Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health disorder that usually targets children leading to the repetition of certain thoughts and performing certain behaviors to overcome these disturbing thoughts (Obsessions and compulsions). While the exact reason leading to the development of OCD is not clear yet several researches indicate that one of the pivotal factors is genes.
Let’s explore the most commonly distressing question is OCD genetic or environmental? If yes, then how genetic is OCD, is ocd genetically linked, is OCD hereditary, or OCD is genetically transmitted?
What Is OCD?
OCD is recognized by certain unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that provoke anxiety often making the affected person uncomfortable and stressed out to perform particular actions to overcome the thoughts.
Read More: Is OCD Ruining My Life? – What To Do?
Common Signs Of OCD
OCD is based on some unique set of signs such as:
- Reassurance behavior
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- Repetitive behavior
- Ordering
- Contamination
- Religious obsessions
- Cleaning behavior
- Counting
- Persistent checking of things
- A constant fear of something happening
- Harming others
The Genetic Link
Most of the current research provides indications that genes have a significant role to play in the onset of any mental disorder. The same applies to OCD as well. The main point is that a person with any family member or close relative with OCD has a higher risk of developing OCD as compared to a normal person. Not only this, but twins also suggest that if one twin has OCD then the other twin must have OCD too.
However, this does not mean that genetics contribute to the origin of OCD signs alone. Other causes that may give rise to the signs of OCD include the following; environmental factors, stress, infections, and trauma.
Specific Genes Linked to OCD
Researchers have recently searched for specific genes that may cause OCD, but genes that influence serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is related to mood and anxiety, are the basic focus. Certain genes have been found to affect how the brain responds to serotonin thereby causing OCD. However, OCD as explained by neurogenetics is not regarded as a simple disorder because no single gene is implicated. However, the disease could be polygenic meaning that several genes combine with the environment to cause the disease.
OCD Risk And Family History
Personal factors like having a family member with OCD make it easy to get OCD but this is not always a certainty. The occurrence of this disease is higher among first-degree relatives, but still, many individuals with no family background in OCD can get this disorder due to diverse factors. Obsessions within families manifest differently; one may experience one type of obsession differently from the other even within the same family if OCD is present.
Environmental Factors
The risk factors of OCD do not only depend on genetics but also include much environmental influence. It is known that any stressful life event, trauma, or even childhood infection such as streptococcal throat infections that can be associated with PANS – pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections– can lead to the ‘triggering’ of OCD in children.
Read More: Why should you be aware of PANDAS and PANS as a Parent?
Can OCD Be Prevented?
Since OCD is an inborn factor after research on its causes about hereditary and acquired factors, it is hard to fend off completely. However, knowing your genetic predisposition can help a person identify the signs of OCD and get professional help before it is too late. CBT and SSRIs are among the measures that would be effective in easing the symptoms exhibited in the course of the affliction.
Treatment For Managing OCD
Knowledge about the genetic and biological aspects plays an essential role in the development of OCD treatment. Currently, the most common treatments for OCD include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): More particularly, CBT in the form of ERP is found to be very useful in handling OCD. ERP means exposure, which means exposure involves eventually exposing an individual to their fear (obsessions) without performing compulsions, allowing a patient to learn to tolerate anxiety and minimize compulsions in the long run.
- Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors commonly known as SSRIs – including fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft) – aim at resetting the level of serotonin in the brain. Antipsychotic medication is used to help lessen the tangible and concrete ways in which OCD expresses itself. If an SRI fails to work then other medications like clomipramine or antipsychotics may be prescribed.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): For severe and refractory OCD, the invasive surgical procedure of deep brain stimulation is possible. DBS entails the placement of electrodes in specific brain regions to treat abnormal activity. This therapy is applied where other therapies have proven to be unproductive and study on its overall impact is recommended.
- Lifestyle Changes: Essential physical exercise, good quality sleep, proper nutrition, and stress-reducing measures are also beneficial in decreasing the intensity of OCD symptoms. Although these changes alone are not capable of effectively managing OCD, they could be used as a complementary therapy.
Read More: A Brief Guide to different types of OCD
Wrap Up!
It is worthwhile to conclude that heritability is essential to OCD, but the crucial environmental factors including stress, trauma, and even infections also matter much to cause OCD. However, it’s not the only factor because having a family history of OCD makes you more vulnerable. Knowledge of such mental illnesses may therefore be useful in the identification and treatment of OCD manifestations in the patient. CBT and pharmacological interventions alongside other general interventions are helpful in the treatment of the disorder, DBS being the lead treatment for severe cases of the disorder. If you are seeking professional assistance in figuring out if OCD is genetic then now is the great time for you to consult with the Inland Empire Behavioral Group and attain the long-lost mental peace today!
