OCD Dogs Point The Way To New Human OCD Treatments

doberman-AngelaN-flickr.jpg

Unraveling the mystery of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is proving to be a slow and arduous task for researchers.

However, a clue was recently discovered by scientists studying a few breeds of man’s best friend.

A Bit About OCD

OCD, according to the International OCD Foundation, is a disorder of the brain and behavior. The disorder causes severe anxiety and involves obsessions and compulsions that interfere with normal daily functioning.

Obsessions are unwanted, disturbing images, thoughts, or impulses that occur repeatedly and seem out of the individual’s control. Compulsions are thoughts or behaviors the person engages in to temporarily relieve anxiety or an obsession.

Canine Genomes and OCD

Shetland sheepdogs, Doberman Pinschers, German shepherds, and bull terriers are canines that experience higher than average rates of OCD. They might, for instance, continually chew on or chase their tail. So, researchers at Broad Institute and Harvard University decided to study the genomes of Dobermans diagnosed with OCD.

An organism’s complete set of DNA—all its genes—is that organism’s genome. Every genome holds all the information necessary to develop and maintain that organism.

For their study, the scientists compared portions of genomes from 60 non-OCD Dobermans, and 90 Dobermans with OCD. The results were then compared to genome scans of Shetland sheepdogs, German shepherds, and bull terriers. The scans detected genes with high rates of mutations.

By comparing the Doberman data with the genome scans, the team narrowed possible “OCD genes” down to four.

New Treatment Hope For OCD

If the genes pinpointed in OCD dogs can be associated to human OCD brain pathways, the dogs can be a model for treatment development.

“This is really exciting because psychiatric diseases tend to be very heritable, but finding genes associated with psychiatric diseases in humans has been really difficult,” said researcher Elinor Karlsson.

What is still unknown is whether genetics can be used to identify the specific neural pathways of psychiatric illnesses, or if drugs can be created to effectively target those pathways.

Still, the researchers are hopeful that their work will eventually lead to new treatments since the currents ones—usually antidepressants and psychotherapy—help only about half of those with OCD find symptom relief.

Source: The Scientist

 
ocd self test
Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD? Take the Self Test now to get more information.
 
disclaimer

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.

Susbscribe to our free newsletter for information & inspiration

Email

BrainPhysics.com Social