This autoimmune response targeting the basal ganglia can cause brain inflammation and the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including OCD-like behaviors. “In some subset of OCD patients, autoimmunity is likely triggered by specific bacterial, viral, or parasitic agents…” writes Gerentes et al.
Subjects with toxoplasmosis had about a 2.5 times higher odds of OCD and about a 2.7 times higher odds of learning disabilities.
What causes OCD? Experts aren't sure of the exact cause of OCD. Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood.
OCD symptoms have been known to intensify over time, begging the question: What causes OCD to get worse? The short answer is comorbidities. These are mental health conditions that trigger and aggravate OCD symptoms. Research¹ shows that most people with OCD struggle with some other type of mental health condition.
Harm OCD. Harm OCD causes people to be deeply disturbed by the violent thoughts that just about everyone has experienced. While most people are able to shrug off these thoughts, those with harm OCD can become completely overwhelmed by them.
Brain scans may be helpful in showing the differences in the structure and function of brain regions in individuals with OCD. Such studies can provide new targets for the treatment of OCD.
Individuals with OCD often have certain chemical imbalances present in the brain. Changes in the neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate are normally present in OCD cases.
repeating words in their head. thinking "neutralising" thoughts to counter the obsessive thoughts. avoiding places and situations that could trigger obsessive thoughts.
Exposure to both stressful events and excessive antibiotics have been suggested as possible root causes that originally altered the gut's microbiota system, thereby setting the stage for an eventual onset of OCD symptoms.
Parasite infections can be a cause of mental illness through biological and socio-environmental paths. The inflammation caused by parasite infections affects the brain and CNS via the blood brain barrier, activation of the vagus nerve and immune cells.
Symptoms such as sleeping irregularities, skin irritation, mood changes, and muscle pain can all be caused by the toxins released by the parasites into your bloodstream. These toxins could even cause anxiety, which tends to manifest itself in irregular sleeping patterns or teeth grinding.
People struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are often misdiagnosed as having other psychological conditions. One of the most common misdiagnoses for this population is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This diagnostic problem arises for two reasons.
The OCD cycle consists of 4 basic parts: obsessions, anxiety, compulsions, and temporary relief. It's considered a “vicious” cycle because once you get pulled into it, it gains momentum and strength, making it even more difficult for you to get out.
Imaging, surgical, and lesion studies suggest that the prefrontal cortex (orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortexes), basal ganglia, and thalamus are involved in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Vitamin B12 and folate are thought to be effective in OCD treatment due to their associations with neurotransmitters.
The inheritance pattern of OCD is unclear. Overall, the risk of developing this condition is greater for first-degree relatives of affected individuals (such as siblings or children) as compared to the general public.
Put simply, the study suggests that the brains of OCD patients get stuck in a loop of "wrongness" that prevents sufferers from stopping behaviors even if they know they should.
Studies show that OCD patients have excess activity in frontal regions of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which could explain their intrusive thoughts and high levels of anxiety, respectively.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPDs) become overwhelmed and incapacitated by the intensity of their emotions, whether it is joy and elation or depression, anxiety, and rage. They are unable to manage these intense emotions.
OCD is chronic
You can get it under control and become recovered but, at the present time, there is no cure. It is a potential that will always be there in the background, even if it is no longer affecting your life.