Is OCD Genetic?

If you’re bothered by obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might wonder if it’s because your parents had it or if your child is at risk. It may be a bit of both, and here’s why.

About 1 in 40 adults will have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during their lifetime. OCD tends to run in families, which hints at a genetic link.

If a close relative has OCD, your chances of developing it are higher than average. But there are other risk factors. Genetic factors may increase your OCD risk, but they don’t guarantee it.

If OCD is causing problems in your daily activities, see Evan Donin, PMHNP-BC, at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. in Palm Harbor, Florida, or Melville, New York, for a mental health evaluation and OCD treatment recommendations.

OCD symptoms

Symptoms of OCD to be aware of include:

Unwanted or intrusive thoughts or urges
Depression
Anxiety
Repetitive mental rituals or actions
Fear of germs or dirt
Constant hand washing
Not touching door knobs or shaking hands
Fear of hurting others or yourself
Having a strong need for neatness, order, and symmetry
Doubting your partner’s attraction or love
Constantly checking for locked doors
Continuous cleaning
Doing things over and over
Needing a strict routine
Demanding reassurance

OCD symptoms can interfere with many daily activities. For example, they could make you late for school or work, cause relationship conflicts, or lead to emotional distress.

Your symptoms might feel impossible to control or stop, even when you want to, and may worsen during stressful situations.

Potential causes of OCD

Though the exact cause isn’t clear, possible risk factors for OCD include:

Genetics

If you have a genetic family member with OCD, your risk of developing it is higher, meaning a genetic component is likely involved. Having another mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, tic disorder, or substance use disorder, is also a risk factor that could stem from genetics.

Environmental factors

However, OCD might be learned from observing a family member’s behavior patterns over time, so that it could develop in response to your environment. Other possible environmental causes might include stressful life events or trauma (abuse, neglect, etc.).

Some children develop OCD symptoms after having an infection, such as scarlet fever or strep throat, but these potential causes are still being studied.

So, is OCD genetic?

Based on current medical knowledge and research, OCD tends to run in families, so genetics likely play a role in its development, at least somewhat. Your risk is higher if you have a sibling or parent with OCD.

However, this isn’t always the case, since not everyone with OCD has a family history of this common mental health condition. OCD could be learned, appear because of a negative childhood experience, or develop because of another mental health disorder or physical health problem.

To learn if you have OCD, Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. offers a psychiatric evaluation to review your lifestyle, moods, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Your personalized treatment plan may include medication management, therapy, and/or lifestyle modifications.

Visit with our experts at Sunshine Mental Wellness Associates Inc. by contacting us by phone or online today to get screened or treated for OCD.