Genetic AO1

• The genetic explanation suggests that OCD is inherited
• Individuals inherit specific genes which cause OCD
• OCD is a polygenic condition
• What does polygenic mean?

  Multiple genes are involved in development of a condition
• According to Taylor (2013) up to 230 different genes may be invloved in OCD
• How can genes that cause OCD be identified?

  Comparing DNA of person with OCD with other people to showed that some genes make people more vulnerable to developing OCD
• What are candidate genes?


  Genes that are believed to be associated with a particular trait or disease.
• What are the two candidate genes associated with OCD?

  COMT gene and SERT gene
• What is the COMT gene?

  A gene that codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine
• What is dopamine?

  Neurotransmitter which produces pleasure when the ‘reward pathway‘ in the brain is activated
• What variation of the COMT gene is more common in patients with OCD?

  Variation that results in higher levels of dopamine
• What is the SERT gene?

  The SERT gene encodes the serotonin transporter protein. Variation may cause lower levels of serotonin which is associated with OCD (and depression)