Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder

No single cause of OCD is known. It is thought to arise from a mix of biology, genes, life experiences and learning. It is not caused by weak character or poor parenting.

Brain and chemistry

Studies show differences in brain circuits that handle habits, threat detection and decision making, and in chemical messengers such as serotonin and glutamate. This is why medicines that act on serotonin can help.

Genes and family

OCD runs in families. Having a close relative with OCD raises the risk, though most people with a relative do not develop it.

Environment and life events

• Stressful or traumatic events
• Major life changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, bereavement or a new job
• Strict upbringing around cleanliness, responsibility or morality may shape the themes
• Learning that rituals reduce anxiety, which strengthens them over time

Medical triggers

• In some children, sudden-onset OCD after a streptococcal infection (PANDAS or PANS), which needs a paediatrician
• Brain injury or other neurological illness, rarely

Personality and risk factors

High sense of responsibility, perfectionism and anxious temperament, as well as other conditions such as anxiety, depression, tic disorders and ADHD, can go along with OCD.

Not causes

Dirt, "overthinking", past sins or black magic do not cause OCD. Blaming the person or family delays care.

Ayurvedic view

Imbalance of Vata and mental Doshas is traditionally linked with Manovikara. This is interpretive.

Remember

OCD has real biological and psychological roots. It is nobody's fault, and treatment works.