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Is obsessive-compulsive disorder an autoimmune disease?
1Neurogenetics Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Ont.
Summary
Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) may cause abrupt OCD or tic symptoms in children. Autoimmune responses to streptococcal infections are a potential cause, with D8/17 antibodies possibly indicating susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychiatry
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder with a suspected genetic basis.
- Environmental factors interacting with genetic susceptibility are increasingly investigated.
- A potential link between streptococcal infections and childhood OCD/tic disorders is emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of streptococcal infections in the development of OCD in children.
- To describe pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).
- To identify potential biomarkers and treatment strategies for PANDAS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on streptococcal infections and neuropsychiatric disorders in children.
- Analysis of neuroimaging studies showing basal ganglia changes in affected children.
- Investigation of antibody markers (e.g., D8/17) for susceptibility.
Main Results:
- PANDAS describes children with abrupt OCD/tic onset post-streptococcal infection.
- Proposed mechanism involves autoimmune cross-reaction with basal ganglia.
- Elevated D8/17 antibodies may indicate PANDAS susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcal infections may trigger OCD in susceptible children via autoimmune mechanisms.
- Understanding this link is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy shows promise for selected PANDAS cases.