A variety of medications exist for OCD, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antidepressants such as clomipramine. However, not all patients respond to these medications equally, with some experiencing little relief from OCD symptoms.

This study by Dr. Richter and her team aimed to explore how differences in the cytochrome P450 (a group of genes that code for enzymes which play a role in the metabolism of medications) system would impact the response of people with OCD to escitalopram (an SSRI) and clomipramine. The team also aimed to explore how certain genes and neurophysiological responses associated with OCD related to these medications, with the goal of finding markers of treatment response to these common medications.