Foods To Cure Ocd

29.06.2023 Chukwudi Eze 0 Comments

Even when things are going well, OCD can hijack your day. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors – and the anxiety that comes with them – can take up massive amounts of time and energy. Though medication and therapy are the main ways to treat this lifelong condition, self-care is a secret weapon with plenty of side benefits.

Nuts and seeds, which are packed with healthy nutrients Protein like eggs, beans, and meat, which fuel you up slowly to keep you in better balanceComplex carbs like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, which help keep your blood sugar levels steady

Steer clear of caffeine, the stimulant in tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks. It can kick up your anxiety levels a few notches. Stick to your prescriptions. It can be tempting to escape OCD with drugs or alcohol, but they’re triggers in disguise. Drinking alcohol might feel like it offsets your anxiety, but it creates more before it leaves your system.

Same goes for nicotine, the stimulant in cigarettes. Sleep on it. Anxiety can make it hard to sleep, But sleep is important for good mental health, Instead of expecting to lie down and drift off to dreamland, create a sleep routine that sets your body up for success. Swap the time you spend looking at screens for 10 minutes of relaxing music or a warm bath.

Dim noise and lighting and adjust the temperature in your bedroom so you go to sleep, and stay asleep all night. Get active. When you feel anxious, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. It’s helpful in small doses but harmful at high levels. Regular exercise keeps your cortisol levels in check and benefits everything from your bones and organs to the numbers on your scale.

Take your meds.
It may be common sense, but it’s important to take the right dose at the right time.
If you forget to take it, or decide to skip a dose, it could set off your symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if side effects are an issue, or before you take anything new, including over-the-counter medicine and vitamins,

Seek support. Don’t hold it all in. Help is as close as your phone or computer. Sometimes the simple act of saying out loud what you’re thinking can lower anxiety and give you some perspective. In addition to your doctor, find a therapist, OCD coach, or support group to connect you with people who understand.

Learn to relax. Your body can’t relax if it doesn’t know how. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, taking a walk in nature, or drawing a picture teach your body how it feels to be calm. Try a few to find what works best for you, and spend 30 minutes a day on it. Celebrate victories. Learning how to live with OCD takes time.

Like any other goal, you’ll have successes and setbacks. Yes, it’s important to work on your OCD, but it’s just as important to step back and cheer the big and small progress you make along the way.

What deficiency causes OCD?

CONCLUSıON – The study demonstrated that newly diagnosed OCD patients have lower vitamin D levels than healthy controls. Vitamin D may play a role in the pathophysiology of OCD and may be related to the severity of the disorder. Since vitamin D is affected by sunlight, further studies are needed in different seasons in different parts of the world to support or disprove our findings.

How can I reduce OCD without medication?

OCD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ranks 10th in the World Health Organization’s list of leading causes of disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists OCD in the top ten most disabling illnesses. This is because of the huge impact it has on a sufferer’s quality of life and productivity both personally and professionally.

As our understanding of neuroscience and mental health have evolved, we can now look at OCD more holistically and offer you solutions that are more sustainable and personalised, so that the underlying cause can be addressed.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder.
As the name suggests, it is characterised by unreasonable fears or thoughts (obsessions) which often lead to compulsive physical behaviours or urges.

OCD can present itself in different ways, but the most common feature is an obsession to perform certain actions or rituals in response to obsessive thoughts. For others, these acts seem unnecessary, but if you are affected by OCD, these actions are vital.

The person may perform them in a certain style or order to avoid perceived adverse effects. One example is a compulsion to repeatedly check whether a car door or home is locked. Other examples may include repeating certain words or sounds, or obsession to hygiene with repeated hand washing and cleaning.

OCD is more common in women than in men, although it has a similar impact on all genders. Most OCD patients understand that their behaviour is not rational. However, because sufferers consider the compulsions necessary to prevent related anxieties or tensions, they will continue to be performed.

The compulsive behaviour aims to ignore, neutralise, or even stop the obsessive thought. Compulsive behaviours can have serious negative impacts on sufferers and those close to them. They put stress on relationships and can inhibit a person’s ability to manage normal daily activities, such as work or study.

What is considered a compulsion?

Repeated behaviours – such as hand washing, ordering items, or checking things – or mental acts, including praying, counting, repeating words. OCD sufferers perform these tasks in response to an obsession and often according to certain rules. These behaviours or mental acts are intended to prevent or reduce stress. Sometimes there is also a fear that a negative event will occur if they do not follow through with the compulsion. However, these behaviours or mental acts are not related to real-life circumstances.

Recurrent and persistent thoughts Recurrent impulses or mental images Thoughts and impulses are experienced as forced or irrational Obsessive thoughts can cause anxiety or stress More than an exaggerated concern Attempting to ignore or suppress the thoughts Attempting to neutralise the thoughts with other thoughts or actions Awareness that obsessive thoughts and impulses are a product of your own mind

Medications for OCD treatment Medications are a common treatment the symptoms of OCD. In many cases, psychiatrists will prescribe antidepressants initially to help control both obsessions and compulsions. Like all psychiatric medications, the patient can experience side effects and may need to try several types of medication before finding one that helps.

Although they can offer relatively quick relief from symptoms this may be temporary as the effects may wear off over time. Psychotherapy for OCD treatment Psychotherapy or talk therapy has been used effectively to treat OCD. This type of therapy works especially well when it is combined with medication.

Your therapist may suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with your OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that works well for OCD. With this treatment, you are gradually exposed to one of your obsessions and learn ways to prevent the compulsive response.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for OCD treatment OCD can be treated effectively with TMS therapy.
The benefits of magnetic stimulation are well researched, understood, and scientifically proven as a treatment for Depression as well as OCD.
TMS has the advantage that it aims to support natural recovery from illness, harnessing the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.

There are also minimal side effects when compared to medications. At neurocare, we combine TMS with Psychotherapy as an OCD treatment. Several studies have found TMS and psychotherapy combined can be a beneficial option, particularly for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

By addressing any sleep hygiene related issues, this can increase the likelihood of responding positively to the therapy. (Donse et al.2017). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy is a safe and recommended treatment for people with OCD or Depression who have not responded to other therapies (e.g., medication) or who are looking for a medication free alternative.

Therapists at neuroCare use an approach which combines TMS and Psychotherapy, scientifically proven to be more effective than either therapy alone (Donse et al.2017) Learn more about TMS : OCD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Can you self heal OCD?

Practice Relaxation Techniques – Given that stress and worry are major triggers of OCD symptoms, one of the best ways to boost your OCD self-help skills is to learn and practice a number of relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can be very effective additions to any OCD self-help strategy.

What makes OCD worse?

Takeaway – OCD is a mental disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions can range in severity, but what causes OCD to get worse over time is not properly managing the condition earlier on. Stress, trauma, avoidance, or even something as seemingly innocuous as a change in routine can all contribute to the worsening of OCD.

How do you calm your brain for OCD?

2. Identify Your Triggers – After receiving a diagnosis, recognizing your triggers is the next step in your journey with OCD. Triggers refer to any person, place, or situation that brings on your obsessions or compulsions. Keep a list of each trigger and the behavior it provokes, as well as the intensity of anxiety you feel. Identifying your triggers may also be part of your treatment plan with your provider. Many mental health professionals use cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ) or exposure response and prevention therapy ( ERP ) to treat OCD. Under the guidance of the professional, these processes involve patients listing their obsessions and compulsions, ranking them in severity, and gradually having exposure to triggers while working to avoid compulsive behaviors.

Your provider will use results from your screening to determine which methods may work for you.
Another way to manage OCD is through mindfulness, or the ability to be fully present and aware in a particular moment.
It often involves techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your mind relax.

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Rather than stopping intrusive thoughts, mindfulness challenges you to acknowledge them for what they are – just thoughts – without acting on them. Practicing mindfulness will likely be challenging at first, especially if your OCD is severe. However, over time it can help your brain break free of fight-or-flight mode and give you more control over your thoughts.

Why won’t OCD go away?

When someone receives a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, they often ask, “Is it possible for OCD to just go away?” Living with a condition that plagues you with intrusive, disturbing thoughts and demands you carry out repetitive behaviors for relief is exhausting.

So, it’s understandable why people might hope it would simply go away after some time.
Unfortunately, OCD doesn’t just go away.
There is no “cure” for the condition.
Thoughts are intrusive by nature, and it’s not possible to eliminate them entirely.
However, people with OCD can learn to acknowledge their obsessions and find relief without acting on their compulsions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is the first step toward finding freedom from OCD.

Can vitamin B12 cure OCD?

Conclusion – There are limited studies about herbal and nutritional supplements for OCD treatment in the literature. OCD and vitamin D association has been studied only in children and adolescents. Limited data show a negative correlation between OCD symptom severity and vitamin D.

But these studies have been conducted in small samples and have some controversial points in methodology. Vitamin B 12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters. Depending on their antioxidant effect, zinc and selenium can be used in augmentation therapy for OCD.

However, both trace elements and vitamin B 1 2 /folate can be affected by diet. Therefore, dietary habits of participants have to be considered when designing studies on OCD treatment. There are some studies and case reports that have shown improvement with NAC in OCD.

However, these studies had small samples and participants who use SSRI or any psychotropic drug or psychotherapy. Data on the effect of glycine in OCD treatment are quietly restricted. On the other hand, maintaining treatment with glycine is very difficult due to its adverse effects. The existing limited clinical data suggest that MI may potentially be effective as monotherapy for OCD.

Some herbal medicines may provide a synergistic effect with pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, it should be noted that some herbal supplements should not be used with some drugs, for example, SJW with SSRIs due to potential serotonin syndrome. SJW, milk thistle, curcumin, valerian root and borage are herbal supplements that have been researched in OCD treatment.

Despite the few studies on herbal supplements for OCD treatment, double-blind randomised controlled studies with standardised preparations of these herbals are needed.
Although previous studies showed that some herbal and nutritional supplements might be potentially effective in OCD treatment, further double-blind randomised controlled longitudinal studies with structured measurement procedures in larger samples are needed.

Dr. Canan Kuygun Karcı graduated from Erciyes University Medical Faculty in 2006 and became the specialist of child and adolescent psychiatry in 2013 from Mersin University Medical Faculty. She works at Dr. Ekrem Tok Psychiatry Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department as specialist since 2015.

Does vitamin D cure OCD?

2. B vitamins – Along with vitamin D, B vitamins also help alleviate the symptoms of OCD. In addition, they play a key role in stress response, as chronic stress can quickly deplete them. Taking supplements containing B vitamins and folate will be beneficial.

At what age does OCD peak?

By S. Evelyn Stewart, M.D., Child Psychiatrist, MGH OCD Clinics, Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, USA – Reprinted with permission from the OCD Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 3, Summer 2008. Published by the OC Foundation Inc., USA. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adolescents.

Previously thought to be rare, OCD is reported to occur in 1-3% of people.
It is the fourth most common mental illness after phobias, substance abuse, and major depression.
OCD has peaks of onset at two different life phases: pre-adolescence and early adulthood.
Around the ages of 10 to 12 years, the first peak of OCD cases occur.

This time frequently coincides with increasing school and performance pressures, in addition to biologic changes of brain and body that accompany puberty. The second peak occurs in early adulthood, also during a time of developmental transition, when educational and occupational stresses tend to be high.

It has been argued that childhood-onset OCD may represent a unique subtype of the disorder with distinct characteristics.
This article focuses on OCD as it occurs in children and adolescents, compared with OCD in adults.
Numerous OCD-affected adults had childhood-onset of their illness.
Sadly, many of these individuals went through childhood before recognizing that they had OCD.

Without an alternate explanation, they may have come to believe that they were ‘crazy’ or that they must keep their worries and behaviors as a shameful secret. Efforts are being made to increase awareness and recognition of this treatable illness within schools and in the general population.

What is the best vitamin for OCD?

Vitamin B 12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters. Depending on their antioxidant effect, zinc and selenium can be used in augmentation therapy for OCD. However, both trace elements and vitamin B 12 /folate can be affected by diet.

Does exercise help OCD?

OCD and exercise: The research – Scientists have found that exercise, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can support faster and more lasting recovery from OCD., led by Dr. Ana Abrantes of Butler Hospital in Rhode Island, showed that adding exercise to an OCD treatment regimen can lead to better results.

Is Honey good for OCD?

Honey, contains tryptophan, an important precursor of serotonin. This fact may be lead to enhancement in the biosynthesis of serotonin, thereby facilitating the anti-compulsive effect.

Can food worsen OCD?

About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD has been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the top ten mental health disorders negatively affecting quality of life 1, It is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts and compulsions, significant enough to disrupt normal social function and which may cause problems in relationships of affected individuals.

OCD can present as either obsessions or compulsions and sometimes both 2, Obsessions are the persistent, repetitive, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts while compulsions are the repetitive behaviours and rituals performed to make the individual feel better. Compulsions are, however, not helpful as they only provide short term relief before the anxious thoughts begin again, thereby keeping affected individuals in a vicious cycle.

Prevalence of OCD in the UK OCD, once thought to be rare, is now more prevalent. It is currently estimated that 1% to 2% of the UK population have OCD 2 and it can occur in any age group regardless of the gender, ethnicity, social and economic circumstances 3,

The risk of OCD is, however, higher in women than in men 4,
Causes of OCD Though the cause of OCD remains uncertain, there are factors that have been attributed to its incidence.
There is an increased risk for individuals with a family history of OCD due to genetic factors 5,6,
Environmental, behavioural, and cognitive factors also contribute to the cause of OCD.

These include past trauma, neglect, emotional and sexual abuse, parental influence 7,8, Substance abuse, history of phobia and loss of employment can also contribute to the occurrence of OCD in some people 9, Symptoms of OCD Persistent, unwanted thoughts causing distress and compulsive behaviour to reduce anxiety underlie There are many types of OCD triggered by fears and concerns about important people or things.

Theme	Obsession	Compulsion
Contamination	Fear of germs and dirt	Excessive showering, washing, and cleaning
Harm	Harm-related fears and concerns	Constant checking
Symmetry	Concerns about disorder	Straightening, ordering, counting
Intrusive thoughts	Fears concerning religion, relationships, sexuality	Ruminations

Nutrition and OCD Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment option for people with OCD, in conjunction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in severe cases 2, However, nutrition has been observed to play a significant role in OCD outcomes.

The Western diet, high in sugar and processed foods, does not contain adequate nutrition required to manage OCD and support individuals experiencing symptoms. Research has shown that nutritional deficiencies are present in patients with mental disorders such as OCD 10, It has also been observed that specific nutrients have reduced patients’ symptoms effectively 11,

It is important however, to consult your GP if you are experiencing OCD to discuss further, before taking any supplements. Increase consumption of foods high in Vitamin B12 Patients with OCD have been observed to have low levels of Vitamin B12 12, The adequacy of Vitamin B12 is important to brain health because it is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, a metabolite, which, when raised can increase risk of developing some mental health conditions, including serotonin and dopamine 13,

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These neurotransmitters are important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress which are all indicators of OCD. There is an inverse relationship between homocysteine and Vitamin B12 in that homocysteine levels rise as the Vitamin B12 levels drop. Studies have shown that patients with OCD have high levels of homocysteine and low levels of Vitamin B12 in comparison to healthy individuals 14,

It is also possible that OCD is an early manifestation of Vitamin B12 deficiency 13, Individuals following a vegan diet are most at the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency as the richest sources of Vitamin B12 are of animal origin 15, However, foods fortified with Vitamin B12 should meet requirements where there have been no previous deficiencies.

Liver is the richest source of Vitamin B12, although it should be noted that liver is not appropriate for consumption by pregnant women due to the high levels of Vitamin A, Lean meat and fish, are also good source, including chicken, turkey, cod and salmon.
Eggs, milk, cheeses, and yogurt also provide Vitamin B12.
Include fortified foods, e.g., low and no added sugar breakfast cereals, plant-based milk if on a vegan or vegetarian diet. You should read the labels carefully to ensure that Vitamin B12 has been added to these products.
Individuals on a vegan or vegetarian may consider supplementation. However, you should discuss with your GP before starting any supplements.

Introduce prebiotics and probiotics to normal diet Prebiotics and probiotics have been found to be beneficial to gut health by increasing the “good” bacteria in the gut 16, These bacteria are also involved in the production of Vitamin B12. Healthy gut flora will increase the production and absorption of Vitamin B12.

The disruption in the gut microbiome is shown to have an impact of the mental health due to the gut-brain axis. This refers to the connection between the gut and the brain through a network of nerves and neuron pathways 17, Studies undertaken record an improvement in OCD symptoms with the introduction of prebiotics and probiotics 17,

Key Actions:

Include fruits and vegetables in the diet as these are natural sources of prebiotics. You should try to have five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables in a day. A portion of fruit is a piece of a medium-sized apple while a portion of vegetables is 4 heaped tablespoons of cooked kale/spinach. Tomatoes, berries, bananas, asparagus, onions, carrots, green vegetables, and salad are good sources.
Increase the consumption of high fibre foods e.g., low sugar breakfast cereals, oats, beans, lentils, can promote gut health.
It is important to increase water or fluid intake to prevent adverse gastric symptoms i.e., bloating and constipation, due to increased fibre intake.
Include fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi, in diet. These are rich sources of probiotics.

Increase intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acids which can only be obtained from the diet because our bodies cannot produce it 18, There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids namely, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

EPA and DHA especially, have been seen to be beneficial to mental health 19, Fatty acids are present in the brain and are useful to regulate communication between the brain and neurons especially with brain processes that control mood 20, Studies have shown that the combination of polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids increase the availability of omega-3 due to anti-oxidative properties of polyphenols 21,

Polyphenols are found in red wine, tea, dark chocolate, fruits and vegetables. Though there is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation 20, some research has shown an association between omega-3 intake with the alleviation of symptoms 22,

Aim to eat oily fish at least once a week. The Eatwell Guide recommends that you should eat two portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily fish. Oily fish e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines, are very high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega- 3 fortified foods e.g., eggs are also good sources.
Vegans and vegetarians may consider other sources such as nuts, seeds, and their plant oils (e.g., walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds), seaweed, and algae.
Supplementation may be considered, especially vegan DHA supplements. However, consult with your GP before commencing supplements.

Researched by: Enitan Femi-Obasan, BSc Dietetics London Metropolitan University References

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Why did my OCD go away?

Did My OCD Go Away? – Obsessive-compulsive symptoms generally wax and wane over time. Because of this, many individuals diagnosed with OCD may suspect that their OCD comes and goes or even goes away—only to return. However, as mentioned above, obsessive-compulsive traits never truly go away.

Instead, they require ongoing management.
General life stress is often the main factor for the worsening or subsiding of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
During times of high stress, an individual will experience a worsening of obsessive-compulsive behaviors while during times of reduced stress, an individual may return to a baseline or even think their OCD has gone away altogether.

While symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive thought style may fluctuate in intensity over time based on stress levels, a chronic or deteriorating course is common if you choose not to engage in appropriate treatment.

Does OCD get worse with age?

Symptoms – It is estimated that six million people in the USA have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Men and women develop OCD at similar rates and it has been observed in all age groups, from school-aged children to older adults. OCD typically begins in adolescence, but may start in early adulthood or childhood.

The onset of OCD is typically gradual, but in some cases it may start suddenly.
Symptoms fluctuate in severity from time to time, and this fluctuation may be related to the occurrence of stressful events.
Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives.

As you may already know, the symptoms of OCD include the following:

Unwanted or upsetting doubts Thoughts about harm, contamination, sex, religious themes, or health Rituals like excessive washing, checking, praying, repeating routine activities Special thoughts designed to counteract negative thoughts

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In addition, you may be aware of certain situations, places, or objects that trigger the distressing thoughts and urges to ritualize. You may find yourself avoiding these situations, places, and objects.

Is it possible to reverse OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Anyone who has obsessive doubts or worries that seriously interfere with the quality of his or her life may be OCD. While OCD is technically a brain disorder, it is usually considered to be a mental illness. Many people describe it as a mental hiccup because they find that their brains get fixated on a single event, such as hand-washing, and won’t let go, so they repeat the event over and over again.

Some people with OCD can be completely cured after treatment. Others may still have OCD, but they can enjoy significant relief from their symptoms. Treatments typically employ both medication and lifestyle changes including behavior modification therapy. There are two parts to OCD: obsessions and compulsions.

Many of the signs of the illness deal with obsessions and compulsory acts. Those with OCD usually only have one or two of these signs, but some have a broader range. Not all daily rituals result from OCD; some are completely normal worries and fears. It is only when these rituals interfere with life or are completely irrational that they are considered to be signs of OCD.

Is OCD life long?

Severity varies – OCD usually begins in the teen or young adult years, but it can start in childhood. Symptoms usually begin gradually and tend to vary in severity throughout life. The types of obsessions and compulsions you experience can also change over time.

What is the best vitamin for OCD?

What causes OCD to get worse?

Does OCD get worse with age?

The onset of OCD is typically gradual, but in some cases it may start suddenly.
Symptoms fluctuate in severity from time to time, and this fluctuation may be related to the occurrence of stressful events.
Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives.

As you may already know, the symptoms of OCD include the following:

What causes OCD in the brain?

What Causes OCD? Everyone experiences intrusive, random and strange thoughts. Most people are able to dismiss them from consciousness and move on. But these random thoughts get “stuck” in the brains of individuals with OCD; they’re like the brain’s junk mail.

Most people have a spam filter and can simply ignore incoming junk mail. But having OCD is like having a spam filter that has stopped working – the junk mail just keeps coming, and it won’t stop. Soon, the amount of junk mail exceeds the important mail, and the person with OCD becomes overwhelmed. So why does the brain of individuals with OCD work this way? In other words, what causes OCD? Using neuroimaging technologies in which pictures of the brain and its functioning are taken, researchers have been able to demonstrate that certain areas of the brain function differently in people with OCD compared with those who don’t.

Research findings suggest that OCD symptoms may involve communication errors among different parts of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex (both in the front of the brain), the striatum, and the thalamus (deeper parts of the brain).

Abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems – chemicals such serotonin, dopamine, glutamate (and possibly others) that send messages between brain cells – are also involved in the disorder. Although it has been established that OCD has a neurobiological basis, research has been unable to point to any definitive cause or causes of OCD.

It is believed that OCD likely is the result of a combination of neurobiological, genetic, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors that trigger the disorder in a specific individual at a particular point in time. Following is a discussion of how those factors may play a role in the onset of OCD.

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health examined DNA, and the results suggest that OCD and certain related psychiatric disorders may be associated with an uncommon mutation of the human serotonin transporter gene (hSERT).
People with severe OCD symptoms may have a second variation in the same gene.

Other research points to a possible genetic component, as well. About 25% of OCD sufferers have an immediate family member with the disorder. In addition, twin studies have indicated that if one twin has OCD, the other is more likely to have OCD when the twins are identical, rather than fraternal.

Overall, studies of twins with OCD estimate that genetics contributes approximately 45-65% of the risk for developing the disorder. A number of other factors may play a role in the onset of OCD, including behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. Learning theorists, for example, suggest that behavioral conditioning may contribute to the development and maintenance of obsessions and compulsions.

More specifically, they believe that compulsions are actually learned responses that help an individual reduce or prevent anxiety or discomfort associated with obsessions or urges. An individual who experiences an intrusive obsession regarding germs, for example, may engage in hand washing to reduce the anxiety triggered by the obsession.

Because this washing ritual temporarily reduces the anxiety, the probability that the individual will engage in hand washing when a contamination fear occurs in the future is increased.
As a result, compulsive behavior not only persists but actually becomes excessive.
Many cognitive theorists believe that individuals with OCD have faulty or dysfunctional beliefs, and that it is their misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts that leads to the creation of obsessions and compulsions.

According to the cognitive model of OCD, everyone experiences intrusive thoughts. People with OCD, however, misinterpret these thoughts as being very important, personally significant, revealing about one’s character, or having catastrophic consequences.

The repeated misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts leads to the development of obsessions.
Because the obsessions are so distressing, the individual engages in compulsive behavior to try to resist, block, or neutralize them.
The Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group, an international group of researchers who have proposed that the onset and maintenance of OCD are associated with maladaptive interpretations of cognitive intrusions, has identified six types of dysfunctional beliefs associated with OCD: 1.

Inflated responsibility: a belief that one has the ability to cause and/or is responsible for preventing negative outcomes; 2. Overimportance of thoughts (also known as thought-action fusion): the belief that having a bad thought can influence the probability of the occurrence of a negative event or that having a bad thought (e.g., about doing something) is morally equivalent to actually doing it;

3. Control of thoughts: A belief that it is both essential and possible to have total control over one’s own thoughts;4. Overestimation of threat: a belief that negative events are very probable and that they will be particularly bad;5. Perfectionism: a belief that one cannot make mistakes and that imperfection is unacceptable; and

6. Intolerance for uncertainty: a belief that it is essential and possible to know, without a doubt, that negative events won’t happen. Environmental factors may also contribute to the onset of OCD. For example, traumatic brain injuries have been associated with the onset of OCD, which provides further evidence of a connection between brain function impairment and OCD.

And some children begin to exhibit sudden-onset OCD symptoms after a severe bacterial or viral infection such as strep throat or the flu.
Studies suggest the infection doesn’t actually cause OCD, but triggers symptoms in children who are genetically predisposed to the disorder.
Stress and parenting styles are environmental factors that have been blamed for causing OCD.

But no research has ever shown that stress or the way a person interacted with his or her parents during childhood causes OCD. 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.

In sum, although the definitive cause or causes of OCD have not yet been identified, research continually produces new evidence that hopefully will lead to more answers.
It is likely, however, that a delicate interplay between various risk factors over time is responsible for the onset and maintenance of OCD.

: What Causes OCD?

Chukwudi Eze