Causes
As is the case with many psychological problems, OCD seems to result from the interaction of several biological, environmental and social factors. Consequently, the intervention and treatment chosen must address these three components.
For example, some medical research suggests that a chemical imbalance is implicated in OCD and that this imbalance alters the way in which the brain influences thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The success of certain medications in reducing obsessions and compulsions suggests that serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, may be at the origin of this imbalance.
For its part, psychological research shows that the reduction in anxiety that usually follows performing a compulsion, leads the individual to constantly repeat the ritual. Some thought mechanisms, such as erroneous reasoning or over-evaluation of danger and responsibility, have also been identified as being involved in maintaining obsessions.
For example, some medical research suggests that a chemical imbalance is implicated in OCD and that this imbalance alters the way in which the brain influences thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The success of certain medications in reducing obsessions and compulsions suggests that serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, may be at the origin of this imbalance.
For its part, psychological research shows that the reduction in anxiety that usually follows performing a compulsion, leads the individual to constantly repeat the ritual. Some thought mechanisms, such as erroneous reasoning or over-evaluation of danger and responsibility, have also been identified as being involved in maintaining obsessions.