Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) consists of two anxiety-related problems: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions include disturbing, unwanted thoughts, ideas and images. Compulsions, on the other hand, are the repetitive behaviors as a result and riddance to obsessions. People with OCD are unable to control these excessive obsessions and unreasonable behaviors. OCD can eventually lead to impairment and dysfunction and can affect kids and people at an early age.

The National Institute for Mental Health states that approximately 3% of Americans have been suffering from OCD. Boys, ranges from ages 6 to 15, may likely have OCD. For women, OCD usually can be observed between ages 20 to 30 years old.

Causes of OCD

Research shows that factors like genetic predisposition and environmental stress are the major causes of OCD. In most cases, OCD is common to people at their higher education, high intelligence quotient levels, and people in socioeconomic status.

The following can cause OCD:

* Genetic predisposition
* Fluctuating hormones
* Environmental stress
* Biological factors
* Brain chemicals
* Tourette's syndrome

Genetic Predisposition

Currently, studies have not yet confirmed that genes have something to do with OCD occurrence or that OCD depends on the family's genetic background. Researches show that similar with other mental illnesses, OCD is more likely prevalent on identical twins that those of fraternal. Moreover, identical twins have 70% chance of sharing the disorder and a half percent for fraternal twins. Recently, researches have stated that multiple genes have something to do with OCD occurrence.

Fluctuating Hormones

A certain study shows that a sudden decrease of hormones may trigger OCD during pregnancy and postpartum period. Worsening of symptoms is observed during these periods as well. In addition, the stated study suggests that 30% of the women population may have OCD.

The baby arrival brings further concern and anxiety to the mother. This postpartum OCD consists of disturbing issues and excessive actions regarding the well-being of the newly born baby.

Environmental Stress

The following are major environmental stress factors that can contribute to OCD:

* Abusive situation
* Changes in living status
* Occupational issues
* Relationship problems and concerns
* School issues

Biological Factors

Research reports that there are growing evidences that OCD is caused by abnormal brain structure and functioning. Abnormalities in primal parts of the brain like the frontal lobes, basal ganglia, cingulum and striatum may cause OCD. Basal ganglia functions for behavioral routines. The frontal lobes are involved in behavioral organization and planning. The cingulum supports in communications and linking the behavioral and emotional messages.

The finding is done through the use of brain imaging studies specifically the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technique. With the aid of this method, researchers are able to compare brains of OCD patients and to those without OCD. In addition, the PET Scans show that in OCD patients, medication and behavioral therapy proved to cause changes in the brain's striatum.

Therefore, because of these studies, researchers suggest that OCD is not caused by family or childhood issues.

Brain Chemicals

Research shows that obsessive-compulsive disorder may be caused by chemicals inside the brain. One of these chemicals is the serotonin, wherein it helps a person to keep on repeating his or her behavior. Serotonin serves as a neurotransmitter of information from one nerve to another.

Tourette's Syndrome

Lastly, symptoms of OCD are observed in association with other neurological illnesses. There is an observable increase rate of OCD on people with Tourette's syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by voluntary actions and movements.