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Is OCD Genetic? Possible Causes & Risk Factors

Published: March 9, 2023 Updated: March 16, 2023
Published: 03/09/2023 Updated: 03/16/2023
Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?What Is OCD?
  • Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Genetic?Is OCD Genetic?
  • Environmental Risk Factors for OCDRisk Factors for OCD
  • Can I Pass My OCD to My Child?Will My Child Have OCD?
  • Treatment for OCDTreatment Options
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Is OCD Genetic? InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

Research suggests that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is partially linked to genetics, as having a family history of the condition increases one’s risk for developing it themselves.1,2,3 However, there are many other contributing factors that play into the onset of symptoms, such as parenting styles and trauma.

NOCD: Effective, Affordable, & Convenient OCD Therapy

Do live, face-to-face video sessions with a therapist that specializes in treating OCD and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans and is available nationwide.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD.

Visit NOCD

What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by obsessions, unwanted thoughts, and compulsions, rigid and repetitive behaviors. Compulsions develop as one attempts to rid themselves of or cope with the anxiety caused by obsessions.4 OCD is one of the most debilitating forms of mental illness, and often causes people extreme distress, and impairment. The symptoms of OCD generally begin emerging in childhood or adolescence.1,2,5

A person’s specific obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can vary depending on the type of OCD they experience. For example, someone with contamination OCD may struggle with intrusive thoughts about germs and bacteria, resulting in compulsive hand-washing, disinfecting, or cleaning. Without treatment, OCD symptoms can worsen to the point where the condition consumes a majority of one’s time and energy.4,6

Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Genetic?

There has been an active debate in the medical and psychiatric field about the role of genetic or biological factors (nature) and social or environmental factors (nurture) in a person’s risk for developing a disease.7

Studies do indicate that having a close family member with OCD, such as a parent or sibling, more than doubles a person’s likelihood of developing the disorder.1,2 Further results suggest this possibility may actually be much higher.2,3 Additionally, research into molecular genetics has identified specific genes that may be involved in OCD. Still, this does not guarantee that a person will develop the condition.5,7,8

Other Biological Risk Factors

There are several other biological factors that increase the risk of one developing OCD. There is some research suggesting edema, excessive weight gain, and complicated, prolonged labor during pregnancy may increase the risk of OCD in offspring. However, this thesis needs to be proven in future studies.8 Additionally, giving birth may be a trigger of postpartum OCD.5

Additionally, some individuals may develop OCD after contracting certain illnesses, such as strep infection. Studies indicate that while infection doesn’t necessarily cause OCD, it can trigger the onset of OCD in children who are genetically predisposed.9 Certain personality traits may increase a person’s risk as well, such as high levels of perfectionism, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.9

Environmental Risk Factors for OCD

It is theorized that genetic and biological predispositions for OCD can be ‘activated’ by certain stressful events or circumstances. Some of these risk factors are common to many mental illnesses, while others are unique to OCD.

Environmental risk factors of OCD may include:5,7,9

  • Experiencing trauma in childhood
  • Overprotective parenting styles
  • Heavy substance use in adolescence
  • Experiencing many major life events and changes at once
  • Being the victim of rape or sexual assault
  • Separation anxiety in children and teens
  • High levels of toxic stress
  • Having another co-occurring mental health condition

Treatment For OCD

NOCD: Effective, Affordable & Convenient OCD Therapy – NOCD therapists specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, the most effective OCD treatment. Treatments are covered by many insurance plans, Visit NOCD


Talkiatry: Virtual psychiatry – Get OCD help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD and Talkiatry.

Can I Pass My OCD to My Child?

If you are diagnosed with OCD, it does not mean that your child will develop it themselves, even if they’re genetically predisposed. In some cases, it is possible to offset genetic risks with protective factors.5,7 It’s important to remember that if your child does experience OCD, there are many effective treatments available. OCD symptoms can often be managed or even overcome with early treatment.10,11

Treatment for OCD

There are several effective treatments for OCD. Therapy is considered the frontline approach, but may sometimes be combined with medication. In therapy, people learn how to cope with obsessive thoughts without relying on compulsive behaviors. Breaking compulsive habits slows or halts the progression of OCD symptoms for many, and is an important aspect of managing the condition.10

Therapy for OCD

Certain types of therapy have proven more effective for individuals with OCD, including cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD, exposure and response prevention for OCD, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).10,11

OCD is commonly misdiagnosed, so it’s important to find the right therapist who specializes in treating the condition to obtain an accurate diagnosis.12 Many people begin their search by using an online therapist directory that allows them to filter results based on location, insurance, and specific treatment needs.

Medication for OCD

In addition to therapy, some individuals with OCD also benefit from psychiatric medication. Antidepressants are generally the most common type of medication for OCD prescribed. However, benzodiazepines*, antipsychotic medications, or anticonvulsant medications are sometimes recommended, as well.10

Medications may help people with OCD reduce obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and urges to engage in compulsive behaviors. Because OCD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, prescriptions may be needed to help reduce symptoms of accompanying disorders as well.10

*This medication has black box warnings, the most serious kind of warnings from the FDA for abuse or misuse, risk of physical dependence and risk of serious side effects, including death, when combined with an opioid.

Final Thoughts

OCD is a mental health condition that is believed to be hereditary. A genetic predisposition can be compounded by certain environmental risk factors like trauma, high levels of stress, or substance use.5,7,9 If you are struggling with OCD, seeking therapy is recommended as it can greatly reduce your symptoms and improve overall well-being.10,11

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

OCD Therapy

NOCD: Effective, Affordable, & Convenient OCD Therapy Do live, face-to-face video sessions with a therapist that specializes in treating OCD and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans and is available nationwide. Visit NOCD

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

OCD Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by OCD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign-Up

Choosing Therapy Directory

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • International OCD Foundation
  • NOCD
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)

Is OCD Genetic? Infographics

Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Genetic?   Environmental Risk Factors for OCD   Can I Pass My OCD to My Child? Treatment for OCD

12 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Hudziak, J. J., et al. (2004). Genetic and environmental contributions to the child behavior ChecklistObsessive-compulsive scale: a cross-cultural twin study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 61(6), 608-616.

  • Hettema, J. M., Neale, M. C., & Kendler, K. S. (2001). A review and meta-analysis of the genetic epidemiology of anxiety disorders. The American journal of psychiatry, 158(10), 1568–1578. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.158.10.1568

  • Nestadt, G., et al. (2000). A family study of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Archives of general psychiatry, 57(4), 358–363. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.57.4.358

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

  • Fontenelle, L. F., & Hasler, G. (2008). The analytical epidemiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder: risk factors and correlates. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 32(1), 1-15.

  • Huppert, J. D., et al. (2009). Quality of life and functional impairment in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a comparison of patients with and without comorbidity, patients in remission, and healthy controls. Depression and anxiety, 26(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20506

  • Stoewen D. L. (2022). Nature, nurture, and mental health Part 1: The influence of genetics, psychology, and biology. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 63(4), 427–430.

  • Vasconcelos, M. S., et al. (2007). Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors in obsessive–compulsive disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 301-307.

  • Beyond OCD. (2019). What Causes OCD? Retrieved from https://beyondocd.org/ocd-facts/what-causes-ocd

  • Walsh, K. H., & McDougle, C. J. (2011). Psychotherapy and medication management strategies for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 485-494.

  • Society of Clinical Psychology. (2015). Psychological Treatments for OCD. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://div12.org/treatments/?_sfm_related_diagnosis=8144

  • Glazier, K., Swing, M., & McGinn, L. K. (2015). Half of obsessive-compulsive disorder cases misdiagnosed: Vignette-based survey of primary care physicians. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(6), e761–e767. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.14m09110

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Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Written by:

Hailey Shafir

LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?What Is OCD?
  • Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Genetic?Is OCD Genetic?
  • Environmental Risk Factors for OCDRisk Factors for OCD
  • Can I Pass My OCD to My Child?Will My Child Have OCD?
  • Treatment for OCDTreatment Options
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Is OCD Genetic? InfographicsInfographics
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