What Causes OCD and How Can I Get Better?

OCD can significantly interfere with daily routines, relationships, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, OCD is a chronic disorder. However, there’s much we can do to help you successfully manage its challenges.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these obsessions.

Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW, provides telehealth services for mental health disorders and life transitions from his practice in East Setauket, New York.

Mitchel’s professional expertise includes OCD therapy designed to help you identify the underlying cause of obsessions and develop healthy alternatives for dealing with anxiety.

Read more about what might cause OCD and strategies that can help you overcome its challenges.

Potential causes of OCD

Researchers don’t yet have a clear understanding of why some people develop OCD and others don’t. However, we do know that certain factors may increase the risk of OCD, including:

Genetics

Individuals with a family history of OCD are more likely to develop the disorder. However, it's not solely determined by genetics; environmental factors may also contribute.

Brain structure and function

It’s felt that specific brain areas (orbitofrontal cortex, thalamus, and basal ganglia) are involved in the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Dysfunction in chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), particularly serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, may also play a role.

Neurological conditions

OCD can occur along with certain neurological conditions that affect similar areas in the brain, including Parkinson’s disease, Tourette syndrome, and epilepsy.

Environmental factors

Traumatic life events, such as abuse, neglect, or significant stress, can trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms in susceptible individuals. Also, certain learned behaviors or environmental triggers may reinforce compulsive behaviors, further perpetuating the cycle of OCD.

For instance, washing your hands to help prevent the spread of viruses is a learned behavior that may reinforce the need for ritualistic hand-washing, even to the point of your skin drying, cracking, and bleeding. It’s a common compulsion in individuals obsessed with avoiding germs.

A traumatic event such as a burglary may reinforce your desire to remain safe by locking doors and windows. Unfortunately, people with OCD may develop time-consuming behaviors to accomplish this task, such as checking locks multiple times in a specific order before bedtime.

Overcoming OCD

Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis since OCD can mimic other mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder.

Mitchel then develops a personalized treatment plan via telehealth that may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is sometimes described as the gold standard for treating OCD. It’s a form of talk therapy (psychotherapy) during which Mitchel helps you explore your thoughts and emotions. The goal is to replace the thoughts that lead to compulsive behavior with healthier coping methods.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

ERP is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves gradual exposure to feared thoughts or situations while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors. Over time, it can help desensitize you to anxiety-provoking stimuli and reduce the urge to perform these behaviors.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises), and a balanced diet, can complement formal treatment and support overall well-being.

Medication

Based on your symptoms and their effects on your daily routine, Mitchel may refer you to a local health care provider for medication therapy. When combined with CBT, ERP, and other forms of psychotherapy, medication can help reduce the severity of OCD symptoms.

OCD is a complex mental health condition that can be challenging to overcome. However, you can reclaim control of your life with professional support and an effective treatment strategy.

Schedule a virtual visit with Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW, today by calling the practice or requesting an appointment online.