Scientists from Yale University have discovered that the immune system might be involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Their research suggests that certain antibodies—proteins made by the immune system—could be attacking specific brain cells, possibly leading to OCD symptoms. This study, led by Christopher Pittenger, was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
OCD is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can interfere with daily life. While OCD can develop for many reasons, scientists have long suspected that in some cases, the immune system might be involved.
One form of OCD, called PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections), was first identified in the 1990s. Some children who develop OCD symptoms seem to do so suddenly, often after a streptococcal (strep) infection.
Along with OCD, they may experience severe anxiety, unusual body movements, frequent urination, or a refusal to eat. However, researchers have struggled to understand exactly how strep infections could lead to these symptoms. Some doctors even question whether PANDAS is a separate disorder or just another form of OCD.
To learn more, the Yale team studied 27 children who had the most well-defined cases of PANDAS. They compared these children with 23 other children who did not have the disorder.
The researchers found that many children with PANDAS had high levels of a particular antibody that targets certain brain cells called interneurons. These interneurons help regulate brain activity by controlling how signals are sent between nerve cells.
The antibodies were most concentrated in the striatum, a part of the brain that helps control movement and behavior. This area has also been linked to OCD.
The researchers believe that when the antibodies attach to these brain cells, they interfere with their function, reducing their ability to regulate brain signals. This could explain why children with PANDAS develop OCD-like symptoms.
Interestingly, the study also points to a connection between PANDAS and another condition called Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a disorder that causes involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics.
Previous research has shown that adults with Tourette syndrome have fewer of the same interneurons that seem to be affected in PANDAS. This suggests that problems with these brain cells may contribute to multiple disorders, not just OCD.
The Yale team now plans to expand their research to see if similar antibodies are found in children with other forms of OCD and Tourette syndrome. If they confirm their findings in a larger group, this could lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating these conditions.
For now, this study offers new hope in understanding how the immune system might contribute to OCD in some children. If future research supports these findings, doctors may eventually be able to develop treatments that target the immune system, providing relief for children affected by these disorders.
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