Date of Submission

Spring 2011

Academic Program

Psychology

Advisor

Beth Gershuny

Abstract/Artist's Statement

We still do not understand why some individuals are more likely to develop OCD than others. Research has implicated the serotonin system specifically the serotonin transporter and the 5-HT2A receptor as potential neurochemical underpinnings of OCD. Innovations in genetics have allowed research to hone in on the specific genes which code for the neurochemical dysfunction implicated in OCD. In this literature review, I gathered data in the form of research which addresses the neurochemical and genetic underpinnings of OCD in order to gain a better understanding of the etiology of the disorder. The findings presented represent my analysis of current research in the field in the hopes of drawing conclusions about the etiology of OCD. My conclusions implicate the specific genes which code for the serotonin transporter and the 5-HT2A receptor as the potential neurochemical and genetic underpinnings of OCD.

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