The association across stressful life events, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and broader psychopathology

This thesis suggests that SLEs may be considered as risk factors for OCS such as symmetry and hoarding symptoms and that these behaviours may elicit a sense of regaining control following exposure of SLEs and/or may reflect stress-induced neurocognitive disruptions involving dopaminergic, risk-related neurocircuitry. This evidence suggests that OCS may be a ‘window’ of opportunity and target for early interventions. Through informing more sensitive assessments for the early detection of risk and avenues to tailor interventions to target early risk, the current thesis adds to the broader field and mission of improving outcomes for individuals at-risk for OCD.