Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sonya Gelfand, Abhishek Reddy, Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

Risk factors for obsessive compulsive disorder include genetic predisposition, a variety of genetic factors, environmental factors, and brain structure and function.

Risk Factors

Genetic Predisposition

• Research suggests that the condition tends to run in families. A person who has OCD has a 25% chance of having a blood relative who has it. One study found that children inherit OCD symptoms in 45%-60% of cases, while adults inherit the symptoms in 27%-47% of cases.
• People with first-degree relatives who have OCD, especially if the first-degree relative developed OCD as a child or teen, are at a higher risk for OCD.

Genetic Factors

• Presence of other mental or neurologic conditions, such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Tourette's syndrome
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Streptococcal infection
• PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders)

• Pregnancy or post-partum period: OCD symptoms may worsen during, and immediately after pregnancy. In this case, fluctuating hormones can trigger symptoms. Postpartum OCD is characterized by disturbing thoughts and compulsions regarding the baby’s well-being.

Environment

• Experiencing childhood physical or sexual abuse.
• Experiencing a stressful event (major life changes, such as loss of a loved one, divorce, relationship difficulties, problems in school, or abuse).
• Experiencing a traumatic event.

Brain Structure and Functioning

• Experiencing childhood behavioral inhibition.
• Experiencing higher negative emotionality.