Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex psychological condition that’s characterized by obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, mental images, or uncontrollable urges to carry out certain actions. These obsessions can really be about anything, but are most often about fear of illness or contamination and a desire for things to be “just right.” Intrusive thoughts can often involve religion, sex, and aggression.
Compulsions are repetitions of certain behaviors to relieve anxiety. These ritualistic behaviors can include cleaning, washing, counting, arranging, and seeking assurance.
Everyone experiences some characteristics of OCD in their lives, but when you have the actual condition, the obsessions, and compulsions can take up hours of your life and cause interference with work and school.
The cause of OCD is unknown, but experts agree that genetics play a part. So, in this month’s blog, our psychiatric team led by Venice Sanchez, MD, at her practice in Newport Beach, California, examines how genetics impact OCD development and what that can mean for your risk of having the condition.
Some conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, are determined by one gene. However, most others — including OCD — are the result of a combination of many different genes. In these cases, your risk for developing the disease highly depends on how many of these genes (and gene variants) you inherit from your parents and what order they’re in.
OCD does tend to run in families and having an immediate family member with OCD makes you seven times more likely to develop it. However, it’s not accurate to say that you’re “born with” OCD like you’re born with brown hair or blue eyes. Your brain may simply be more predisposed to developing OCD. Your environment, upbringing, and life experiences determine the rest.
If one (or more) of your immediate family members has OCD, it’s good to be aware of it. It’s important to note, however, that it does not guarantee that you'll develop the condition as well.
Stressful or traumatic life experiences can also play into your risk for OCD development as can having co-existing mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, or generalized anxiety disorder.
However, if you do find yourself dealing with intense anxiety surrounding obsessions, compulsions, or both, it’s never a bad idea to be evaluated for OCD, especially when you’re at a high risk for the condition.
Our compassionate team can talk through your symptoms and concerns before providing a diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan that works best for you. Effective management techniques for OCD include medication, therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
To learn more about OCD diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.
