Latest news with #EskeDerks
Sky News AU
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Groundbreaking new study links 25 genes to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A new study has found 25 genes believed to cause Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. More than 50,000 people with the condition had their genetic data compared to those who did not. Professor of Psychiatric Genetics at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Eske Derks sat down with Sky News Australia to break down the new findings.
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Study finds genes linked to OCD
Sabra Lane: Obsessive compulsive disorder can be debilitating but often goes untreated. Now a new global study has identified the genes linked with the condition. Researchers hope it'll lead to better treatments and diagnosis. Isabel Moussalli reports. Isabel Moussalli : Dr Leigh Sheppard's earliest memory of her obsessive compulsive disorder was being asked to pick a balloon for her sick brother. Leigh Sheppard : In my mind, if I chose the wrong balloon, my brother would die. And so I'm making these huge decisions in my mind, but also it's really illogical. Often it doesn't make sense. Isabel Moussalli : But the now medical doctor didn't receive a diagnosis or treatment until she was 33. Her struggle in finding support led her to start the non-profit OCDWA. Leigh Sheppard : At my worst, I was almost bedridden. I could barely function and through treatment I now function really well and it's meant that I can return to work. Isabel Moussalli : And more people could soon receive the diagnosis and treatment they need. That's the hope of a large global group of scientists who've just published significant findings. Eske Derks : This is the first time, the first large study where we found genes linked to OCD risk. Isabel Moussalli : Professor Eske Dirks is a senior scientist at Medical Research Institute QIMR Berghofer and was involved in the decade-long project. Eske Derks : We have access to data from 50,000 patients with OCD and 2 million people who don't have OCD. And then we looked at the genetic profiles and compared them and yeah, we found 250 genes that are increasing OCD risk and 25 of these are very likely to be causal. Isabel Moussalli : She cautions it doesn't mean they're the only genes as larger studies are being conducted. Eske Derks : But... It's very important findings I think for several reasons. Because we have a better understanding of the genes that are related to OCD, we can look at existing drugs that might be effective. The other important reason to do this research is that it's also the first step into being able to predict the risk for OCD. Isabel Moussalli : Dr. Sheppard from OCDWA believes it'll be a landmark moment for her community. Leigh Sheppard : Identifying the genes and brain regions that are involved in OCD confirms what clinicians and people with lived experience have long understood, which is that OCD is a complex neurobiological condition, not a personality trait or a behavioural choice. Isabel Moussalli : Sane Australia's CEO, Rachel Green, also hopes it'll break down the stigma. Rachel Green : OCD is a condition that carries with it some incredible stigma that actually prevents people from seeking help. It's not just wanting to keep your house really clean and it's important not to use it as a term in that sort of context. It can be a really debilitating condition for people who live with it and a very lonely and isolating experience, especially if they haven't yet been able to seek help. Isabel Moussalli : And she says one place people can seek support is the Sane Australia website.
ABC News
13-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Study finds 25 genes believed to cause obsessive-compulsive disorder
Researchers have identified 25 genes they believe cause obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the largest global study of the disorder, they compared genetic data from more than 50,000 people worldwide who have the debilitating condition, with the DNA of about two million people who do not have OCD. Medical researcher Eske Derks, one of the study's senior authors, said it was the first time "actual genes that play a role in OCD" had been found. The senior group leader of QIMR Berghofer's translational neuro-genomics laboratory, said the study had identified about 250 genes linked to OCD, including 25 they believe to be causal. "We found a really large number of genes which are shared with anxiety disorders, depression and also with anorexia nervosa," Professor Derks said. "There's a lot of overlap in the genes that cause these different mental health conditions." She said twin studies had already revealed OCD was a heritable condition, but environmental factors, such as stressful life events also played a role. Professor Derks said she hoped the latest research, published in Nature Genetics, would help reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder. OCD is characterised by obsessive thoughts and behaviours, such as compulsive cleaning, checking things and hoarding. But it can take many forms including people worrying about harming others, having doubts about relationships, intrusive sexual thoughts, or persistent concern about their responsibilities in life. OCD is one of the World Health Organisation's ten leading causes of disability. Professor Derks said the researchers hoped to use the genetic information to help find more targeted drugs for severe cases of OCD, which affects an estimated 500,000 Australians. "The next steps for our research team is to use these genetic discoveries to identify existing drugs, currently being used to treat other conditions, that may be effective for OCD patients, paving the way for more innovative treatment options," she said. But she said that would require more funding. "It's understudied." Brisbane-based clinical psychologist and OCD specialist Emily O'Leary said gold standard treatment for someone with moderate to severe OCD was a combination of psychological therapy and medication. "Early intervention is usually linked with better outcomes," she said. "The longer someone lives with OCD, the harder it can be to treat. "On average, it takes about 10 years from the outset of diagnosis to receive psychological help. By the time they reach us, many are unwell." Dr O'Leary said she hoped emerging genetic research would eventually lead to a blood test for OCD — helping identify those at risk and opening the door to early intervention. Respected University of Queensland psychiatric researcher Professor John McGrath, who was not involved in the Nature Genetics study, said the research may lay the groundwork for the search for better OCD treatments.
