IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels linked to development of obsessive compulsive disorder, suggests study

A new study published in the Public Library of Science unveiled a link between serum IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels and the etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive-compulsive disorder equates to a global prevalence of 2% to 3%. The hallmarks of OCD are ritualized, repeated behavioral or mental acts (compulsions) that follow recurrent, unwelcome, intrusive thoughts, feelings, urges or ideas (obsessions) that magnify concerns about danger, harm, or cleanliness. The biological, genetic, environmental and immunological variables are only a few of the many etiological elements that contribute to OCD. And now, SSRIs, TCAs, SNRIs and dopamine antagonists are available as treatments for OCD. In addition to these pharmaceutical treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used as the non-pharmacological treatment for OCD. There may be a possible connection between the pathophysiology of OCD and immunological dysregulation, according to the outcomes of this study. 

30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) and 50 OCD patients were enrolled in this study where a licensed psychiatrist used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose OCD patients and evaluate HCs. After applying the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), this research assessed the severity of OCD. Also, ELISA kits were used to test serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 using the recommended procedures.