Assessment of risk factors in children suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder

Abstract

Background Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating illness. The exploration of risk factors of obsessive–compulsive in childhood will offer a different perspective in order to reduce the prevalence of lifelong OCD. Aim of the study This study assessed some risk factors of OCD in a sample of children suffering from OCD, which included history of stressful and/or traumatic life events, positive family history of OCD, pattern of parenting styles, and evidence for post-streptococcal infection. Methods The study was conducted as a cross-sectional comparative study, targeting school-age children (6–12 years old) who suffered from OCD in comparison with typically developing age-matched and sex-matched normal children. Results Statistically significantly differences were detected between histories of trauma exposure, anti-streptolysin O titer, and authoritarian parenting styles among the OCD children, in comparison with those of healthy controls. Conclusion Authoritarian parenting style and trauma exposure, particularly of emotional abuse, were established as the most risk factors for developing childhood OCD.