Could Dogs hold the key to treatment of OCD?

We’ve all heard of OCD, some us may even claim to have it because we like things to be neat and tidy, although the reality is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is listed as one of the most debilitating disorders by the World Health Organisation. The effect on sufferers’ lives can be extreme, losing hours from a day with repetitive tasks and compulsive behaviour, even leading to physical ailments as a result of such things as constant washing of hands. Treatment for it, like most mental health disorders, currently takes up the form of a mix of both therapy and medication, but could our Canine friends hold the key to a pathway that could revolutionise treatment for sufferers?
Recent studies by UMas Medical School and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, have identified genetic pathways that increase the severity of canine compulsive disorder (CCD) in Doberman pinschers, and it is believed that this research could lead to being able to understand the cause of OCD in humans, and in turn allow for better treatment.
The study looked at the genome sequence of 70 Dobermans, and found three correlations on specific chromosomes amongst those with CCD. One location in particular contained three serotonin receptors, important as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are already key in the treatment of Human OCD.
The other chromosome loci that were found to correlate amongst the Doberman’s with CCD are linked to schizophrenia and stress tolerance.
These findings are as a result of over a decade’s worth of research and study, and look likely to pave a way to “more effective treatment for such a debilitating condition”.