genetic ocd

• • OCD is polygenic, meaning multiple genes contribute to its development.
• • Taylor (2003): Up to 230 genes may be involved, with different genes influencing different OCD subtypes (e.g., hoarding, religious obsessions).
• • Key genes linked to OCD:
  • COMT gene: Regulates dopamine. A variation of this gene leads to higher dopamine levels, which is common in OCD patients.
• • Ozaki et al. (2003): Study on two unrelated families with SERT gene mutations; 6 out of 7 family members had OCD.
• • SERT gene (5-HTT gene): Affects serotonin transport, leading to lower serotonin levels, linked to OCD and depression.
• Diathesis-Stress Model – Genes create vulnerability but do not directly cause OCD; environmental factors play a role. G+E=Phenotype - they could have it and not even notice
• Ocd symptoms = when the gene is abnormal or mutated
• Sert gene is responsible for serotonin neutrotransmitter which is abnormally low in people with ocd
• Comt gene is responsible for the dopamine neurotransmitter which is abnormally high in people with ocd