Background:
Identifying childhood risk factors for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is essential for improved understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis. Previous research has been largely reliant on retrospective self-report measurement of risk factors. The purpose of the current study was to link early appearing temperamental traits, behaviour, psychiatric symptoms and environmental stressors to the later emergence of OCD.
Methods:
Longitudinal data were collected from participants of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Developmental Study. Study members were assessed from birth to adulthood on various measures of health and behaviour. Childhood temperament, behaviour, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial stressors were linked with adult diagnostic outcomes.
Results:
Preliminary findings suggest that certain types of childhood temperament and behaviour styles were associated with increased risk of developing OCD in adulthood. Childhood symptoms of OCD and childhood abuse were also risk factors for adult OCD diagnosis. Associations between childhood factors and OCD were largely independent of gender or socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
Results of the current study suggests that within-child characteristics and adverse life events play a role in the development of OCD. Findings also underline the need for targeted interventions for children with high-risk temperament or behavioural styles or childhood OCD symptoms.
