Circadian Gene Variations Are Associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in a Young Healthy Korean Population

Recently, growing evidence implies that circadian rhythm may influence and/or play a central role in psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder [1,2], schizophrenia [3], and autism [4]. However, there is limited knowledge on the role of circadian rhythms in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Disruption of circadian regulation of body temperature and hormonal levels has been observed in those with OCD [5-7]. Difference in sleep behavior (i.e., reduced total sleep time, increased awakening after sleep onset, extended sleep onset latency) and in sleep architecture [i.e., decreased latency to the onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and increased density of REM sleep] have been reported in OCD patients compared to healthy individuals [8-12]. Delayed bedtimes are also associated with increased OC symptoms [13]. Delayed sleep phase disorder is known to be more prevalent in severe OCD patients [14,15]. Seasonal affective Circadian Gene Variations Are Associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in a Young Healthy Korean Population