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

• 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.^[1]
• 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.

• Presence of other mental or neurologic conditions, such as:^[1]

• 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.

• Experiencing childhood physical or sexual abuse.^[1]
• 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.

• Experiencing childhood behavioral inhibition.^[1]
• Experiencing higher negative emotionality.

There are no established risk factors for [disease name].

OR

The most potent risk factor in the development of [disease name] is [risk factor 1]. Other risk factors include [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].

OR

Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].

OR

Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.

There are no established risk factors for [disease name].

OR

The most potent risk factor in the development of [disease name] is [risk factor 1]. Other risk factors include [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].

OR

Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].

• Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.
• Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include:
  • [Risk factor 1]
  • [Risk factor 2]
  • [Risk factor 3]

• Less common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include:
  • [Risk factor 1]
  • [Risk factor 2]
  • [Risk factor 3]