- Large GWAS identified 30 genome-wide significant loci and prioritised 25 putatively causal genes, supporting a highly polygenic architecture for OCD.
- Rare variant studies implicated CHD8, CELSR3, SLITRK5, QRICH1, and convergent brain and immune pathways underlying OCD biology.
- Genetic overlap with related psychiatric traits and limited ancestral diversity highlight need for global sampling and genetically informed clinical translation like pharmacogenetics and drug repurposing.
Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2026 Jul 31;28(1):58. doi: 10.1007/s11920-026-01705-0.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recent advances in the genetics of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), their contribution to understanding disorder biology, and implication for clinical translation.
RECENT FINDINGS: Recent GWAS identified 30 genome-wide significant loci and prioritized 25 putatively causal genes. Rare variant studies implicated specific genes, including CHD8, CELSR3, SLITRK5, and QRICH1. Evidence from common and rare variants support brain- and immune-related pathways. Genetic overlap with obsessive compulsive symptoms and other psychiatric disorders indicate shared underlying biology. Current evidence is largely based on individuals of European ancestry, although global efforts are underway to improve ancestral diversity in OCD genetics. Given the urgent need for improved treatment, genetically informed clinical translation approaches hold promise, including pharmacogenetics and drug repurposing. Recent advances in OCD genetics support a highly polygenic architecture, implicate specific neuro-biological and immune pathways, and provide new opportunities for clinical translation.
PMID:42536245 | DOI:10.1007/s11920-026-01705-0
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