What Causes OCD?

Like many complex mental health disorders, the cause of OCD is not fully known. Leading theories suggest a combination of genetic predisposition to OCD and triggers, such as stress, illness or trauma, lead to the onset of OCD. This is often referred to as the vulnerability-stress model.

Some research has shown that some people with OCD possess differences in the structure and functioning of specific areas in the brain involved in regulating behavior, decision-making and fear responses.

Types of OCD

Although compulsions are not consistent across all OCD sufferers, there are some predominant categories that many fit into. These common categories include:

Contamination OCD

People with this type of OCD have an obsession with cleanliness and may display an irrational fear of contamination. This often leads to excessive handwashing, cleaning, and the avoidance of situations that might lead to getting dirty or becoming contaminated, such as working in a garden, doing yardwork, or entering a dusty room.

Checking OCD

Some people with OCD have an overriding obsession with their responsibility to avoid mistakes that might cause harm. For example, a fear of leaving doors unlocked or appliances on might cause them to check doors or appliances multiple times before they can leave the house or go to bed.

Symmetry/Order OCD

This type of OCD is characterized by a need for items or things to be in a particular order to maintain symmetry. This is accompanied by an overriding feeling that something bad might happen if the order is ever disturbed, or if items are left out of place.

Hoarding OCD

Although hoarding is sometimes considered a separate disorder, some people with OCD display hoarding tendencies. They may experience a severe psychological aversion to discarding possessions due to an irrational fear of potentially needing the item in the future, even if the item has little value.

Intrusive Thoughts OCD

People who experience intrusive mental images or taboo thoughts of harm, violence or sexual activity may suffer from intrusive thoughts OCD. They may develop coping mechanisms like praying or counting to divert their attention to something other than the imagery.

Treatment for OCD

There are two primary types of OCD treatment: pharmaceutical and therapeutic.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed OCD medication. The increased serotonin levels in the brain may reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are sometimes prescribed if SSRIs are ineffective.

Medications are often combined with cognitive behavior therapies (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP). This involves exposing the OCD sufferer to triggers and gradually helping them resist the urge to perform their compulsive behavior.

Over time, individuals who recognize that nothing bad happens when they don’t perform their compulsive behaviors may experience reduced anxiety when the trigger occurs. Fundamentally, the goal is to train the brain that the compulsive behaviors are unnecessary for safety or control.

The approach to ERP is highly dependent on the type of obsession. For example, someone with contamination OCD may be gradually exposed to feared situations like touching surfaces without washing their hands, while someone with hoarding OCD might be encouraged to discard valueless and useless items.

Can OCD Be Cured?

Like many chronic conditions, OCD often can’t be fully cured. However, concerted ERP therapy combined with medication can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms and compulsive behaviors over time. People with OCD are always at risk of relapse, especially after traumatic or stressful events.

Do You or a Loved One in Houston Require Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors?

The behavioral health professionals at St. Hope Healthcare are committed to providing compassionate and effective treatments to people experiencing mental health challenges. If you or a loved one are struggling with OCD in Houston, don’t hesitate to contact our team at (713) 778-1300.