Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Etiopathogenetically, obsessive-compulsive disorder is most likely to have a multifactorial genesis. Biological, psychological, and external factors interact with each other. The underlying pathomechanism is probably based on disturbances in specific brain areas centered on the structure of the caudate nucleus (tail nucleus). Furthermore, an influence of polymorphisms (occurrence of so-called sequence variations in the genes of a population) in serotonin metabolism is likely.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden is hypothesized, but exact factors have not yet been identified – A controlled family study found a prevalence of OCD of 10.9% in relatives of patients with OCD compared with 1.9% in control subjects.
- Firstborn
Causes due to disease
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa
- Depression
- Personality disorders
- Social behavior disorders
- Tics
