Project Summary

Tanya K. Murphy, M.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of University of Florida, is investigating if exacerbations in childhood onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette Syndrome (TS) are associated with fluctuations in lymphocyte subsets. Her group has been studying the role of a B cell surface protein in patients with OCD/TS and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Activation markers of disease activity in autoimmune illnesses have been discovered (CD44 and CDS) and CD4/CD8 ratios have been shown to be altered in patients with autoimmune illnesses and adults with OCD. These indices have not been measured in children with OCD/tics. Dr. Murphy's study serves to further the use of modern immunological techniques with developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Tourette's Syndrome/OCD

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