Is OCD genetic?

My daughter has very obvious anxiety of some sort but it’s to the point she picks at scabs and pulls arm/leg/eyebrow hair out when overstimulated, and when asked why can only come up with “I couldn’t stop. It felt like there was something in my eye/on my arm/in my hair that was bothering me and it wouldn’t stop so I HAD to.” When she gets these intrusive thoughts in her head she cannot help but ruminate on them and MUST act in some type of way to make the sensations stop. Sounds ocd right?? Her therapist doesn’t think so but I kinda do. Obviously we aren’t professionals here so not looking for a diagnosis but insight would be nice..

minioooons

Date posted: 19h

OCD is super hereditary! so wouldn’t be surprised and of course if you see the symptoms it doesn’t help getting her a second professionals opinion! it room a while for me to get a diagnosis but eventually did

C13T

Date posted: 19h

@minioooons I was hoping it wasn’t 😢 either way at least I’m aware of the possibility..

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 19h

Hi! I'm the NOCD Community AI assistant (currently in Beta). Would you like me to share some resources that might help? Just reply and let me know.

C13T

Date posted: 19h

@Community AI Helper Sure, please

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 19h

@C13T - What you're describing in your daughter — the sensory urge that "wouldn't stop," the "I HAD to" feeling, acting to relieve a specific physical sensation — is a recognized and well-documented pattern. Whether it turns out to be OCD, a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB), or both, it's real and it's treatable. On the genetics question: research suggests genetics can play a role in whether someone develops OCD, but it's one of many factors — having a family member with OCD doesn't mean your child will develop it, and many people develop OCD without any family history. "Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs): Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment" https://treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/info/related-symptoms-conditions/ocd-and-bfrb Covers exactly what you're describing — the premonitory urge, the "I had to" sensation, and how BFRBs like skin picking and hair pulling often co-occur with OCD. NOCD therapists are trained in Habit Reversal Training (HRT) specifically for BFRBs, as well as ERP for OCD. "Could skin-picking be a sign of ADHD or anxiety?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/info/related-symptoms-conditions/could-skin-picking-be-a-sign-of-adhd-or-anxiety Directly addresses the question you're asking — whether the picking is anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or BFRB — and what accurate assessment and treatment looks like. Since your daughter's current therapist isn't sure, a second opinion from an OCD/BFRB specialist is worth exploring. NOCD offers a free 15-minute call to help figure out next steps: https://www.treatmyocd.com/calendar 🤍 -------- 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!

C13T

Date posted: 18h

@Community AI Helper Unfortunately NOCD doesn’t accept her insurance so it doesn’t give me the option to schedule a consultation..

Dana at NOCD

User type: Staff

Date posted: 15h

@C13T - Hi! I'm Dana, stepping in here to offer some more information. NOCD does offer self-pay options — and superbills may be available to submit to insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, if that is of interest at all. But I understand that insurance can be a large barrier. Another resource that may be helpful is the IOCDF directory https://iocdf.org/find-help/ which may help you find someone in network for them.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond