Researchers have identified specific genes which create a vulnerability for OCD, called candidate genes.
Serotonin genes e.g 5HT1-D beta, are implicated in the transmission of serotonin across synapses.
Dopamine genes are also implicated in OCD and may regulate mood.
Both dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters.
OCD is polygenic
OCD is not caused by 1 single gene but several genes are involved.
TAYLOR (2013) found evidence that up to 230 different genes may be involved in OCD.
Different types of OCD
One group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group of genes may cause the disorder in another person - known as aetiologically heterogeneous.
There is also evidence that different types of OCD may be the result of particular genetic variations, such as hoarding disorder and religious obsession.
