risk of developing the condition. Therefore, if a parent has OCD, their child has a higher chance of developing the disorder.
Experiencing Stressful Or Traumatic Events
There are a number of different causes of OCD, but one of the most common is stress. Experiencing stressful or traumatic life events can make you more susceptible to developing OCD.
For example, if you witness a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster, you may be at increased risk for developing OCD. Having experienced a traumatic event can complicate your life in many ways, and can cause you to feel stressed and anxious. This increased stress can trigger OCD symptoms, or make existing OCD symptoms worse.
Having Certain Medical Conditions
Medical conditions that have been linked with an increased risk of OCD include:
- Tourette’s syndrome
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Having one or more of these medical conditions does not necessarily mean that a person will develop OCD, but the presence of these conditions may increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
For example, people with Tourette’s syndrome may be more likely to develop OCD due to the presence of tics (involuntary muscle movements) which can be a source of anxiety and distress. Similarly, people with ADHD may be more likely to develop OCD due to difficulties in concentration and impulsivity which can lead to obsessive thoughts and behaviors.
Finally, people with depression or anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop OCD due to the presence of negative thoughts and emotions which can trigger obsessive thinking.
Having Certain Personality Traits
There are several personality traits that can contribute to the development of OCD.
- One of these is perfectionism. People who are perfectionists tend to be very hard on themselves, and they set extremely high standards for their own behavior. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress, which can in turn trigger OCD symptoms.
- Another personality trait that can contribute to OCD is obsessive thinking. People who obsessively think about things tend to fixate on certain ideas or worry a lot about potential problems. This can also create a great deal of anxiety and stress, which can trigger OCD symptoms.
- The third is conservative behavior. People who are reserved or shy tend to be more introspective and self-critical. They may also have a hard time expressing their thoughts and feelings, which can lead to frustration and further OCD symptoms. For example, someone who is shy may obsessively worry about saying the wrong thing or making a social mistake. These are just a few examples of how personality traits can contribute to OCD.
- Finally, people who are easily overwhelmed by their emotions may also be more susceptible to developing OCD. Emotional overwhelm can cause people to feel out of control and panicked, and this can lead to OCD behaviors like compulsively checking and cleaning in an effort to gain a sense of control.
Each of these three things creates different levels of anxiety which in turn triggers OCD symptoms.
Abusing Drugs Or Alcohol
There are potential reasons that have been identified as prominent causes of OCD. One of these is the abuse of drugs or alcohol. It’s thought that this may cause changes in the brain that lead to OCD symptoms.
For example, someone who abuses alcohol may start to feel anxious and compulsively check things to try and relieve their anxiety. This can then lead to full-blown OCD.
There are a number of ways in which abusing drugs or alcohol can cause OCD. One way is by triggering the onset of the disorder. People who are predisposed to OCD due to family history or other factors may find that abusing drugs or alcohol brings on symptoms of OCD. For example, someone who has a history of anxiety may start experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsions after using alcohol or drugs.
Another way that addiction can cause OCD is by exacerbating existing symptoms. People who already have OCD may find that their symptoms become worse when they abuse drugs or alcohol. For example, someone with OCD who frequently washes their hands may start washing them even more obsessively if they abuse alcohol or drugs.
Being Exposed To OCD-Inducing Environments
There are many potential causes of OCD, but the cause that is most commonly cited is exposure to an OCD-inducing environment. This could be something as simple as watching a TV show or movie that portrays OCD in a positive light. While it’s impossible to say for sure what causes OCD, this environmental exposure is thought to play a significant role.
So how does being exposed to an OCD-inducing environment cause OCD? It’s believed that this exposure leads to a heightened sense of anxiety and fear. This increased anxiety then leads to the development of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). These obsessions and compulsions serve to reduce the anxiety and fear that the individual is feeling.
Being Raised In A Rigid Household
There are a few theories as to how being raised in a rigid or overprotective household can cause OCD. One theory is that it can cause a person to be overly concerned with order and perfectionism. Another theory is that it can cause a person to be excessively afraid of making mistakes or being embarrassed.
It is believed that these two factors can lead to the development of OCD. If a person is constantly worried about making mistakes or embarrassing themselves, they may start to develop obsessive thoughts and compulsions in an attempt to control their environment and avoid any potential harm. For example, they may start washing their hands excessively or checking things multiple times before leaving the house.
All of these risk elements can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing OCD. However, it is important to note that not everyone who has one or more of these risk factors will go on to develop the disorder. Likewise, many people with OCD do not have any identifiable risk factors. This just goes to show that the cause of OCD is still somewhat of a mystery.
All of these factors can contribute to the development of OCD. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it’s important to get help from a mental health professional. With treatment, people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives.
What Are The Consequences?
The consequences of OCD can be both physical and mental.
Physically, individuals with OCD may suffer from fatigue, insomnia, muscle tension, and headaches.
Mentally, individuals with OCD may experience anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, OCD can cause problems in personal relationships and at work or school. Individuals with OCD may avoid social situations or activities that trigger their obsessions or compulsions.
As a result, they may become isolated and withdrawn. In severe cases, OCD can interfere with an individual’s ability to function in daily life. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, there are treatment options available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with OCD are able to lead fulfilling lives.
How To Diagnose OCD? 
A diagnosis of OCD can be made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, who will ask you questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They will also want to know if you have any other medical or mental health conditions.
To be diagnosed with OCD, you must have:
- Obsessions (recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety)
- Compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts that you feel driven to perform in order to alleviate the obsessions)
- The obsessions and compulsions must take up at least one hour per day
There is no single test that can diagnose OCD. Instead, mental health professionals will use their clinical judgment to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and how much they are affecting your life. If you think you might have OCD, it is important to seek professional help so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
What Are The Solutions?
Below are some of the solutions available to manage and overcome OCD:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps people change their thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their OCD.
- Exposure and response prevention therapy: This type of therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your OCD while learning to resist the urge to perform compulsions.
- Medication: Some people with OCD may benefit from taking certain types of medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
- Self-help and support groups: There are many self-help books and online resources available for people with OCD. Additionally, joining a support group can provide social and emotional support from others who understand what you’re going through.
- Complementary and alternative therapies: Some people find that complementary and alternative therapies, such as yoga or meditation, help them manage their OCD symptoms.
- Making lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes that may help people with OCD include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and drugs can help reduce OCD symptoms.
Conclusion
It is believed that OCD runs in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. In addition, people with OCD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which suggests that there may be an underlying biological cause for OCD.
Environmental factors may also play a role in the development of OCD. For example, children who experience trauma or stressful life events are more likely to develop OCD than those who do not. This suggests that environmental factors can contribute to the development of OCD.
While the cause of OCD is still unknown, research has suggested that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This means that there is not one single cause of OCD, but rather that several factors may contribute to the development of the disorder.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, there are treatments available that can help. Speak to a mental health professional to learn more about how you can manage your symptoms and live a healthy life. Seek help when needed and live a healthy life. After all, your life is what matters most.
Professional Guidance is the first step to moving toward your healing journey. You can try reaching Therapy Mantra to seek expert help in the comfort of your own home. Our therapists will help you get a solution to manage and overcome your problem. You can book your online therapy and talk directly to your assigned mentor. You may also download our free OCD treatment app on Android or iOS
