It has been reported that multifactorial causes such as neurobiological, genetic and environmental effects play a role in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder has been shown to have a strong genetic transmission. The rate of comorbidity in dizygotic twins (fraternal twins) is 31%, and the rate of comorbidity in monozygotic twins (identical twins) is 67%. In a study, Van Groootest et al. reported that the genetic inheritance effect on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms in childhood was between 45-65%. Historically, it was thought that the main factor underlying Obsessive Compulsive Disorder resulted from dysfunction in the serotonin system and responded specifically to serotonergic treatment. The fact that serotonergic drugs work in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder indicates that serotonergic system dysfunction is among the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Later studies have also shown possible influence of glutamate, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies in adult Obsessive Compulsive Disorder patients reported abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study performed during symptom provocation in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients, activation was observed in the left superior temporal gyrus, left and right frontal cortex areas, left precuneus, and right cerebellum.
Biological studies on etiology were observed in multiple areas. Continuing, the general model proposed for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors causes changes in gene expression in the neurotransmitter system. Among environmental stress factors, childhood traumas and sexual traumas can be said to be the most important reasons. In summary, the disease may occur in a genetically predisposed person by being triggered by many reasons such as traumatic experiences, childhood traumas, daily life stressors, obsessive parents, and taking models from caregivers.
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