• Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Books
    • Vitamin Weed
    • CBD Oil For Health
  • Courses
  • Consults
  • About
    • About Dr. Ross
    • Press Coverage
  • Services
    • Business Consulting
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Speaking
  • Blog
    • Health
    • Nutrition
    • Cannabis
    • Beauty
    • Fitness
    • Life
  • Contact
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Search

Dr. Michele Ross

Dr. Michele Ross

Cannabis Coach & Cannabis Consulting

  • Books
    • Vitamin Weed
    • CBD Oil For Health
    • Kratom Is Medicine
    • Train Your Brain To Get Thin
  • Courses
    • Cannabis For Pelvic Pain
    • Cannabis For Migraine
    • Cannabis For Fibromyalgia
  • Consults
    • Cannabis 101 Consultation
  • About
    • About Dr. Ross
    • Press Coverage
  • Services
    • Business Consulting
    • Speaking
  • Contact
Dr. Ross > Health > 6 Risk Factors For Developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

6 Risk Factors For Developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

woman with OCD talking to her therapist
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Email

The mental health condition obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as OCD, involves obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Nearly 3% of Americans have OCD, so it is more common to have it than you would think. Stigma surrounding the disease likely stops people from disclosing that they have it to friends, family, or co-workers.

OCD is not to be confused with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. While both have overlapping characteristics, the former encompasses the intrusiveness of thoughts and behaviors while the latter impacts personality traits. To elaborate, OCD is characterized by the obsessions and compulsions of the mind. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by the need to be in control or to achieve perfectionism.

Characterizing Symptomatology of OCD

OCD is often misunderstood, with many holding the perspective that such thoughts and behaviors are easily recognizable and thus changeable. On the contrary, while such obsessions and compulsions may certainly be recognizable by the individual with the condition, they are not a matter of choice but rather an incessant and uncontrollable need.

Symptoms of OCD aren’t fleeting, nor are they simply a casual annoyance. Rather, they’re long-lasting and persistent, only getting more intense with time. This differentiates those who think they have “OCD” because they feel a “need” to fold a t-shirt correctly and those who suffer tremendously from the disorder, which constantly controls their every action.

The symptoms involved with OCD are primarily those of obsessions or compulsions.

Obsessions in OCD

Obsessions are often the beginnings of OCD, starting as an intrusive thought and later developing into a compulsion to act on it. While the range of topics, situations, and circumstances vary significantly for those with obsessive thoughts, the following are some of the most common obsessive thoughts:

  • Germ Phobias
  • Thoughts of Self-harming
  • Fantasies of Violence and Sexual Acts
  • Intrusive Imagery
  • Need for Order
  • Illogical Concerns Regarding Loved Ones
  • Fear of Far-Reaching, Often Illogical Events Occurring


When such intrusive thoughts enter the brain of those with OCD, it immediately becomes an obsession, and they cannot ultimately ignore, suppress, or find the rationale to deal with it.

Failing to seek professional help to manage and treat these intrusive thoughts may result in further developments of obsession to the point of debilitation and an inability to function in daily life.

Compulsions in OCD

Compulsions result secondarily from an obsessive thought as a way to try to relieve the anxiety and stress caused by that obsessive thought. Compulsory actions usually persist as uncontrollably repetitive actions.

Similar to obsessions, compulsions can manifest in many different ways, situations, and circumstances. The following are some common examples:

  • Persistent Hand-Washing
  • Repetitive Locking of Doors
  • Organizing Objects to Perfection
  • Touching Something Numerous Times
  • Collecting Things in Mass
  • Mentally Reliving an Action or Past Decision

When obsessive thoughts become compulsive acts, the ability of the individual to manage the symptoms becomes extremely difficult. At this point, failing to seek help will result in reaching a point of debilitation and an inability to function in daily life.

Risk Factors Associated with OCD

The risk factors associated with the diagnosis of OCD can be external or internal and can be related to family history. OCD is also correlated with levels of serotonin in the brain, which impacts mood and other regulatory functions.

The following are some of the 6 most notable risk factors:

Stress

Increased stress over time has been shown to increase the risk of developing OCD, and those that already have OCD can have worsening symptoms with additional stress.

Personal Trauma

Individuals who have suffered personal trauma such as child abuse or neglect are much more likely to develop OCD.

Personality Characteristics

Certain personality traits are also highly correlated with OCD, such as perfectionism, worry, overthinking, and fear. If these traits are present, OCD can often result.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

People who have a history of brain injury such as traumatic brain injury or stroke are more likely to develop OCD.

Genetics

People who have genetic mutation or SNP have a high correlation with the development of OCD.

Chemical Imbalance

Obsessive-compulsive disorder may be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Researchers have shown levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, as well as glutamate and dopamine, are changed in the brains of patients with OCD. Confirming this is the fact that many patients with OCD respond well to treatment with a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), which work to boost and normalize serotonin transmission in the brain.

Clearly a chemical imbalance is not enough to cause OCD, as not all people with depression or chemical imbalances go on to develop OCD, but it is possible that a chemical imbalance, along with a genetic mutation that increases risk for OCD and/or additional severe stress could cause a perfect storm in some patients.

Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

If you think you might have OCD, the first step is to seek out a diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist, therapist, or other healthcare provider. If the diagnosis of OCD is made, it’s best to continue to follow up with a mental health professional to decide on the best course of treatment.

In most cases, OCD requires a multifaceted approach in order to successfully manage the condition, and this usually includes medication and therapy. Some people have benefited from combined medical and cognitive behavioral therapy, and some have done well with either singular medication treatment or singular behavioral therapy.

Other potential treatments include deep brain stimulation, which is the process of placing electrodes on specific locations in the brain. This treatment is usually reserved for cases in which all other treatments, including medication and therapy, have been unsuccessful. The procedure is performed by a neurosurgeon and has the associated risks of surgery; however, the results seen by this procedure have been very promising.

Treatment of OCD most often involves medication, and some examples of the most effective medications include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Clomipramine, and Effexor. These medications work by affecting serotonin levels, and they have been very effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD.

Cannabis For OCD

Alternative treatments such as CBD oil and cannabis have been explored by the 40% of patients who have not responded well to prescription medications or prefer to not use them due to side effects such as decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. CBD oil differs from THC products in that CBD is less euphoric than THC and has anxiolytic properties by directly activating serotonin receptors subtype 5-HT1A.

So far, research suggests that CBD oil and smoking or vaping cannabis or hemp flower rich in CBD, not THC, is more beneficial for obsessive-compulsive disorder. A study using the app Strainprint found a 60% reduction in compulsions, a 49% reduction in intrusions, and 52% reduction in anxiety after inhaling cannabis of any type, although higher doses or concentrations of CBD were the most effective in reducing compulsions.

Final Thoughts

OCD can be a debilitating condition, yet it can be treated and managed with professional interventions by a mental health professional. In addition, the condition should be evaluated and treated early to achieve the best results. Consider all options, including using CBD to complement your treatment plan or as alternative medicine.

Pin This Post

woman with OCD obsessing in kitchen

Share This Post

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Email

By: Michele Ross, PhD · In: Cannabis, Health · Tagged: CBD, mental health, OCD

Avatar photo

About Michele Ross, PhD

Dr. Michele Ross is a neuropharmacologist helping chronic pain patients with alternative medicine. She is the author of Kratom is Medicine, Vitamin Weed, CBD Oil For Health & Train Your Brain To Get Thin & the CEO of Infused Partners.

you’ll also love

How Men’s Support Groups Encourage Personal Growth and Wellness
cannabis leaf medical marijuana weed gummy and pot brownieStay Green and Serene with Cannabis Safety Tips
woman standing with hemp leaf smiling against purple background relaxedUnderstanding CBD and Hemp to Enhance Your Health Naturally

Join the List

Stay up to date & receive the latest posts in your inbox.

Next Post >

9 Nursing School Tips For Success

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dr. Ross

Meet Dr. Ross
hello!

I help women heal pain using plant medicine include cannabis, kratom, & mushrooms.

Learn More

Connect

Featured Posts

Building Strong Family Bonds: Tips for New Parents

5 Lucrative Career Choices For Nurses

8 Signs You May Need Mental Health Support

join the list

Categories

  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life

Search

ready to get started?

I can't wait to work with you

I've been working with plant medicine for over 15 years, written 5 books, and spoken around the world. I know the ins & outs of what makes a good product and which ones you or your clients should be taking.

Education Services

follow @drmicheleross

Who’s going to @champstradeshows in Las Vegas? Who’s going to @champstradeshows in Las Vegas?I’ll be there on Wednesday & speaking on a panel on 7-OH. Details coming soon ✈️#champstradeshow #champstradeshows #champstradeshowlasvegas #champstradeshowlasvegas #champstradeshow #champstradeshows
I failed my annual mammogram. I was scheduled for I failed my annual mammogram. I was scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to potentially look for breast cancer…and boy did this cause some scanxiety!Good news! There’s no lumps, bumps, cysts, tumors, etc. my tests are normal.So why did I flunk my first mammogram? It could have been a glitch. Or…Hormones can cause breast tissue to be slightly different from week to week or scan to scan, which is why they suggest not doing your scan the week before your period (which is when I got scanned). It can be hard for women to avoid that week though when appointments are often made months in advance.Either way, I’ll be back next year for my 3rd mammogram. I hope you’ll remember to schedule yours.#breastcancer #mammogram #annualmammogram #scanxiety #perimenopausehealth #womenover40
I’m on the Threads app! Come follow me @drmichel I’m on the Threads app! Come follow me @drmicheleross there too. It’s like Twitter but better.#fibromyalgiaawareness #painreliefoptions #healthcoaching #herbalistlife #neuroscientist
So excited to share that I was interviewed about S So excited to share that I was interviewed about S@x and Psilocyb!n Mushr00ms for Jennifer Chesak’s new book “The Psilocyb!n Handbook for Women.”Not going to give any spoilers…but our conversation might surprise you in a good way.Ladies, this book is a fun read that gives you the details on what’s really important for us…mushr00ms are more than Silicon Valley bros trying to get more work done, people looking for help with intense addictions, and rave kiddos tripping every weekend.This is a must read! Link in bi0.#witchystuff #sexystuff #womenover40 #healingtrauma #healingjourney
Happy Mother’s Day! Give your liver a break and Happy Mother’s Day! Give your liver a break and keep your breasts cancer-free by choosing healthier ways to relax and celebrate instead of alcohol.I can’t dive too deep into specifics here on Instagram, but just know there are natural, plant-based substances full of antioxidants & they can fight inflammation, rewire your brain & release trauma, and relieve pain.Or they can just put you in your happy place for that brief & rare moment you have some time to yourself away from the kiddos.Just know I am always here to hold a safe, supportive & non-judgmental container for you to explore relaxation, relief, and even JOY in every form. 🌈💚🍄P.S. Lucky moms, check out my link in bio for a special Mother’s Day offer.#mothersdaygiftideas #happymothersday❤️ #happymotherday #happymothersday2023 #sobercurious

Footer

Read Dr. Ross’s Books

  • Kratom Is Medicine
  • Vitamin Weed
  • CBD Oil For Health
  • Train Your Brain To Get Thin

Popular Topics

  • CBD
  • Kratom
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Pain
  • Psychedelics
  • Sex

Legal

  • About Dr. Michele Ross
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Advertising
  • Contact

On the Blog

  • Health
  • Nutrition
  • Cannabis
  • Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Life

© 2013-2025 INFUSED PARTNERS. This website is for informational & entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.