Is ocd genetic? Because I'm convinced my nan h... - OCD Support

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Is ocd genetic? Because I'm convinced my nan has it and has passed it to me

Laverne79 profile image
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Laverne79
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6 Replies

Hi Larverne79

I'm not sure but I think it can be.

I seem to remember certain things my mother use to do when I was growing up and she suffered from anxiety & depression.

Then it wouldn't have been a recognised illness in the 60's/70's.

lavender59 profile image
lavender59

Hi, im convinced myself that it is. Looking back my mother had off and my two brothers have it one very severely. I have suffered with it for 48 yrs and both my children have it too

Laverne79 profile image
Laverne79

Thank you both today I had a open and honest conversation with my mum and told her everything and it turns out she has exactly the same as me I was gobsmacked. I never told anyone the extend of my OCD I kept it as a secret but so did she she is also on the same antidepressant as me and it turns out that my nan does have it as well I don't feel like on my own anymore.

Charlotte_OCD profile image
Charlotte_OCDVolunteer

Hello!

When it comes to the genetics of things like OCD, it can be quite complicated! What's clear is that there is no one 'OCD gene' that means that you will or will not have OCD. What we tend to talk about is an increased risk or vulnerability.

Studies have shown that if you have a relative with OCD, you are more likely to suffer with it yourself, but that could be down to genetics but also shared environments etc.

It's fantastic that you were able to talk openly and honestly to your mum about your OCD - it was probably a huge relief to you both to discover that you weren't alone. Hopefully you can now both support each other in working to beat the OCD.

Best of luck and see you around,

Lottie

Laverne79 profile image
Laverne79

Thank you lottie it sounds bad but I was relieved when my mum told me she had it to I have felt so alone and now I know that my mum understands and can give me advice and incouragement when I need it and I can for her xxx

kezzer1970 profile image
kezzer1970

Hi

I'm not sure in terms of proper scientific research, but I found out after some time that at least one member of my distant family experienced OCD symptoms which began at a similar age to mine, so may be there is some genetic predisposition somewhere, perhaps only triggered in some circumstances though, as my sister doesn't have any signs of OCD at all.

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