The genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder

A significant amount of evidence has been gathered to suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heritable disease. Despite this information, few details are understood about the genetics of the disorder. Molecular genetic techniques, especially candidate-gene association studies, have been used to try to appreciate the genetic components of this complex disorder. In addition to the complex inheritance pattern, the heterogeneous nature of the disorder complicates the analyses. This review outlines the evidence that has been gathered to date, implicating OCD as a genetic disorder. In addition, the most interesting and recent findings in the molecular genetic analyses are highlighted.