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

Overview

Risk factors for obsessive compulsive disorder include family history and stressful life events.

Risk Factors

Risk factors may include:

• 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 syndrome , attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , substance abuse , eating disorders , and certain personality disorders.

PANDAS, which refers to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal Infections, is a term that refers to a group of children who have OCD and/or a tic disorder, which gets worse or is related to strep throat . Researchers are studying what causes this, for example, antibodies in the body may interact with the brain.

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

• 5. Pregnancy and Postpartum- 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.

References

Carson RC. Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life . 11th ed. Allyn and Bacon; 2000.

Moretti G, Pasquini M, Mandarelli G, et al. What every psychiatrist should know about PANDAS: a review. Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health. 2008 May 21;4:13.

van Groothest DS, Cath DC, Beekman AT, Boomsma DI. Twin studies on OCD: A review. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2005;8:450-458.