Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors

Obsessive-compulsive disorder Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Substance/Medication-induced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder due to Another Medical Condition
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Interventions
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors
CDC on Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors
Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors in the news
Blogs on Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors
Directions to Hospitals Treating Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Risk calculators and risk factors for Obsessive-compulsive disorder risk factors

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 positive family history, pregnancy, certain infections, and stressful life events.

Risk Factors

• Behavioral inhibition in childhood
• First-degree relatives
• Genetic predisposition
• Higher negative emotionality
• Physical and sexual abuse in childhood
• Stressful event (major life changes, such as loss of a loved one, divorce, relationship difficulties, problems in school, or abuse)
• 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
  • 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.