Hereditary Patterns and Genetic Associations in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Neuropsychiatric Insights, Genetic Influences, and Treatment Perspectives

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition, affects approximately 2%–3% of the global population. This paper provides an extensive overview of OCD, detailing its clinical manifestations, neurobiological underpinnings, and therapeutic approaches. It examines OCD's classification shift in the DSM-5, the role of the cortico-striatothalamo- cortical pathway in its development, and the various factors contributing to its etiology, such as genes, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. The challenges in diagnosing OCD and the effectiveness of both psychological and pharmacotherapeutic treatments are discussed. The paper also highlights the significant overlap between OCD and other mental health disorders, emphasizing its impact on global disability. Moreover, the role of genetic factors in OCD, including twin studies and gene association studies, is elaborated, underscoring the complex interplay of hereditary and environmental influences in its manifestation. The review further delves into the polygenic nature of OCD, illustrating how multiple genes contribute to its development, and explores the implications of genetic studies in understanding the disorder's complexity. Additionally, this research study delves into the concept of polygenic inheritance in complex diseases, highlighting the role of multiple genes in increasing OCD risk. A Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) is employed to assess Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to unearth genetic associations with OCD. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into OCD's genetic landscape, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities.