Mark Cartwright of Dallas: Genetics Offer Insight into OCD

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 15, 2012 (Press-News.org) Scientists have long known that strong connections exist between mental illness and human genetics, but the sheer scope of the human genome renders it difficult to clearly define exactly what these connections are. According to a recent Fox News report, however, new research has revealed some crucial insights into the genetic components of two common mental illnesses, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder--know as OCD--and Tourette syndrome. The research has won the attention of many members of the mental healthcare profession, among them psychologist Mark Cartwright of Dallas.

OCD is a mental disorder wherein the patient suffers from uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), which lead to ritualized actions (compulsions). For example, an OCD patient may be unable to stop thinking about germs, and as a result that patient may feel compelled to wash his or her hands for a certain length of time each day. Tourette is also characterized by repetitive behavior, such as facial or vocal tics, and it often goes hand in hand with OCD.

Fox reports that, while both conditions are ultimately too complex to be traced back to a single gene, new research has shown several locations on the human chromosome that may factor into the manifestation of these conditions. This research has won the attention of Mark Cartwright of Dallas, a psychologist with years of experience in evaluation and treatment. Dr. Cartwright has responded to the new study with a statement to the press.

"These two disorders notably have a linkage similar to those in autism and schizophrenia," comments Dr. Mark Cartwright. "It would be great for follow-up studies to be conducted to give us more insight into the biological and genetic linkage between disorders. If we can do it with OCD and Tourette, then there is hope we could similarly help identify particular or specific genes for other disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism."

The Fox report echoes many of Mark Cartwright's comments, noting that this new research could open the door to a better understanding of OCD and Tourette syndrome along the same genetic lines as conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Researchers are currently refining the research, using larger sample sizes to eliminate false positives.

Dr. Mark Cartwright of Dallas is a psychologist with years of experience in assessing and treating mental disorders such as autism, dementia, and PTSD, as well as OCD. Though his background is in School Psychology, Dr. Cartwright has also done extensive work in geriatric communities. Currently, he provides private evaluations and treatments to patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

ABOUT:

A psychologist in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area, Mark Cartwright specializes in school psychology. Mark Cartwright of Dallas attended the Ohio State University, where he earned his master's and doctorate degrees, and Ohio University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Mark Cartwright of Dallas completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the Dallas Medical Center of the University of Texas Southwestern. Mark Cartwright of Dallas currently offers his services as a licensed specialist in the areas of assessment, evaluation, and treatment of ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, autism, and dementia.

Website: http://mark-cartwright-dallas.com