Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Genetic Study of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Contact name: Eliza Burroughs

Phone: (416)-535-8501 x 4829

Fax: (416)-979-6853

Email: eliza_burroughs@camh.net

Disorder: Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Geographic location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Other keywords: ocd; genetics; anxiety; ocd spectrum

Participant compensation: $40 (affected individuals); $20 (unaffected individuals)

Time commitment required: 1-3 hours.

Drug trial: No

Recruitment end date (approximate): December 2006

Study criteria (i.e., age or gender requirements):
There are no age or gender requirements (i.e. all ages and both genders are welcome).
Inclusion Criteria: (1) diagnosis of OCD and/or spectrum disorders (BDD, Trichotillomania, Skin Picking); (2) ability to provide informed consent; (3) willing to go through SCID interview and a few additional questionnaires; (4) willing to provide blood sample; (5) when possible, but NOT necessary, willing to discuss with family members the possibility of their own participation with the same protocol (i.e. interview and blood). Having family members participate is an asset but not a requirement. Family members who can participate include:(1)any family members who have experienced OCD symptoms, tics or hair pulling difficulties;(2)one or both natural parents, regardless of whether or not they have experienced symptoms of OCD; (3) one or more siblings, whether or not they have experienced OCD symptoms.

Exclusion criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: (1) concurrent diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective or other psychotic disorders (2)evidence of metabolic or neurological disease, as identified by history and/or laboratory screening.

Brief description of study:
The focus of the study is to identify any possible genetic links between affected participants with OCD or related disorders, and their family members. Discovery of genetic factors in OCD will advance our understanding of this debilitating disorder. Additionally, it may lead to the development of new and better treatment, and the ability to identify individuals who are genetically susceptible to OCD and related disorders. This study involves a single session (approximately 3 hours for affected individuals and 1 hour for unaffected family members ) at the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health-Clarke Division. This session consists of a confidential interview, questionnaires and a small blood sample.
Participants are asked if there are any family members who would like to participate. Having family members who are willing to particpate is an asset but not a requirement.

Additional information: