New Study Links Trauma to Onset and Exacerbation of OCD Symptoms

Recent research conducted by psychologists and psychiatrists suggests that experiencing trauma, especially severe incidents like war and violence, can directly lead to the development or worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This groundbreaking study, led by Prof. Eyal Kalanthroff from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Prof. Helen Blair Simpson from Columbia University, examined 132 adults, including survivors from communities heavily affected by the Hamas assault in the Gaza region.

Follow-up after four to six months revealed that nearly 40% of those exposed to the violence met the criteria for probable OCD, a stark contrast to just 7% in a control group. Notably, about a quarter of these survivors reported new OCD symptoms appearing after the traumatic events, with many others experiencing a significant intensification of pre-existing symptoms.

This study is the first to directly demonstrate the link between acute trauma and the onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors. It also highlights that trauma severe enough to induce symptoms similar to PTSD can also trigger OCD, aligning with the diathesis-stress model. This model posits that genetic predispositions combined with extreme stress can manifest in various psychiatric disorders.

Among survivors, common new compulsions included checking behaviors—verifying locks, windows, and doors repeatedly—often driven by fears of invasion or threat to safety. These behaviors provided a fragile sense of control amidst chaos but were accompanied by other symptoms like compulsive cleaning or ordering.

The researchers emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening for trauma survivors, not only for PTSD or depression but also for OCD. Treatment approaches should consider the full spectrum of trauma-related psychological effects to effectively support recovery.

The findings underscore the profound psychological impact of conflict and violence, influencing mental health across generations. The study encourages the mental health community to adopt more holistic strategies that address co-occurring disorders associated with traumatic experiences.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-trauma-trigger-ocd-ptsd.html]