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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, factor-analyzed symptom dimensions and serotonin transporter polymorphism

Se Joo Kim1, Hong Shick Lee, Chan-Hyung Kim

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Neuropsychobiology
|October 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The serotonin transporter gene (SERT PR) polymorphism is not linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) development. However, SERT PR variations may influence specific obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions, particularly religious/somatic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Candidate genes involved in 5-HT regulation, including the 5-HT transporter gene, are hypothesized to be implicated in OCD pathogenesis.
  • The SERT PR polymorphism has been investigated as a potential genetic factor in OCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the 5-HT transporter gene (SERT PR) polymorphism and OCD.
  • To explore the relationship between SERT PR polymorphism and specific symptom dimensions of OCD using factor analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 124 OCD patients and 171 healthy controls.
  • Genomic DNA extraction and analysis of SERT PR polymorphism genotypes and allele frequencies.
  • Principal component analysis of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) checklist items to identify symptom factors.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between SERT PR polymorphism and the overall development of OCD.
  • In OCD patients, the L genotype of SERT PR was associated with higher scores on the religious/somatic symptom factor compared to the S genotype.

Conclusions:

  • The SERT PR polymorphism does not appear to be a significant risk factor for the development of OCD.
  • SERT PR polymorphism may influence specific symptom dimensions within OCD, such as religious and somatic concerns.
  • Factor analysis can identify meaningful symptom dimensions that may be influenced by genetic factors in OCD.

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