OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex condition that does not have a single known cause. However, research has identified several contributing factors that can increase one’s risk of developing OCD. These factors may include genetics, brain structure, past life events, illness or infection, and comorbid conditions. Genetics appears to play a significant role in the development of OCD. Studies have shown that people with a sibling, parent, or child who also has OCD are more likely to develop it themselves, particularly if their relative experienced OCD symptoms as a child. Brain structure also appears to contribute to OCD. Brain scans have consistently shown differences in brain activity, structure, and function among people with OCD. These differences suggest that problems in the way the brain relays information to the body, processes emotions, and controls impulses could lead to the development of obsessions and compulsions. Stressful and traumatic life events may also contribute to the development of OCD, particularly among people who are genetically predisposed to the disorder. Research has shown that over 61% of people with OCD experienced stressful life events before the onset of their disorder, and 34% of people with OCD had experienced significant trauma.