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Twin studies on obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review
Daniël S van Grootheest1, Daniëlle C Cath, Aartjan T Beekman
1Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Ds.van.grootheest@psy.vu.nl
Summary
Twin studies reveal that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms are significantly heritable in children, with genetic factors accounting for 45-65%. Adult OCD shows a suggestive genetic influence, but further research is needed for conclusive evidence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Genetic factors are historically implicated in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Twin studies provide a robust methodology for estimating the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on complex disorders.
- Over 70 years of twin research in OCD offers a rich dataset for analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings from over 70 years of twin research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To evaluate the evolution of methodologies in twin studies of OCD, from early case reports to advanced statistical modeling.
- To assess the heritability of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms in both children and adults.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of twin studies on OCD, categorizing research into four distinct methodological approaches.
- Analysis of studies employing case-studies, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria, and dimensional approaches.
- Application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and biometrical approaches to analyze twin data.
Main Results:
- Studies utilizing advanced methods like SEM provide convincing evidence for the heritability of OC symptoms in children, with genetic influences estimated between 45% and 65%.
- Twin studies in adults suggest a genetic influence on OC symptoms, ranging from 27% to 47%, though conclusive evidence requires further investigation.
- The evolution of twin study methodologies has refined the estimation of genetic and environmental contributions to OCD.
Conclusions:
- Obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms demonstrate significant heritability in children, strongly supported by advanced twin study methodologies.
- Genetic influences on OC symptoms in adults are suggested but require further confirmation through large-scale biometrical twin studies.
- Future research should focus on employing sophisticated biometrical approaches with continuous data to establish definitive genetic contributions to adult OCD.