Rutgers University researchers identify 36 genes linked to OCD and tic disorders

Researchers at Rutgers University have identified 36 genes that significantly increase the risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders (CTDs). The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, involved the analysis of exome data from nearly 4,000 individuals, including over 2,400 parent-child trios.

This genetic mapping reveals biological connections between OCD, CTDs, autism, and schizophrenia. The findings highlight specific brain circuits responsible for impulse control, movement, and habit formation. By identifying these shared genetic roots, scientists aim to move beyond merely managing symptoms toward developing therapies that target the underlying biological mechanisms and neural networks.