Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is no joke. Overly fastidious people may make fun of themselves with it, but real OCD is a tough disorder to treat and a lifelong problem. A new study, though, might show the way to a simple, fast-acting treatment, thanks to giving mice OCD.
We generally associate OCD with repeated handwashing, but the real problem is that OCD sufferers are unable to control their thoughts and actions for more than a short period of time. They’re fully aware that this is bad for them, but can’t help it. Imagine returning to the same horrible thought, again and again, a thousand times a day: That’s a fairly common problem with OCD sufferers. Current treatments are essentially talk therapy and anti-depressants. They work, but they take time.
Researchers at Duke were looking at the genetic component of OCD and knocked out a gene that codes for the protein Sapap3, which helps organize neurons. Sure enough, the mice began showing OCD. Then the team noticed that mGluR5, a receptor for neurotransmitters that seemed to be causing the obsessive behavior. When the mice were given a medication that blocked mGluR5, their behavior went away in minutes.
This is a mouse study, so it may not translate to humans. Or it may translate, but it may have downsides we haven’t seen yet. But it’s a powerful hint at both the mechanism of OCD and, if it holds up in humans, might lead to a fast, effective cure.
(Via Gizmag)
