Researchers Identify Hundreds of Genes Linked to OCD in Largest Study to Date
A groundbreaking international study has uncovered hundreds of genetic markers tied to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), offering fresh insight into one of the world’s most disabling mental health conditions.Analyzing the DNA of more than 53,000 people with OCD and over 2 million without the disorder, researchers identified 30 regions of the genome containing 249 genes associated with the illness. Of those, 25 emerged as strong contributors to OCD risk.
“No single gene causes OCD, but taken together, these findings help us understand why the condition develops and why it looks different from person to person,” said Dr. Carol Mathews, a psychiatrist at the University of Florida and lead author of the study.
The study found that many of the implicated genes are highly active in brain regions responsible for decision-making, fear, motivation, and habit formation all areas that malfunction in OCD. Researchers also found overlap between OCD-related genes and those linked to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome.
Globally, OCD affects about one in 50 people and is among the top 10 causes of disability. The condition often emerges in childhood or adolescence and can severely disrupt daily life. People with OCD face a significantly higher risk of premature death from both natural and nonnatural causes, including suicide.
While genetic research won’t lead to immediate cures, scientists believe the findings could pave the way for more targeted therapies. “Understanding the biology behind OCD is the first step toward better, more personalized treatments,” Mathews said.
The results also pointed to unexpected connections between OCD and the immune system, suggesting links to asthma, migraines, and even a reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Experts say larger studies and further research are needed, but the genetic map offers a crucial piece in the puzzle of how OCD develops and how it might one day be treated more effectively.
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