Investigating how rare genetic variations affect the risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Official title: 2/2 Rare Genetic Variation and Risk for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10974472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how rare genetic changes might affect the chances of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by comparing the genes of over 5,100 people with OCD to those of 3,000 people without it, hoping to find clues that could help us better understand and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,263 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH124675-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly those aged 0-11 years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the role of rare genetic variations in all protein-coding genes and their influence on the risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By utilizing whole exome sequencing (WES), the study will analyze genetic data from over 5,100 OCD patients and 3,000 matched controls from Sweden and Norway. The goal is to identify specific genetic risk factors and pathways associated with OCD, which could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for the disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better detection, prevention, and treatment strategies for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in other psychiatric disorders using whole exome sequencing has shown success in identifying genetic risk factors, suggesting a promising approach for OCD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crowley, James Joseph — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Crowley, James Joseph
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.