In certain individuals, a major life event such as a relationship breakdown, the loss of a loved one, or the birth of a child may be associated with the onset of OCD, though for others onset can be gradual with no identifiable trigger.
Factors linked to an increased risk of developing OCD include:
- A family history of OCD: People with OCD are more likely to have a family member who has had this condition.
- Personal psychological factors: Unhelpful thinking styles such as perfectionism are thought to increase a person's risk of developing OCD.
- Neurological or biological factors: Brain circuitry related to anxiety responses and the 'turning off' of repeat thoughts may be different between individuals with and without OCD.