A new study from China has identified six types of bacteria linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), providing a breakthrough into the condition’s root causes. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests that specific gut microbiota may contribute to OCD, potentially paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Up to 3% of people worldwide live with OCD, making it one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat effectively. The study’s findings, based on genetic data and Mendelian randomization, suggest a causal link between certain gut bacteria and OCD. Three types of bacteria appear to be protective against OCD, while three increase the risk.
The researchers used genetic data from 18,340 people and found connections between genes influencing both OCD and gut bacteria. This approach helped bridge the gap between the two conditions, strengthening the case that gut bacteria might directly contribute to OCD rather than just being an effect of it.
However, more data and controlled experiments are needed to confirm a causal link. The study’s findings expand on existing knowledge about the gut-brain axis and how one affects the other. Previous research has linked low levels of certain bacteria to depression, and these findings suggest a similar connection between gut bacteria and OCD.
The potential for new treatments and prevention strategies is promising, particularly for people who experience suboptimal responses to current interventions. The study’s authors note that cognitive behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective for many patients, but 25-40% of those with OCD fail to respond or experience no improvement.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/ocds-origins-might-not-lie-in-the-brain-like-we-thought