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36 genes may reshape OCD, tic genetics

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • September 2, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: 36 genes may reshape OCD, tic genetics

Overview

This study identifies 36 high-confidence risk genes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders (CTDs). The findings indicate a significant genetic overlap between these disorders.

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders (CTDs) are neuropsychiatric conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Understanding the genetic factors contributing to these disorders is important.

Data Highlights

The study analyzed whole-exome sequencing data from 3,964 patients and identified 36 high-confidence genes associated with OCD and CTDs.

Key Findings

  • Identified 12 high-confidence risk genes for OCD and 10 for CTDs.
  • Combined analysis revealed 34 high-confidence genes for both disorders.
  • Approximately 7% to 8% of patients with OCD and/or CTDs carried at least one risk-contributing de novo damaging variant.
  • 83% of the identified genes showed evidence from patients with both OCD and CTDs.
  • High-confidence genes exhibited increased postnatal expression in the cerebellum.
  • Four genes overlapped with common-variant OCD loci and established risk genes for other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Clinical Implications

The identification of these high-confidence genes may contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of OCD and CTDs.

Conclusion

The study expands the number of known genetic factors associated with OCD and CTDs.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Influence of TPH2 DNA methylation and family functioning, parenting styles on OCD severity
  2. MDSpire News, 2025 -- Psychiatric Genetics: Shared Risk Across Disorders
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A) gene polymorphisms in treatment-resistant obsessive–compulsive disorder: a comparative study with other treatment-resistant mental disorders
  4. MDSpire News, 2025 -- Sex-Based Differences in Tic Disorder Diagnoses
  5. NICE, 2024 -- Overview | Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment
  6. Nature Genetics, 2025 -- Genome-wide analyses identify 30 loci associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder
  7. Overview | Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment | Guidance | NICE
  8. Genome-wide analyses identify 30 loci associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder | Nature Genetics

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