Dictionary of Psychotherapy

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

OCD Genes 

OCD is sometimes inherited, so can occasionally run in the family. 

Stress 

Stressful life events bring it on in about one out of three cases. 

Life changes 

Times where someone suddenly has to take on more responsibility – for example, puberty, the birth of a child or a new job. 

Brain changes 

We don't know for certain, but if you have the symptoms of OCD for more than a short time, researchers think that an imbalance of a chemical called serotonin (also known as 5HT) develops in the brain. 

Personality 

If you are a neat, meticulous, methodical person with high standards you may be more likely to develop OCD. These qualities are normally helpful, but can slip into OCD if they become too extreme. 

Ways of thinking 

Nearly all of us have odd or distressing thoughts or pictures in our minds at times - “what if I stepped out in front of that car?” or “I might harm my child”. Most of us quickly dismiss these ideas and get on with our lives. But, if you have particularly high standards of morality and responsibility, you may feel that it's terrible to even have these thoughts. So, you are more likely to watch out for them coming back – which makes it more likely that they will. 

Getting help 

There are two types of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) used to treat OCD - Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Therapy (CT) (116). Counselling and psychotherapy may be provided via Skype and FaceTime in the comfort of your home, office or any place of your choice. 

Obsessions, emotions, and compulsions  

Anxiety