bipolar brain scan images
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychological condition that I see frequently in my work as a therapist in Edinburgh. A diagnosis of this disorder occurs when a person shows the two main features of obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is a persistent thought, image, or impulse that seems enter the mind of nowhere and cause significant distress. Compulsions are things done again and again in response to an obsession or obsessions, in an attempt to reduce stress. Compulsions are usually physical acts (such as excessive hand washing or repeatedly checking door locks), but can also be acts mental.
As a therapist in Edinburgh I see a lot of clients suffering from OCD, and I am often asked what causes it. Unfortunately, the causes of this disorder not known with certainty, but there are some likely culprits and give them a brief summary of them in this article.
Genetic factors seem likely to play a role in a person developing OCD. If you have a "first order" in relation to OCD (ie, father or brother has OCD), then its probability of develop OCD itself is in the region of 5%. However, it should be noted that OCD affects about 1% of the general adult population in the West, so a increased risk is present, but certainly not huge.
Subtle brain abnormalities have also been proposed as causes of this disorder, but this has been well supported by research to date. Brain scans show no structural abnormality, and most recently, "functional" scan results (for example, showed high activity in the frontal lobe), probably reveal the brain's response to OCD, rather than the cause of OCD.
It has been hypothesized that a key element underlying OCD is a relative lack of neurochemical serotonin in certain parts of the brain. The only evidence for this has been the fact that OCD seems respond (at least sometimes) to the SSRI class of antidepressants (SSRIs sense reuptake inhibitor selective serotonin – these drugs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain). Obviously, the fact that some condition improves when a drug is taken, does not mean that the drug is acting in the cause of disease. If you break your leg and severe pain, morphine reduces pain, but shall have no effect on the cause of this pain!
One theory most interesting about the causes of this disorder has been linked to the sufferer's memory. This theory postulates that patients with OCD may have poor memory and that is why repeat their compulsions so often! Indeed, memories patient with OCD are very good, but do not seem to trust them, as well as other people.
A final focus of research in OCD has been the apparent "trigger" of the condition. OCD usually begins in adolescence and twenties, and often seems a continuation of some form of emotional, psychological or physical stress. Common stresses include pregnancy and childbirth, physical violence, intimidation, bereavement, or even a change of job or role at home. While such "triggers" are common, are ubiquitous and a significant minority people who see it as a therapist at Edinburgh develop OCD with no identifiable stress.
So in short, the cause or causes of this disorder remain obscure and more research must be done. However, even without definite cause be known, not well documented and effective treatments for OCD. As mentioned above, SSRI drugs are commonly used to help patients with OCD, but the most effective treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. This is the recommended treatment of choice by NICE (Institute for Clinical Excellence – a government body that advises doctors about the safety and effectiveness of different treatments for the disease). To see my other items for more information about CBT in Edinburgh.
Dr. Steve spent a psychiatrist and therapist in Edinburgh, using techniques of CBT for the treatment of common psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and OCD. Please visit href = "http://www.drstevelast.co.uk"> http://www.drstevelast.co.uk for more information about psychological problems and the CBT.
Dr Steve Last is a Psychiatrist and Therapist working in Edinburgh. He uses CBT techniques to treat problems such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. Please visit http://www.drstevelast.co.uk for further information on psychological problems and CBT.
The Fuckbrain MRI
