• What Part Of The Brain Causes Gambling Problems Caused
• What Part Of The Brain Causes Gambling Problems Involving

What Causes OCD?

While, we still do not know the exact cause or causes of OCD, research suggests that differences in the brain and genes of those affected may play a role.

Is OCD a Brain Disorder?

Unlike other forms of addiction, a compulsive or problem gambler doesn’t necessarily have to gamble every day to have a gambling problem. Having a gambling problem simply means an individual can’t see that gambling has caused or is causing him or her problems. Oftentimes, this is a conscious denial of the reality that gambling is causing an.

Research suggests that OCD involves problems in communication between the front part of the brain and deeper structures of the brain. These brain structures use a neurotransmitter (basically, a chemical messenger) called serotonin. Pictures of the brain at work also show that, in some people, the brain circuits involved in OCD become more normal with either medications that affect serotonin levels (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs) or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

1. Neuroscientists have discovered characteristics that appear to be unique to the brains of addicts, particularly in the dopaminergic system, which includes reward pathways, and in the prefrontal.
2. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems. Myth: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it. Fact: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can also lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems including depression and anxiety,.

Is OCD Inherited?

Research shows that OCD does run in families, and that genes likely play a role in the development of the disorder. Genes appear to be only partly responsible for causing the disorder, though. No one really knows what other factors might be involved, perhaps an illness or even ordinary life stresses that may induce the activity of genes associated with the symptoms of OCD.

What Part Of The Brain Causes Gambling Problems Caused

Some experts think that OCD that begins in childhood may be different from the OCD that begins in adults. For example, a recent review of twin studies ^[1] has shown that genes play a larger role when OCD starts in childhood (45-65%) compared to when it starts in adulthood (27-47%).

What About PANDAS?

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) is a type of OCD that occurs in childhood following the body’s reaction to infection. PANDAS looks very different from other forms of childhood OCD, the most obvious difference being that it happens very suddenly, with the child starting to have symptoms seemingly overnight, and has a very severe impact on the child’s life.

Future Research

Research is the key to finding the cause of OCD. The IOCDF provides funding support for researchers in the OCD and related disorders field through the IOCDF Research Grant Program. The IOCDF also hosts the Annual IOCDF Research Symposium, an event that takes place each year the day before the Annual OCD Conference.

What Part Of The Brain Causes Gambling Problems Involving

Learn More About OCD

Who Gets OCD?
What Causes OCD?
How is OCD Diagnosed?
How is OCD Treated?
How Do I Find Help for OCD?
Related Disorders

Sources:

• [1] March J. & Benton C. (2007). Talking Back to OCD (pp.10-11). The Guilford Press. ↩