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: Abhishek Reddy; Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

Risk factors for obsessive compulsive disorder include a family history, pregnancy, certain infections, and stressful life events.

Risk Factors

Risk factors may include:

• Behavioral inhibition in childhood
• First-degree relatives
• Genetic predisposition
• Higher negative emotionality
• Physical and sexual abuse in childhood
• Stressful event
• Traumatic event

• Age; OCD tends to develop in late adolescence or early adulthood, however, it can begin as early as preschool age and as late as age 40.

• Genetic factors; Research suggests that genes may play a role in the development of OCD in some cases. 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.

• Presence of other mental or neurologic conditions- OCD often occurs in people who have other anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette's syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, eating disorders, and certain personality disorders.

• Streptococcal infection; PANDAS, or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, is a term that refers to a group of children who have developed OCD and/or a tic disorder, after infection with streptococcus. Researchers are studying what causes this and have theories about antibodies in the body which may also interact with the brain.

• Stress; OCD symptoms often develop during stress from major life changes, such as loss of a loved one, divorce, relationship difficulties, problems in school, or abuse.

• Pregnancy and the 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.