If you struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might find yourself wondering how it developed. So, can trauma cause OCD? Experts say there’s a strong connection, with 50-60% of OCD patients having experienced at least one traumatic life event. Understanding the link between trauma and OCD can provide insight into why OCD manifests in certain individuals and how it can be treated.
Trauma is an emotional and physiological response to an event or series of events that a person perceives as painful, harmful, or life-threatening. It can result from experiences such as:
The effects of trauma can be immediate or long-term and can influence a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While some people recover naturally over time, others may see their trauma morph into full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or other conditions like major depressive disorder or OCD.
There are several types of trauma, depending on the nature, duration, and impact of the event. Here are the main types:
Trauma affects everyone differently. The first response is often relief, especially after surviving a life-threatening situation; however, this can quickly be followed by stress, fear, anger, or confusion.
Because trauma is subjective, two people can go through the same experience and react in completely different ways. How someone responds depends on their coping skills, past experiences, support system, and emotional resilience. Here’s a breakdown of how one might react to a traumatic event:
Type of Response | Symptoms |
Emotional | Fear, anxiety, sadness, guilt, shame, numbness, detached, emotional overwhelmed |
Cognitive | Difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts, memory problems, constant worry |
Behavioral | Avoidance of reminders, withdrawal from loved ones, irritability, increased risk-taking |
Physical | Headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, digestive issues |
Not all cases of OCD are trauma related; however, recent research suggests that trauma may be a contributing factor in the development of OCD, or trauma OCD. While OCD is influenced by genetic and neurological factors, prolonged exposure to traumatic or highly stressful events can increase susceptibility to OCD.
Trauma can disrupt emotional regulation and increase feelings of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. In response, some people develop obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors as a way to regain a sense of control or prevent perceived harm.
For instance, a person who has experienced a home invasion may develop compulsive checking behaviors related to locks and security. Someone who has gone through emotional abuse may engage in compulsions aimed at seeking reassurance or avoiding perceived wrongdoing.
Generally, the type of trauma does not matter, but rather how a person responds to said trauma. Some types of trauma may have a stronger connection to the disorder than others.
Research suggests that direct exposure to trauma is more likely to contribute to OCD than indirect exposure (e.g., hearing about a traumatic event happening to someone else). Both types of trauma can be painful, but the psychological impact of each one is different.
Yes, certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing OCD following trauma, especially as the severity of the traumatic experience increases. In other words, the more intense or prolonged the trauma, the greater the likelihood of developing OCD symptoms.
One group that is most vulnerable is survivors of sexual trauma. Studies show that sexual abuse or assault victims are more likely to develop OCD and PTSD compared to those who have gone through other types of trauma. This may be due to the high levels of fear, guilt, and loss of control associated with sexual trauma.
While trauma can contribute to OCD symptoms, it’s not the only trigger. Here are some other triggers of OCD:
Because OCD and PTSD share overlapping symptoms, exposure-based treatments are often recommended for both conditions. Two effective approaches are exposure and response prevention (ERP) and narrative exposure therapy (NET).
ERP is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that gradually exposes individuals to their fears while preventing compulsive behaviors. By repeatedly facing distressing thoughts or situations without engaging in rituals, the brain learns to reduce the anxiety response over time.
NET is a trauma-focused therapy that helps people process distressing memories by creating a structured account of their life. By organizing past events into a coherent narrative, patients can make sense of their experiences and reduce pain and suffering that’s linked to traumatic memories.
A study found that using ERP and NET together led to significant improvements in both OCD and PTSD symptoms. The patient’s OCD symptoms dropped to non-clinical levels, and trauma-related stress also decreased. This suggests that treating both disorders at the same time can be effective for those with trauma-related OCD.
Other treatments that may help include:
Since OCD and trauma-related symptoms go hand-in-hand sometimes, a treatment plan that addresses both disorders at the same time may lead to the best outcomes.
Whether your OCD developed as a response to trauma or has been a long-standing struggle, the compassionate team at Cura Behavioral Health is here for you. We provide comprehensive outpatient therapy, medication management, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to help individuals manage OCD, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
If OCD and trauma are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to face them alone. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health services in Los Angeles.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
