Expert: John Date: 3/5/2004 Subject: Obsessive Compulsive
Question This trait inherited? My daughter-in-law has this as well as she is Bi-polar, should we be concerned that her young son might lean towards these disorder?
Answer There is some thought that this may be inherited but it is more likely to affect a child in the household who is exposed to the rituals and cleaning, checking or hoarding aspects of OCD. I do not thik it can be said that her son will inherit this (OCD) but the bipolar aspect is a good question. It would be prudent to keep an eye on her son for any kind of traits that may be noted and intervene quickly, but not knowing his age its difficult to say. If you speak to her doctor who is treating her he may have access to the latest research which might point to OCD as being inherited. Schizophrenia has a definate inherited mode but this is not schizophrenia. If her son exhibits any traits about taking extra long showers, or compulsive handwashing, or checking things repeatedly or hoarding things such as worthless wrappers and food containers but not necessarily other items then it may be wise to mention this to your daughter-in-law. I do not see your daughter-in-law as a threat to her son in any way. Be as supportive as you can and maintain contact as much as you can.
