SYDNEY, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have identified genes linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), offering new hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of the debilitating mental health condition.
Researchers at QIMR Berghofer, formerly the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, analyzed DNA from more than 50,000 people with OCD and 2 million without, uncovering 30 regions of the human genome and around 250 genes associated with the disorder, the institute said in a press release on Tuesday.
"We've been working on this for many years, but these findings have dramatically increased our knowledge of the genetic basis of OCD," said Eske Derks, lead researcher and head of the Translational Neurogenomics Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer.
The genes identified are most active in the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebral cortex, areas of the brain already linked to OCD in previous neurological studies, according to the research published in Nature Genetics.
The findings also showed significant genetic overlap with anxiety, depression, and anorexia, eating disorder, further highlighting OCD's complexity, the news release said.
OCD, which affects around 500,000 Australians, ranges from compulsive cleaning and checking, to fears about causing harm, inappropriate thoughts, or obsessive doubts about relationships and responsibilities, it said.
"It not only impacts the individual, but also the family, because everyone is trying to accommodate the OCD," said clinical psychologist Emily O'Leary, adding that people with OCD are often trapped in constant fear of doing something wrong or harming those they love.
The study could fast-track diagnosis and lead to more targeted treatment, such as exploring how existing drugs used for other conditions could help treat OCD, said the researchers. ■
