PGENeS Research Lab

Here is our very first staff spotlight of the week, showcasing Yi-Chieh Chang!

"I maintain the collection of genetic material in past and current studies, make sure the lab run safely and efficiently per regulations of the states and university and support other research activities of my colleagues." - Yi-Chieh Chang.

Weekly Disorder Spotlight: OCD

Ever had a thought that just won’t go away, or feel the need to do something to get rid of that thought? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that induces intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or strong urges for repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD affects millions of Americans. Additionally, OCD is falsely depicted in a lot of media. It is not just an urge to wash your hands, and it oftentimes has very negative consequences on peoples’ lives! With all this in mind, our team is conducting research that will help further our understanding on OCD and, hopefully, improve the lives of those with it.

Check out the article below for more information on the prevalence of OCD and related disorders:
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics #:~:text=OCD%20affects%202.2%20million%20adults,cases%20occurring%20by%20age%2014.

As a research lab studying , we love to see people in the and Tic Disorder community thriving!

Congratulations to Billie Eilish! Last night she was the winner of the top Billboard 200 album, top female artist, and top new artist at the Billboard Music Awards. Your hard work and authenticity is an inspiration to so many in the and Tic Disorder community!

Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by high rates of psychiatric comorbidity; however, few studies have fully characterized these comorbidities. We found that psychiatric comorbidities are common among individuals with TS, most comorbidities begin early in life, and some comorbidities may be mediated by the presence of comorbid OCD or ADHD. Click on the link below to read the full publication:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2110028

Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Tourette Syndrome

Welcome to the official page for the Program in Genetics & Epidemiology of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (PGENeS) Lab! PGENeS is composed of researchers and clinicians at the University of Florida with collaborators at the University of California, San Francisco. Our lab studies how genes, environment, and culture interact to influence the development and expression of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including anxiety, ADHD, OCD, compulsive hoarding, and tic disorders. We look forward to sharing our research with you!