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[1]
- 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[1]
- 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[1]
- 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[1]
- Experiencing childhood behavioral inhibition.
- Experiencing higher negative emotionality.