OCD: Genetic Explanation

Question 1

Who is the risk of developing OCD higher for?

Answer 1

First-degree relatives.

Question 2

What is OCD in regards to the amounts of genes that cause it?

Answer 2

Polygenic.

Question 3

What is meant by polygenic?

Answer 3

OCD is caused by a combination of genetic variations that cause increased vulnerability.

Question 4

What pathways are OCD-relevant genes involved in?

Answer 4

• Serotonergic.
• Dopaminergic.

Question 5

What gene variation is linked to OCD?

Answer 5

COMT.

Question 6

What is the role of COMT?

Answer 6

• De-activates dopamine.

Question 7

How may the COMT gene contribute to OCD?

Answer 7

May help to control compulsive behaviours.

Question 8

What gene is linked to OCD?

Answer 8

SERT.

Question 9

What is the role of SERT?

Answer 9

Balancing mood.

Question 10

How may the SERT gene contribute to OCD?

Answer 10

May help to regulate obsessive thoughts.

Question 11

What is the concordance rate for monozygotic twins?

Answer 11

68%

Question 12

What is the concordance rate for dizygotic twins?

Answer 12

31%

Question 13

What percentage of the general population has OCD?

Answer 13

2%