Researchers uncovered hundreds of genes linked to OCD, providing clues about how it changes the brain − new research
Obsessive -compulsive disorder He has a lot of unknown, including the reasons that cause it, and why the symptoms can vary a lot between people, how medicines and treatment actually work, and why treatment is effective for some people and not to others. In our newly published research, my colleagues and I took a step towards revealing some of these puzzles Shedding light on genetics from obsessive -compulsive disorder.
Obsessive -compulsive disorder is one of Most weak diseases All over the world. It affects about 1 in every 50 people worldwide, obsessive -compulsive disorder Top 10 reasons From the missing years due to disability, which leads to harmful effects on a person’s ability to work and the job in the world and his family.
Compared to people who do not have obsessive -compulsive disorder, the person who suffers from this condition has 30 % A higher opportunity to die prematurely Among the natural causes, such as infections or other diseases, and a 300 % higher opportunity for death early than abnormal causes, such as accidents or suicide.
People who suffer from obsessive -compulsive disorder are bodies – annoying, repeated and unwanted ideas or mental images – and reviews, such as repeated behaviors and rituals that are implemented to alleviate It usually causes anxiety of obsessions. For example, someone may wash their hands dozens of times or in a specific way to get rid of germs, even if he knows that they are excessive or illogical. It is also common to avoid certain places or situations to reduce anxiety or prevent the operation of concerns and coercion.
While the exact causes of obsessive -compulsive obsessive, researchers know that genetic and environmental factors play a role in their development. Obsessive -compulsive disorder can be operated in families; Studies feature Between 40 % to 65 % One of the cases of obsessive -compulsive disorder of genetic factors. Obsessive -compulsive disorder that begins in childhood has a stronger genetic effect than obsessive -compulsive disorder that begins in adulthood.
But unlike some genetic diseases caused by one defective gene, such as Case or Huntington diseasePoor disorder is affected by hundreds of thousands of genes, each playing a small part of the disease.
My colleagues and I analyzed the DNA of more than 53,000 people with obsessive -compulsive compulsive and more than 2 million people without obsessive -compulsive disorder, the largest study of this type of this condition. We discovered Hundreds of genetic signs It is likely to be associated with OCD – data that we hope will eventually improve the methods of identifying people who are at risk of obsessive -compulsive disorder, and below the line, to better treatments.
How scientists study the science of heredity obsessive -compulsive disorder
To find genes involved in obsessive -compulsive risk, researchers use a method called a Genome bonding study, or GWAS. These DNA studies compare to dozens with hundreds of thousands of people with an interest with DNA of people who have no disease, and are looking for small differences in genetic material. These genetic signs may be associated with OCD or indicate that there are other genes associated with the disease.
In GWAS, scientists carefully experience all millions of genetic signs across the genome to determine those often in people with obsessive -compulsive disorder compared to people who do not have obsessive -compulsive disorder. Then they determine the genes that are associated with these signs, where in the body are active and how they can contribute in this case.
We have identified 30 areas in the X – -related genome, which contains 249 genes of attention in total. Of these, She stood 25 Gina As possible shareholders in the development of obsessive -compulsive disorder.
The first three genes that we also found are associated with other brain disorders such as depressionand Epilepsy and schizophrenia. Many genes of interest to obsessive -compulsive into a genome area are found He plays a role in adaptive immunity It is associated with other mental disorders.
More importantly, no single gene can predict or cause obsessive -compulsive disorder on its own. Previous genetic studies have shown that genes are across Both 23 pairs From chromosomes in people may contribute to the risk of obsessive -compulsive disorder.
Hereditary visions in obsessive -compulsive disorder
Since the contribution of each genetic sign or gene to very small disease, GWAS is not useful for identifying genes that cause obsessive -compulsive disorder of a specific person. Instead, this type of research helps scientists understand how the brain works in people with obsessive -compulsive disorder and whether obsessive -compulsive disorder shares genetic roots with cases that usually occur besides.
For example, the genetic signs that we found were linked to obsessive -compulsive compulsion Very active in Several regions of the brain It is known to play a role in developing the situation. These areas of the brain collectively participate in planning, making decision -making, motivating, detecting errors, organizing feelings, fear and anxiety, all of which can be disrupted in obsessive -compulsive disorder.
We also found links with a brain area And he called under the hypothalamusWhich converts emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety or excitement into physical responses. Under the hypothalamus has not been linked directly to OCD before, but it is part of a network of brain areas that may contribute to its symptoms.
In addition, we found that certain types of brain cells – in particular Medium spinal neurons In a brain area called the scheme – it was strongly linked to the obsessive -compulsive disorder genes that we had identified. Medium spinal neurons play an important role in the formation of habit, the process with which behavior becomes automatically and usual – think of coercion. Specific receptors on medium spinal neurons are common targets for medications that are sometimes used to help treat obsessive -compulsive disorder.
The results of our study can help researchers to better understand the relationships between obsessive -compulsive disorder and other conditions. We found Genetic links Between obsessive -compulsive disorder and many other mental disorders, especially anxiety, depression, loss of appetite and Torite syndrome. People with obsessive -compulsive disorder also showed less genetic risks for circumstances such as dependence on alcohol and risk behavior, and are in line with what doctors see in clinics: many people with obsessive -compulsive disorder tend to be careful and avoid risks.
Surprisingly, we also found Genetic overlap Among the conditions related to obsessive -compulsive disorder. While it seems that the presence of obsessive -compulsive disorder is linked to an increased risk of asthma and migraines, it may also be associated with a lower risk of infection of inflammatory bowel. These results may lead to new visions about the role played by the immune system and inflammation in brain health.
More effective treatment for obsessive -compulsive obsessive
Obsessive -compulsive disorder can look completely different from person to person. Understanding genetic and biological factors behind obsessive -compulsive disorder helps researchers to approach better diagnosis and treatment, and perhaps even prevention.
your Psychiatrist and researcher exerciseI spent my career to understand the causes of obsessive -compulsive disorder and improve the lives of those who live with this situation. Through larger studies and continuous research, I hope that we will better match my team with specific biological patterns with individual symptoms.
Over time, this may lead to more customization and effectiveness treatments – improving the lives of millions of people living with obsessive -compulsive disorder around the world.
This article has been republished from ConversationAn independent, non -profit news organization brings you facts and trusted analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Carol Matthewsand Florida University
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Carroll Matthews receive funding from the National Institutes of Health. She is a member of the scientific advisory councils of the Family Foundation for OCD and the International Pomented Participation Foundation, and behaves as a consultant to the mental health office in New York State.
