Professor Eske Derks
Share this @internewscast.com

Australian researchers have found the genes linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for the first time.

Scientists at QIMR Berghofer in Queensland did the biggest ever study into the mental health condition they say is “often misunderstood.”

They say it could now help treat some of the half a million Aussies who have it, and speed up diagnosis for others.

Professor Eske Derks
Professor Eske Derks said the new study is “really exciting”. (Supplied)

The global research, published in Nature Genetics, involved more than 50,000 people with OCD and two million people who did not have it.

It pinpointed approximately 250 genes linked to OCD.

“It’s exciting because this is the first study to identify specific genes linked to OCD,” said Professor Eske Derks, who leads the Translational Neurogenomics Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer.

“We’ve been working on this for many years, but these findings have dramatically increased our knowledge of the genetic basis of OCD.”

OCD is often categorised as an obsession with cleaning or checking.

However, it can take many forms, including people worrying about harming others, doubts about relationships and existential worries.

The study revealed that genes linked to OCD are most active in three key brain areas: the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebral cortex.

The findings align with previous studies.

“We found a really large number of genes which are shared with anxiety disorders, depression and also with anorexia nervosa,” Professor Derks said.

“There’s a lot of overlap in the genes that cause these different mental health conditions.”

Professor Derks called for more funding to take the research further.

“Our research team’s next steps involve leveraging these genetic findings to pinpoint existing medications, used for other illnesses, that could benefit OCD patients, opening up possibilities for more creative treatment solutions,” he stated.

OCD can start in late childhood or early teens, but can also begin for women after childbirth.

Treatments include psychological therapy, medication and community support.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Is Trump's diagnosis benign? Everything to know about chronic venous insufficiency

Understanding Trump’s Diagnosis: Key Facts About Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The White House disclosed his medical diagnosis today, approximately six months following…
Australians are carrying $18 billion of credit card debt and there are dozens of zero per cent interest offers on outstanding balance transfers.

Is It Smart to Use a New Credit Card to Pay Off an Existing Balance?

Australians are carrying $18 billion of credit card debt and there are…
Emergency services were called to a two-storey townhouse on Terrigal Street in Chadstone about 9.40pm yesterday.

Woman Faces Charges for Fire that Severely Injured Two Young Girls

A woman has been charged with attempted murder after a Melbourne house…
Dean's son asked him to throw the football around for a few minutes after he dropped him off at school yesterday morning.

Dad’s Outrage After School Bans Playing Football with His Son

A Queensland father has found himself upset after being informed that he…
Families to launch legal action against childcare giant after child sex abuse claims

Families Initiate Legal Proceedings Against Major Childcare Provider Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

Attorneys are gearing up to initiate legal proceedings against a major childcare…

Australia’s Jobless Rate Predicted to Increase, According to Jim Chalmers

Treasurer Jim Chalmers expects unemployment to rise further, arguing the uptick is…
Missing light plane Snowy Mountains map

Police Declare Snowy Mountains Plane Crash ‘Unsurvivable’

Bega accountant David Stephens left Wangaratta in Victoria aboard his 1966 Beechcraft…

From Lavish Gatherings to Severed Connections: A Look into the Trump-Epstein Relationship

President Donald Trump’s administration is set to pursue additional documents connected to…

Albanese Concludes Six-Day China Visit Focusing on Security, Trade, and Panda Diplomacy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese views his recent China visit as a diplomatic…

Three Lives Lost in Israeli Strike on Gaza’s Only Catholic Church

An Israeli strike on Gaza’s sole Catholic Church killed three people and…
A police employee has been charged after a brawl inside a Woolworths supermarket in Western Sydney.

Police Employee Faces Charges Following Milk Dispute at Woolworths

A police staff member has been accused of involvement in a fight…
Labubus helped PopMart amass $654 million last year.

Why These Men Are Spending the Night Camping for Plush Toys

On a frosty Friday afternoon in the middle of Melbourne’s harsh winter,…