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OCD Causes
The specific causes of OCD are multifaceted, involving a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
One of the key biological factors that contribute to OCD is an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and dopamine. In addition to neurotransmitter imbalances, there may also be structural and functional differences in the brain in individuals with OCD.
Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of OCD, as individuals with a family history of the condition are at an increased risk of developing it themselves.
Environmental factors, such as trauma and stressful life events, have also been linked to the onset of OCD symptoms in some individuals. While these factors may contribute to the development of OCD, the condition is complex and arises from a unique combination of these factors for each individual.
Understanding the biology of OCD is essential for developing effective treatments that combine biological, psychological, and environmental interventions to help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Specific Causes Of OCD
OCD is thought to be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
Biologic Factors
One of the key biological factors that contribute to OCD is an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals play a critical role in regulating mood, behaviour, and thought patterns, and an imbalance can lead to the development of obsessive and compulsive behaviours.
Genetic Factors
In addition, genetic factors may also play a role in the development of OCD. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of OCD are at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves. This suggests that certain genes may predispose individuals to the development of OCD.
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of OCD. Trauma, abuse, and other stressful life events have been linked to the onset of OCD symptoms in some individuals. Additionally, certain environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and infections, have also been implicated in developing OCD.
While these factors may contribute to the development of OCD, they do not guarantee the development of the condition. Rather, OCD is a complex condition that arises from a combination of these factors in a unique way for each individual.
The Full Scope Of OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a complex mental health condition characterised by the presence of recurring, intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses, known as obsessions, that cause significant distress or anxiety. Individuals with OCD often respond to these obsessions with repetitive, compulsive behaviours or mental acts, known as compulsions, which are intended to alleviate anxiety or prevent harm.
The obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD can manifest in a variety of ways and may involve a wide range of themes or objects. For example, some people with OCD may experience obsessions related to contamination or germs, leading them to engage in compulsive cleaning or hand-washing behaviours. Others may have obsessions related to safety or harm, leading them to perform compulsive checking or reassurance-seeking behaviours. Still, others may have obsessions related to symmetry or order, leading them to engage in compulsive arranging or counting behaviours.
Despite the often-time-consuming and distressing nature of OCD symptoms, individuals with OCD may find it difficult to resist their compulsions, even if they recognize that their behaviours are excessive or irrational. This can lead to significant interference in daily life and may impact a person’s relationships, work, or other aspects of their daily functioning.
Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy that has been shown to be particularly effective for treating OCD. In CBT, individuals learn to identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts, develop strategies for managing anxiety, and gradually reduce their compulsive behaviours through exposure and response prevention. In some cases, medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to help reduce the severity of symptoms.
OCD is a complex and often chronic condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. However, with the right treatment and support, many people with OCD are able to effectively manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
The Biology Of OCD
The key to understanding how to treat OCD is understanding how it is really caused in the body.
While OCD was once thought to be primarily a psychological or behavioural condition, we now know that there is a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to its development and persistence.
One of the key biological factors that appear to be involved in OCD is the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps to regulate mood, anxiety, and other emotional states. Research has shown that individuals with OCD may have abnormalities in the serotonin system, including lower levels of serotonin in certain parts of the brain and differences in the way that serotonin receptors are expressed.
In addition to serotonin, other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate have also been implicated in the development of OCD. These neurotransmitters are involved in reward and motivation pathways in the brain and may contribute to the experience of compulsive behaviours.
Additionally, to neurotransmitter imbalance, there may also be structural and functional differences in the brain in individuals with OCD. Studies have shown differences in the volume and activity of certain brain regions, particularly those involved in decision-making, emotion regulation, and the processing of information.
Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of OCD. While there is no single “OCD gene,” studies have identified a number of genetic variations that may increase the risk of developing OCD. However, the exact nature of the relationship between genetics and OCD is complex and requires further research.
Understanding the biology of OCD is important for developing effective treatments. While psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy, is effective for many individuals with OCD, medications that target the serotonin system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have also been shown to be effective. Newer medications that target other neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, are also being developed.
While the causes of OCD are complex and multifaceted, understanding the biological underpinnings of the condition is essential for effective treatment. By combining biological, psychological, and environmental interventions, we can help individuals with OCD manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 minutes
No More Anxiety
Length: 30 minutes
No More Insomnia
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Purpose: Improved sleep, Calmness and Stress relief
Feeling: Chilled,Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Frequencies: Theta and low Beta/SMR frequencies
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
No More Insomnia is perfect for improving sleep, aiding calmness and supporting stress relief, it does this by increasing your SMR (Sensory Motor Rhythm) frequencies. SMR is your brains idling state where you are ready for either action or relaxation.
SMR frequencies have been shown to have some significant beneficial effects on calmness and quality of rest.
These frequencies are also responsible for movement, both while awake and non movement while asleep.
This session is best used during the day rather than at night, which makes it perfect to add into your weekly sleep support routine
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Feeling: Chilled, Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
No More Anxiety
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
No More Insomnia
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Improved sleep, Calmness and Stress relief
Feeling: Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming
Frequencies: Theta and low Beta/SMR frequencies
No More Insomnia is perfect for improving sleep, aiding calmness and supporting stress relief, it does this by increasing your SMR (Sensory Motor Rhythm) frequencies. SMR is your brains idling state where you are ready for either action or relaxation.
SMR frequencies have been shown to have some significant beneficial effects on calmness and quality of rest.
These frequencies are also responsible for movement, both while awake and non movement while asleep.
This session is best used during the day rather than at night, which makes it perfect to add into your weekly sleep support routine
Online Consultation
Book an online consultation and get personalized advice from the comfort of your home. Our licensed practitioners are here to assess your concerns, provide expert diagnosis, and offer treatment recommendations—all through a secure virtual session.
Call or Text
027 508 8083
tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
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