It suggests a genetic component to OCD predisposes some individuals to the illness.
What is the COMT gene?
The COMT gene is responsible for dopamine. Those who have OCD were found to have a variation in the COMT gene which led to higher dopamine levels.
Why is OCD polygenic?
OCD is polygenic as it is not determined by a single gene, but multiple (as many as 230).
What is the SERT gene?
The SERT gene is linked to serotonin. Those who have OCD were found to have a variation in the SERT gene which led to lowerserotonin levels.
What did Nestadt et al (2010) prove?
In 2010, Nestadt conducted a study where he found that 68% of identical twins and 31% of non-identical twins had OCD, which suggests a very strong genetic component.
What did Lewis prove in 1936?
He assessed 50 patients with OCD and found that 37% of them had parents with OCD, and 21% had siblings with OCD. This suggests a genetic bias.
