Causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder Causes: Book Excerpts
Obsessive-compulsive disorder as a symptom:
Conditions listing Obsessive-compulsive disorder
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Our database lists the following as having
Obsessive-compulsive disorder as a symptom of that condition:
What causes Obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Article excerpts about the
causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
There is growing evidence that OCD represents
abnormal functioning of brain circuitry, probably involving a part of the
brain called the striatum. OCD is not caused by family problems or
attitudes learned in childhood, such as an inordinate emphasis on
cleanliness, or a belief that certain thoughts are dangerous or
unacceptable. Brain imaging studies using a technique called positron
emission tomography (PET) have compared people with and without OCD. Those
with OCD have patterns of brain activity that differ from people with
other mental illnesses or people with no mental illness at all. In
addition, PET scans show that in patients with OCD, both behavioral
therapy and medication produce changes in the striatum. This is graphic
evidence that both psychotherapy and medication affect the brain.
(Source: excerpt from Facts about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: NIMH)
Related information on causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder may be found in:
Causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The cause of OCD is unknown. Some studies suggest the possibility of brain lesions, but the most useful research and clinical studies base an explanation on psychological theories. In addition, major depression, organic brain syndrome, and schizophrenia may contribute to the onset of OCD. Some authorities think that OCD is closely related to some eating disorders.
OCD affects 2% to 3% of Americans — about 7 million people. Symptoms usually are noticed between ages 20 and 30, with 75% of patients displaying symptoms before age 30.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Personality disorders:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Various theories attempt to explain the origin of personality disorders. Genetic factors influence the biological basis of brain function as well as basic personality structure. In turn, personality structure affects how a person responds to life experiences and interacts with the social environment. Over time, each person develops distinctive ways of perceiving the world and of feeling, thinking, and behaving.
Some researchers suspect that poor regulation of the areas controlling emotion within the brain increases the risk of a personality disorder, especially when combined with such factors as abuse, neglect, or separation. For a biologically predisposed person, the major developmental challenges of adolescence and early adulthood may trigger a personality disorder.
Social theories hold that disorders reflect learned responses, having much to do with reinforcement, modeling, and aversive stimuli as contributing factors. According to psychodynamic theories, personality disorders reflect deficiencies in ego and superego development and are related to poor mother-child relationships characterized by unresponsiveness, overprotectiveness, or early separation.
Personality disorders are common and affect 10% to 15% of the population in the United States. Gender influences presence; for example, antisocial and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders are more common in men, whereas borderline, dependent, and histrionic personality disorders are more prevalent in women.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown. Some studies suggest the possibility of brain lesions, but the most useful research and clinical studies base an explanation on psychological theories. Several studies show brain abnormalities, such as decreased caudal size and decreased white matter, but results are inconsistent and remain under investigation. In addition, major depression, organic brain syndrome, and schizophrenia may contribute to the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Personality disorders:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Only recently have personality disorders been categorized in detail, and research continues to identify their causes. Various theories attempt to explain the origin of personality disorders.
❑ Biological theories hold that these disorders may stem from chromosomal and neuronal abnormalities or head trauma.
❑ Social theories hold that the disorders reflect learned responses, having much to do with reinforcement, modeling, and aversive stimuli as contributing factors.
❑ Psychodynamic theories hold that personality disorders reflect deficiencies in ego and superego development and are related to poor mother-child relationships that are characterized by unresponsiveness, overprotectiveness, or early separation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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