Obsessive compulsive-disorder and reproductive life events.

Abstract

We explored the association between reproductive life events and the onset or exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among women in comparison with men with OCD. We chose men because there is some evidence of increased occurrence of OCD in expectant fathers as well. We recruited 150 eligible outpatients (58 men and 92 women) with OCD, who attended a specialty OCD Clinic over a period of one year. Occurrence of any life event including reproductive life events in the year before the onset of OCD was assessed using the Interview of Recent Life Events (IRLE). Reproductive life events in the year prior to onset of OCD were overrepresented in women compared to men. Postpartum onset and worsening of OCD was reported in 14 % and 11 % of women respectively. Menarche and menopause as life events were infrequently reported (3% and 1%). Symmetry obsessions and ordering compulsions were more common in women with post-partum onset of OCD than those without. Post-partum period seems to be associated with onset and exacerbation of OCD; therefore, routine screening for OCD during this period is necessary.