In Grootherst et al.'s twin meta-analysis of OCD, inheritance contributed more to OCD in which group?

In Grootherst et al.'s twin meta-analysis of OCD, inheritance contributed more to OCD in which group?

• A. Children
• B. Adults
• C. Both equally
• D. Neither shows inheritance

Answer: (A)

Genetic influence on OCD is estimated by comparing how likely identical twins (who share all their genes) are to both have OCD versus fraternal twins (who share about half their genes). A twin meta-analysis pools these estimates to see how much of the risk is due to heredity. Groothorst and colleagues found that the genetic contribution to OCD is larger in children than in adults. This means early-onset OCD has a higher genetic loading, while OCD in adults shows a relatively bigger role for non-genetic factors or environmental influences accumulated over time. So, the inheritance component is stronger in children, making that group the best answer.

Genetic influence on OCD is estimated by comparing how likely identical twins (who share all their genes) are to both have OCD versus fraternal twins (who share about half their genes). A twin meta-analysis pools these estimates to see how much of the risk is due to heredity.

Groothorst and colleagues found that the genetic contribution to OCD is larger in children than in adults. This means early-onset OCD has a higher genetic loading, while OCD in adults shows a relatively bigger role for non-genetic factors or environmental influences accumulated over time. So, the inheritance component is stronger in children, making that group the best answer.