Genetic factors underlie stability of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the stability of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms has not yet been established in adult population based samples. We obtained the Young Adult Self Report Obsessive-Compulsive Subscale in mono- and dizygotic twins from the population-based Netherlands Twin Register in 1991, 1995 and 1997 and the Padua Inventory Revised Abbreviated in 2002. Stability of OC symptoms was analyzed as a function of genetic and environmental components. Heritability of OC behavior was around 40% at each time-point, independent of the instrument used. OC behavior was moderately stable with correlations ranging between r = .2 (for 11-year intervals), .4 (for 4-5 year intervals) and .6 (for 2 year intervals). Genetic correlations across time were higher, varying between .4 and .9, indicating that the stability of OC symptoms is mainly due to stable genetic factors. This study showed a moderate heritability and stability for OC behavior in adults. Genetic stability across time is high.
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Ds.van.grootheest@psy.vu.nl
Daniël S
DS
van Grootheest
Daniëlle
D
Cath
Jouke Jan
JJ
Hottenga
Aartjan T
AT
Beekman
Dorret I
DI
Boomsma
D000328:Adult; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic / Q000235:genetics; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic / Q000235:genetics