Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Brain scans 'may detect OCD risk'

Brain scans may be able to reveal which people are at genetic risk of developing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), researchers say.

Individuals with OCD and their close relatives have distinctive patterns in their brain structure, a team at Cambridge University found.

The genes responsible remain unknown, but it appears they change the brain's anatomy, which may aid diagnosis.

The study is published in the latest edition of the journal Brain.

OCD is an anxiety disorder in which the person is compelled by irrational fears and thoughts to repeat seemingly needless actions over and over again.

It can manifest itself in repetitive behaviours, such as excessive hand washing, cleaning or repeated checking, affects 2%-3% of the population and is known to run in families.

READ MORE @ BBC