What causes OCD?

As with any mental illness or disorder, there are a variety of biological and environmental factors that can be involved when a person suffers from OCD.

Inside the brain there are many functions that must be done by many parts in order for the brain to work properly. The neurons of the brain must communicate properly via electrical signals moved by neurotransmitters. Studies show that when there are low levels of serotonin within one neurotransmitter there is the possibility for the development of OCD. In addition, this imbalance is chemical and it is possible for it to pass through genetics from parent to child.

What is more specific is that this imbalance in serotonin levels can be seen in the brains of sufferers of OCD travelling through a pathway that links the area of the brain that deals with judgment and planning with the area that controls movement.

In addition, a child is likely to develop OCD when a certain Streptococcus bacteria is in the body and is left untreated or if the child is subject to recurring infections.

Finally, there are other environmental factors that can trigger OCD in a person. People who have suffered past abuse are more likely to suffer from OCD than someone who has never experienced that level of trauma. In addition, life changes such as illness, death, stress or divorce are shown to have a tendency to generate OCD symptoms.