How does trauma impact OCD?

Going through a traumatic event can change the way our brains function—sometimes in unexpected ways. And if you live with OCD, a growing body of research suggests trauma may have an impact on how you navigate and experience the condition. While OCD affects people across the population, its prevalence increases significantly among those who’ve experienced trauma. In particular, people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are nine to 15 times more likely to have OCD than the general population. But the research on OCD and trauma also tells another important story: You don’t have to struggle forever because of what you've been through. These conditions can be treated effectively together—often with life-changing results. Learn more about the relationship between OCD and trauma, whether trauma can cause OCD or worsen symptoms, and why there’s so much reason for hope.

Jae18

Date posted: 11w

Is it possible to get ocd from a traumatic event ? And that the ocd i content is about that event ? I think that was what happened with me when I first got diagnosed 3 years ago but I wanted to clarify

mriley♥

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 11w

Sometimes OCD is essentially in your DNA but not triggered. A traumatic event can trigger the OCD and cause you to begin existing symptoms. I'll never know for myself because my traumatic event happened at the same time as the common onset for OCD. Either way, I would say you can have OCD about your traumatic event fs as OCD can latch on to anything. If you can, talk about it to your therapist and maybe try prolonged exposure for your trauma and exposure response prevention therapy for your OCD. I did this combo and it worked wonders. I am now in maintenance for OCD (conquerer) and no longer meet the clinical requirements for PTSD!

Jae18

Date posted: 11w

@mriley♥ Well I’m not necessarily as triggered as I used to be back then when my thoughts were all about this traumatic event, but I do struggle a lot with ROCD and usually when it’s flaring up I can notice other minor themes coming in as well so it’s been pretty fun . Wish I could actually find a trust worthy therapist/ ocd specialist where I live but circumstances aren’t that helpful at the moment . Thank you so much for your clarification :) <3

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 11w

@Jae18 Discover more about OCD symptoms on our website or schedule a free 15-minute call with our team to learn more.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 11w

I’ve always wanted to know this as well.

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 11w

@Anonymous Discover more about OCD symptoms on our website or schedule a free 15-minute call with our team to learn more.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 11w

@Mackenzie - NOCD Team Member Thanks, Mackenzie, I’ve been a member since last October actually! Are you the Mackenzie that does the webinars with Dr. McGrath? I really enjoyed them. Nice to hear from someone who has lived experience!

Not2Day

Date posted: 11w

Hmmm🤔, interesting.

Misstama65

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 11w

My ocd flares when there are big upheavals in my life... I did have a lot of trauma 'ish stuff growing up

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 11w

@Misstama65 Remember, you are stronger than your OCD!

SarahEH

Date posted: 10w

Incorrect link.

Maeday

Date posted: 10w

My therapist just asked about this in our session. I had an aha moment where I think my ROCD went into overdrive. The problem is, this trauma happened with my now husband. Nothing horribly bad, but something happened early in our relationship that made me feel betrayed. Even though I thought I'd forgiven him, apparently I haven't. Ugh, this is going to be a long process! That was so long ago and it's fueled my ROCD ever since.

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