Genetic Study of Neurocognitive Substrates in OCD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genetic Study of Neurocognitive Substrates in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
IRAS ID
157728
Contact name
Barbara Sahakian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
School of Clinical Medicine
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and chronic psychiatric disorder affecting the communication between different parts of the brain, thereby disrupting brain functions. Evidence suggests that genes play an important role in the development of OCD. Given that there are many possible symptoms in OCD, the identification of a genetic link has been difficult. Evidence shows that genes may also contribute to cognitive deficits in OCD. The first-line medication treatment for OCD is the selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant, which attempts to regulate the balance of serotonin (5-HT), a neurochemical in the brain; and the first-line non-medication treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy, which is useful to diminish cognitive deficits in OCD patients. Therefore, in determining the genetic basis of the different cognitive substrates in OCD, 5-HT and other neurochemical genes are potential candidates.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify genetic variants that contribute to the risk for developing cognitive deficits in patients with OCD in comparison with their unaffected relative(s) and controls.
Hypothesis: Differences in these genes from one person to another may explain why people with OCD develop cognitive deficits.
Methods: A number of computerised psychological tasks will assess behavioural flexibility and motor inhibition in individuals with OCD, their unaffected realtive(s), and controls. We also have a set of questionnaires for participants to complete so that we may associate performance in these tests to severity and symptoms. Saliva sample (for DNA extraction) will be taken for genetic test.
Implications: This study is designed to examine the genetic vulnerability of cognitive deficit in OCD. The identification of genetic factors that contribute to cognitive substrates is vitally important in identifying those who may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy. This will help the clinician to choose the best possible treatment strategies in order to more effectively treat OCD patients.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0041
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion