Obssesive Compulsive Disorder may be contageous

[Alvaro da Luna]

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Inspired by the strep throat thread.

Strep Link To Obsessive-compulsive Disorder


NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Strep throat may trigger some cases of childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), reported researchers from National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) at an American Medical Association (AMA) press conference.

"A bacteria trigger for an autoimmune response" can lead to a worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder, reported Dr. Susan E. Swedo, head of the section on behavioral pediatrics at the NIMH. "Penicillin... to keep these children from having recurrent strep infections might effectively prevent exacerbations of their obsessive-compulsive disorder," she said.

As part of the defense against bacteria, the body creates antibodies to act against specific proteins on the surface of bacteria. However, sometimes bacteria carry proteins that are very similar to cells in the body. An autoimmune disorder results when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in its fight against infection.

In the case of OCD, the strep bacteria are believed to have surface proteins that mimic proteins on brain cells. The result: antibodies the body makes against strep bacteria may also attack brain tissue.

Affected children "are characterized by an extraordinarily early onset of their symptoms -- they're only 6 or 7 years old when their OCD starts -- (and) they tend to be boys about three times as often as girls," said Swedo. A strep infection can cause a sudden worsening of OCD in children with the disorder, or precipitate the first signs of OCD. And a flare up can occur the next time the children are exposed to the strep bacteria.

"There is growing evidence that OCD has a neurobiological basis," according to a statement from the National Institutes of Health. "OCD is no longer attributed to family problems or to attitudes learned in childhood -- for example, an inordinate emphasis on cleanliness.... Instead, the search for causes now focuses on the interaction of neurobiological factors and environmental influences."

Symptoms of OCD include intrusive unwanted thoughts and repeated rituals such as excessive handwashing, checking or cleaning designed to alleviate these thoughts. The most common fears found among OCD patients are fear of contamination, fear of causing harm, fear of making a mistake, and excessive doubt.

Studies show antidepressants in combination with cognitive behavior therapy can decrease symptoms of this disorder.

Swedo said that OCD is a "hidden epidemic." Feelings of embarrassment and knowledge of their irrational state force most patients to live an average of 17 years with the symptoms before seeking a diagnosis, Swedo added.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans suffer from OCD -- or about 1 in every 50 people. The disorder usually begins during childhood or early adolescence. In 1990, OCD cost the U.S. $8.4 billion in social and economic costs.

 

[Rambuchan]

It's a good source is Reuters . However, I find these kinds of reports on research are soon updated by some other new and contradictory study.

Reminds me of my trip to the dentist the other day. When asked if I brushed hard, I replied 'yes'.

Dentist: 'Oh but you shouldn't.'

Ram: 'But you told me to.'

Dentist: 'Yes well we don't think it's such a good idea now. You should brush softly and in circular motions.'

Ram: 'Right. So what changed?'

Dentist: 'Oh some new studies were done about gum damage and brushing.'

Ram: 'Oh great, so I've been playing it wrong all this time?'

Dentist: 'Yup.'

See what I mean?

Also, I might add (very cynically but quite fairly IMO) that this seems to be more fetishising of neurology. Not that it's wrong but we should be aware of it. We saw a fetishising of psychiatry in the last say 5 decades. This produced a wealth of new patients due to all the new diagnoses being made and new disorders being identified. Not bad if you were a psychiatrist. Seems it's neurology's turn now. And I don't mind that as long as they end up helping people out with these 'psychological/behavioural/neurological disorders.'

Oh and besides all this. It seems the researchers in the article are embarking on the all too predictable nature nurture journey.

 

[CoolioVonHoolio]

oh no! i have strep throat!