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OCD – Factors that contribute to the development of OCD Part 3/6

Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Factors that contribute to the development of OCD

OCD is a complex neurobiological disorder. There are various factors thought to influence the development of OCD. It is most likely an interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. Some of the factors thought to contribute to the development of OCD are:

  • A genetic predisposition
  • Ineffective functioning in the frontal cortex area of the brain
  • Serotonin imbalances
  • Intrapsychic conflict – conflict occurring within the mind
  • Ambivalent sense of self – difficulty managing contradictory aspects of the self
  • Personality characteristics – see next section
  • Cognitive distortions/information processing errors – such as black and white thinking, perceiving things as more negative or less positive than they are, only paying attention to information that confirms a negative view, making guesses about the future and negative events, believing you know other people’s intentions
  • Traumatic events in early childhood
  • Stressful life events – such as the death of someone close, divorce, moving house, pregnancy etc.

Personality characteristics and thinking patterns commonly seen in people with OCD include;

  • Perfectionism/criticalness – belief towards themselves and other that mistakes are unacceptable and perfection is desirable
  • Excessive conscientiousness
  • Strong need for control and autonomy
  • Overemphasis of intellectual processes – thinking that the presence of a thought increases the likelihood that an event will happen
  • Rigidity
  • Inflated sense of responsibility and guilt – a belief that a person has the ability to cause or prevent negative outcomes
  • Intolerance of uncertainty – believing that it is possible and necessary to be certain that undesired events do not happen
  • Overestimation of danger – thinking danger is more likely to happen than it is

Sherry-Lee Smith Perth Psychologist Home Page

Published by Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Sherry-Lee Smith MAPS MAAP EMDRAA ISST CEDC Psychologist BA (Psych) Hons Registered; Perth Western Australia Sherry is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Sherry aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to increase their self-awareness and develop towards their full potential. Issues addressed include; depression and other mood disorders anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety etc.) stress self-harm suicidal ideation self-esteem personal growth anger management drug and alcohol use grief and loss relationship difficulties and separation adolescent issues young adult issues eating disorders insomnia body image issues family of origin issues Sherry uses an integrated therapeutic approach to counselling and psychotherapy tailoring the intervention to meet the unique needs of the client. Approaches may include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Expressive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Sherry has experience working at an adolescent mental health services with adolescents and their families experiencing depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. She has co-ordinated a drug and alcohol service for adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties related to their own or another’s drug and alcohol use and co-occurring mental health issues. Sherry has worked counselling children and adolescents who have experienced parental separation and family conflict. She has experience running groups related to drug and alcohol use, parenting, grief and loss, family and relationships, bullying and friendships, self-esteem, and parental separation. Sherry is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). She is also an member of the Australian Psychological Society. Medicare rebates and private health fund rebates may apply. If you would like to book an appointment with Sherry or would like further information please contact her by phone or email. Phone: 042 135 1020 Email: smith.sherrylee@gmail.com Sherry-Lee Smith Mt Lawley Counselling Centre 13 Alvan Street Mt Lawley WA