With growing interest in how glutamate (one of the most important neurotransmitters linked to learning, memory, and mood) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA; a glutamate receptor in the brain) are connected to OCD, studies continued to explore how these factors impact OCD symptoms and how related treatments could be created.

This study by Dr. Arnold and his team aimed to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate genetic factors tied to NMDA associated with early-onset OCD (appearing before age 15).