Prevalence Of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Research Articles

Chronic Pain and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Scoping Review.

The aim of this study was to map the association between Chronic Pain (CP) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the present literature. A scoping review was conducted with a comprehensive search of literature in peer-reviewed journals. Search parameters included articles written in English, published at any time, and including terms associated with both CP and OCD. Databases searched for purposes of this study included Psychinfo, Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The review included 87 records, comprising 49 primary research and 38 secondary research records. Extracted information from these were grouped into four broad classifications. The Prevalence and Severity classification included information from 39 records which comprised: (1) primary research detailing current OCD prevalence rates in CP conditions (differentiated between general population and Pain/Medical/Hospital clinics); (2) primary research detailing lifetime OCD prevalence rates in CP conditions; (3) primary research detailing CP prevalence rates in OCD; (4) primary research detailing relationships between OCD and CP through psychometric measures; and (5) secondary research relating to prevalence rates. The Neurobiology classification included information from 28 records (primary and secondary research) detailing convergent and divergent neurobiological/neurophysiological aspects as reported for both OCD and CP. The Psychological Models/Factors classification included information from 7 records (primary and secondary research) detailing pain-related anxiety, neuropsychological measures, catastrophic thinking, preservative thinking, early maladaptive schemas, schema modes, childhood trauma experiences, and conditional associative learning, as reported for OCD and CP. The Intervention classification included information from 32 records which comprised: (1) primary research on neurosurgical, medication, and psychotherapeutic interventions; (2) secondary research on Deep Brain Stimulation; (3) secondary research on Medication; (4) secondary research on lesion, cingulotomy, and other surgical procedures; and (5) secondary research on other interventional procedures. While there has been considerable and growing research in the fields of both OCD and CP over the years, focused research into their potential association has been limited and potentially overlooked. The results of this review, however, suggest a complex relationship between CP and OCD. Prevalence rates between the two conditions vary widely across different populations, although the underlying reason for this remains unclear at this stage. There are commonalities in terms of alterations in pain processing, the dysregulation of certain brain regions, and the abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems in both conditions. In their treatment, use can be made of overlapping pathophysiological processes, the convergent and divergent psychological aspects, and the range of interventional approaches that share targets to promote efficacy. However, the complex presentations of both OCD and CP make it a challenging relationship to accurately clarify. Further directed and robust, high-quality studies will be needed to expand our understanding of this area.

Exploring the Relationship Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Background: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is recognized as a challenging condition with unclear underlying factors. Despite the difficulties in treatment, psychological factors are thought to contribute to its symptoms. Objectives: This investigation sought to examine the correlation between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and CP/CPPS. Methods: We assembled a case group comprising 30 patients diagnosed with CP/CPPS and a control group consisting of 30 healthy individuals without the condition. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the prevalence of OCD in both groups. In contrast, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was used to evaluate the severity of CP/CPPS symptoms. Results: The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of OCD between the group of individuals with CP/CPPS and the healthy control group. However, patients with CP/CPPS had significantly higher Y-BOCS scores compared to the control group. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between Y-BOCS scores and NIH-CPSI scores, suggesting that increasing OCD symptoms were associated with increased disease severity, pain, and decreased quality of life. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing Y-BOCS scores independently predicted CP/CPPS symptom severity. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of considering psychological factors, including OCD, in the management of CP/CPPS. The results suggest that addressing OCD symptoms may be an important adjunctive treatment approach for improving symptom outcomes in patients with CP/CPPS. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions targeting OCD in this population.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder from a cognitive-behavioural point of view

The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the adult population is estimated at about 2–3%, while in children the prevalence of this disorder is higher, and it is considered to be one of the most common neuropsychiatric diseases in paediatric populations. Symptoms from the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum can vary in severity or occur with varying frequency. In severe cases, they are time-consuming and disorganise functioning, causing psychological stress not only to patients but often to those around them. The level of insight differentiates individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, affecting the course of treatment. Low insight often accompanies poor susceptibility to pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interactions, while high levels of criticism may inhibit the motivation to seek help, out of fear of social judgement. Obsessive-compulsive disorder deserves the attention of clinicians because, without appropriate treatment, the disorder can take a chronic form, often becoming a trigger for depression, social phobia, or addiction. American data show that 90% of respondents meeting the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder also suffer from another Axis I disorder. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a method with proven effectiveness in the treatment of Axis I disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The first goal of this paper is to present cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder that will allow clinicians to understand the nature of this condition. The second goal is to describe the possibilities and tools used in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy of patients.

Lifetime Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Men With an Eating Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

There is limited research examining men’s experiences of eating disorders and co-occuring conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the pooled lifetime prevalence of OCD in men with an eating disorder. Consistent with the PRISMA guidelines, 4 electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane) were searched on June 14, 2024. A total of 1045 articles were identified for screening using a combination of search terms to establish relevant studies examining the prevalence of OCD in men with an eating disorder. A total of 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis for OCD prevalence. Results showed that the pooled current lifetime prevalence of comorbid OCD was 11% (95% CI: 0.04–0.26). Clinicians should consider routine screening for comorbid OCD in men with eating disorders. Men with both conditions may benefit from treatment that concurrently addresses OCD during treatment for the eating disorder.

Psychometric properties of common self-report measures for obsessive-compulsive disorder in sexual and gender minorities

Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) appears to be higher in sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals compared to cisgender, heterosexual individuals. Although existing self-report measures for OCD (i.e., Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Self-Report-II-Self Report [Y-BOCS-II-SR], Dimensional Obsessive Compulsive Scale [DOCS], and Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-Short Form [OBQ-SF]) have demonstrated strong psychometric properties in prior samples, these studies have not reported the proportion of SGM individuals in their samples. Thus, it remains unclear how these measures perform when used with SGM individuals. Accordingly, the psychometric properties of the Y-BOCS-II-SR, DOCS, and OBQ-SF were examined in a sample of 318 sexual minority (98.4%) and gender minority (33.8%) adults with self-reported OCD (Mage = 27.5 years; 87.4% female sex at birth; 93.4% white). Replicating prior research, these measures demonstrated consistent response patterns and strong factor structures and loadings, internal consistency, and convergent validity. Overall, these measures appear to be psychometrically sound when used with SGM individuals, and the few psychometric weaknesses found in the present study parallel those found in other samples, suggesting that they are not specific to use with SGM individuals. Findings support that the Y-BOCS-II- SR, DOCS, and OBQ- SF can be accurately used and interpreted in samples that are comprised of SGM individuals.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Gulf Countries: A Narrative Review.

Gulf countries, like other parts of the world, were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Along with its biological effects, the pandemic has had serious psychological and social effects. The pandemic-associated general stress and the increased efforts of handwashing and general hygiene might trigger obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The objective of this narrative review was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, severity of symptoms, and accessibility of treatment for OCD in Gulf countries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to review and collect research and/or reports on the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment adaptations and strategies of OCD during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in seven Arab Gulf countries. The search spanned from the onset of the crisis in 2020 to 2024. Peer-reviewed articles and reports were sourced from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, while abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congresses were also included in the review. A total of four studies from Saudi Arabia, two from the United Arab Emirates, and two from Qatar were retrieved for analysis. These studies focused on investigating the impact of the pandemic on OCD. Studies from Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain reported a negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, yet no specific data were provided. The studies highlighted an increased prevalence of OCD symptoms, both in terms of the incidence of new symptoms and the exacerbation of existing pre-pandemic manifestations. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing psychological disorders or OCD were particularly susceptible to the negative impact of the pandemic. A review of local studies and reports from the Arab Gulf region reveals a striking paucity of research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on OCD. The pandemic has been associated with an increase in the prevalence of OCD, the onset of new symptoms, and the worsening and exacerbation of existing pre-pandemic obsessions and compulsions.

OCD in children: phenomenology, impairment, and psychiatric co-morbidity—an experience from Kashmir

IntroductionObsessions are recurrent ego-dystonic thoughts, images, or urges followed by compulsion to reduce them. The phenomenology of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) along with comorbidities is essential for understanding treatment response. This study aimed to assess phenomenology, impairment, and psychiatric co-morbidity associated with OCD in children and adolescents.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was done among 36 patients suffering from OCD. Socio-demographic and clinical details were collected with the application of Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for severity of illness, Children’s Global Assessment Scale for impairment assessment, and Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version for comorbidity.ResultThirty-six patients, comprising 20 male and 16 female subjects, with a mean age ± SD of 11 ± 3.4 years and a mean duration of illness of 12.30 months, were included in the study. A positive family history was noted in 30.6% of subjects. Mean C-YBOCS score was 24.44 (moderate to severe OCD) and the mean C-GAS score was 47.86, with 55.6% of subjects suffering from other comorbidities. Fear of contamination with washing and cleaning was among the most common themes in the population. Data was analyzed and presented as mean ± SD, frequencies, and percentages.ConclusionConsidering the increased prevalence of OCD in children and adolescent populations, a thorough symptom evaluation and any co-morbidities related to OCD should be considered by clinicians.

Advances in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions), can significantly impact a child's daily functioning, academic performance, and overall quality of life. As the prevalence of pediatric OCD continues to rise, there is a critical demand for evidence-based treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but also enhance the quality of life for affected children and adolescents. By identifying gaps in knowledge and suggesting directions for future research, this narrative review contributes to the ongoing discourse on pediatric OCD treatments. Ultimately, the synthesis of evidence aims to enhance our understanding and inform best practices in the compassionate and effective management of OCD in children and adolescents.The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends and emerging strategies in the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and highlights the significance of tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient needs, considering factors such as symptom severity and treatment response. Concentrating on interventions supported by empirical evidence, the review delves into cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy, the synergistic effects of these modalities, and inventive therapeutic approaches, all while considering the distinctive developmental aspects pertinent to pediatric populations.We conducted this review by searching for titles in the PubMed database from 2013 to present. Our comprehensive literature review focused on advancements in treating pediatric OCD, using keywords like "Obsessive-compulsive disorder," "Pediatric," "treatment," "CBT," "SSRI," "Pharmacotherapy," and "combination therapy." While both pharmacotherapy and CBT show individual efficacy, the combination of these approaches appears to be more effective, especially for medication non-responders with no prior exposure to CBT, despite some mixed findings. These findings contribute significantly to the ongoing discussion on optimizing combined therapy strategies tailored to the complexities of pediatric OCD.

Overlap of obsessive compulsive and psychosis risk symptoms in a specialized clinic.

Psychotic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) commonly co-occur. Likewise, subthreshold psychosis symptoms (clinical high risk for psychosis; CHR) and obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) often overlap and may be difficult to differentiate. This study aimed to replicate research investigating the prevalence of OCD in a CHR clinic sample, validate and investigate factor structure of a self-report OCS measure in a CHR sample, explore how OCS may relate to CHR and co-occurring symptoms, and investigate whether real-world CHR treatment improves OCS and CHR symptoms. This study analysed archival clinical data from baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments collected by a specialist outpatient CHR clinic. Data included assessments of CHR symptoms, OCS, and clinician-rated diagnosis. Exploratory factor analysis examined the OCS measure. Within this CHR clinic sample, 13.5% experienced co-morbid OCD. The self-report OCS measure had two factors: (1) checking and counting behaviours and (2) intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt. The checking and counting factor correlated with depression and social anxiety. The intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt factor significantly correlated with unusual thought content and social anxiety. Between baseline to 6-month follow-up, clients exhibited CHR symptom improvement regardless of OCD diagnosis. However, OCS did not change. These findings support validity of a self-report OCS measure in a CHR clinic sample and that types of OCS experiences may exhibit different clinical patterns. Additionally, it appears that individuals with comorbid OCD responded similarly to CHR treatment compared to those without OCD.

Prevalence of obsessive compulsive disorder among first year medical students in Sylhet division

Prevalence of obsessive compulsive disorder among first year medical students in Sylhet division

Prospects for using N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) primarily has its clinical manifestations due to dysfunction in the glutamatergic system and modulation of inflammatory cytokines. Dysregulation of the glutamatergic system, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter system in the human brain, is directly related to the pathophysiology of OCD. Indeed, this system is critical for neuroplasticity, learning and memory, and recent studies have identified glutamatergic abnormalities in people with OCD. The worldwide prevalence of OCD is estimated at 2-3%, and this figure may be underestimated due to frequent misdiagnosis. Current first-line treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, a significant proportion of patients remain refractory to these treatments, necessitating the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. This article examines the potential use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an alternative treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The occurrence and severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the opium and amphetamine users

ABSTRACT Objective Simultaneous occurrence of psychological disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported in patients with a history of substance abuse. We evaluated the occurrence and severity of OCD in opium and amphetamine users. Methods In this cross-sectional study, patients with a history of opium use (n = 100) or with a history of amphetamine use (n = 100) were studied. The diagnosis of OCD was based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive questionnaire. Results Regarding the prevalence of OCD in the two groups of opium and amphetamine users, 36% and 22% suffered from very mild OCD, 48% and 36% from mild OCD, 13% and 27% from moderate OCD and 3% and 15% from severe OCD. The severity of OCD was independent of gender and marital status in both groups. In amphetamine users’ group, OCD severity was linked to patients’ age and time for drug usage. Conclusion The severity of OCD is much more severe in amphetamine-dependent patients than in opium-dependent patients. In opioid-dependent patients, the severity of OCD is independent of gender, age, marital status, or duration of drug use, but in amphetamine-dependent patients, the severity of disorder is directly related to age and duration of amphetamine use.

Prevalence and Correlates of the Concurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are two common and impairing neurodevelopmental conditions with partial symptomatic overlap. The aim of this study is to systematically and meta-analytically examine the following: (i) the prevalence of an OCD diagnosis among young people with ASD, (ii) the prevalence of an ASD diagnosis among young people with OCD, and (iii) the clinical and therapeutic implications of such comorbidity. A multistep literature search was performed from database inception until 17 November 2023. This PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023480543), identified studies reporting on the prevalence, sociodemographic, psychopathologic, prognostic, and therapeutic correlates of OCD and ASD concurrence in children and adolescents. A quantitative meta-analysis with random effects was conducted to analyse the pooled prevalence of OCD among samples with a mean age of < 18 years old with ASD and the prevalence of ASD among individuals under 18 with OCD. Sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the effect of diagnostic criteria and different continents. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of gender, age, IQ, and OCD severity scores. A narrative review of the clinical and therapeutical implications of the comorbidity was provided. 42 studies were selected for the systematic review (SR), and 31 of them were also included in one of the meta-analyses. The pooled prevalence of OCD among ASD youth samples (n = 8916, mean age = 10.6 ± 1.6; 16.4% female) was 11.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 6.9%; 18.8%), and the pooled prevalence of ASD among OCD children and adolescent samples (n = 6209, mean age = 14.1 ± 1.4; 45.7% female) was 9.5% (95% CI = 6.0%; 14.7%). Meta-regressions found a statistically higher prevalence of ASD among samples with a lower prevalence of females (β = -4.7; 95%CI = -8.6; -0.8). Children with both OCD and ASD present higher rates of functional impairment, psychopathology, and other comorbidities, compared to youth with either of the disorders alone. OCD and ASD are highly concurrent conditions in youth, with symptomatic, prognostic, severity, and therapeutic implications. Future research should focus on conducting longitudinal cohort studies prospectively to determine development trajectories, along with randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions.

Conceptualizing Co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Gender Diversity in Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents is difficult due to similar behavioral topography. For instance, restrictive, repetitive behavior, cognitive rigidity, anxiety, and avoidance contribute to impairment in social relationships and daily living skills in both conditions. The diagnostic picture for youth with ASD and/or OCD may be further clouded by high rates of co-occurring gender-diverse clinical concerns, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, tic disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders With increased prevalence and improved identification of ASD, OCD, and gender-identity-related distress, more adolescents are seeking treatment. It is vital that providers are knowledgeable about best practices for diagnosing and treating these overlapping symptoms. This review describes the state of the literature regarding presentation and prevalence of ASD, OCD, and gender-identity concerns separately and as co-occurring phenomena. Sex differences and gender-diversity among individuals with ASD and OCD are also reviewed. We briefly describe evidence-based behavioral treatments for ASD, OCD, gender-identity-related distress as separate and co-occurring considerations. Recommendations for tailoring within these therapies and family involvement are discussed.

The relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and real-life functioning in schizophrenia: New insights from the multicenter study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses.

Although obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is highly prevalent in schizophrenia, its relationship with patients' real-life functioning is still controversial. The present study aims at investigating the prevalence of OCD in a large cohort of non-preselected schizophrenia patients living in the community and verifying the relationship of OCD, as well as of other psychopathological symptoms, with real-life functioning along a continuum of OCD severity and after controlling for demographic variables. A sample of 327 outpatients with schizophrenia was enrolled in the study and collapsed into three subgroups according to OCD severity (subclinical, mild-moderate, severe). A series of structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze in each subgroup the association of obsessive-compulsive symptoms with real-life functioning, assessed through the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale and the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. Moreover, latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to infer latent subpopulations. In the subclinical OCD group, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) were not associated with functioning, whereas in the mild-moderate OCD group, they showed a positive relationship, particularly in the domains of work and everyday life skills. The paucity of patients with severe OCD did not allow performing SEM analysis in this group. Finally, LPA confirmed a subgroup with mild-moderate OCS and more preserved levels of functioning. These findings hint at a positive association between mild-moderate OCD and real-life functioning in individuals with schizophrenia and encourage a careful assessment of OCD in personalized programs to sustain daily life activities.

Evaluation of obsessive-compulsive disorder prevalence in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis and its relationship with demographic characteristics.

Background: The present study examined the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relationship between OCD and the patient's demographic characteristics. Methods: The present study used a cluster sampling method to randomly select 297 patients with MS from the patients referred to the MS Clinic and Research Center of Sina University Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during 2018-2019. To gather the required data, a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and disease information sections was used. Moreover, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were employed in the present study. The comparison of qualitative and quantitative values between OCD-positive and negative groups was examined with chi-square test and independent samples t-test, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used as multivariate modeling to adjust the effects of potential confounders that could distort the relation of OCD with intended variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was considered lower than 0.05. Results: Of the total of 297 patients, 77.8% were women. Moreover, analysis of the data obtained from the HADS questionnaire revealed that 11.44% (n = 34) and 15.15% (n = 45) of patients had severe depression and severe anxiety, respectively. The results of Y-BOCS indicated that the prevalence of severe OCD among patients was 19.9%. The OCI-R questionnaire revealed that the prevalence of OCD was 47.8%, which was consistent with the total of moderate, severe, and extreme values of Y-BOCS (47.9%). Furthermore, the subscales of ordering-arranging with 69 patients (22.9%) and obsessing with 46 patients (15.5%) indicated the highest frequencies as compared to other subscales. Moreover, OCD had a significant relationship with depression, anxiety, and type of MS in this regard. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence rate of OCD among patients with MS was higher than its rate among the general population.

"This Is a Disease" and "Disease Has No Sin": Discourse Constructions of Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Regard to Being Diagnosed.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms have different cultural images in society. Deconstructive psychology studies can contribute to understanding the dominant discourse surrounding these patients, given the prevalence of OCD. The objective of this study was to investigate the discourse of participants regarding "having/receiving a diagnosis of OCD" and the function of this discourse. The research approach was qualitative and language-based, specifically employing Lacanian Discourse Analysis (LDA) perspective. The possible questions and prompts were determined along with the research team, and seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants diagnosed with OCD. The interviews explored how participants referred to their diagnosis, the language they used, and the function of this discourse. The findings revealed that participants diagnosed with OCD insistently used the term "disease" to explain their peculiar and distressing situations, referring to "medical discourse" with expressions such as "This is a disease" and "This disorder." Additionally, they often utilized "religious discourse" with the statements like "Disease has no sin" and "The sick and insane are exempt from their responsibilities." The findings of the current research indicated that when individuals with OCD "receive a name" through a recognized diagnosis, they experience a sense of recognition and validation for their OCD-related problems. Consequently, individuals diagnosed with OCD tend to find "legitimacy" for their irrational or unwanted thoughts and behaviors by taking comfort from their diagnosis. This study provides valuable insights into an understanding of patients with OCD. The findings are discussed in the context of their implications for both theoretical and applied research.

Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) symptoms among health care workers in COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms, are among the serious mental health challenges that Health Care Workers (HCWs) faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As these symptoms reduce the mental well-being and effectiveness of HCWs which are followed by poor health outcomes for patients, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of OCD symptoms among HCWs worldwide.MethodsPubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Emerald, and ERIC databases were searched using related keywords till the end of October 2021. Observational studies about the prevalence of OCD symptoms among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were screened and evaluated. In order to assess the quality of studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) checklist was used. The effect measure was the prevalence rate with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 7864 individuals from 11 studies were included. The range of OCD symptoms prevalence across these studies was from 0.07 to 0.47. Due to the high heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 98.6%, P < 0.01), the random effects model was used. The pooled prevalence was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.22–0.38) based on logit transformed CI.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of OCD symptoms was 29% among the HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This prevalence was higher than the general population according to the pre-pandemic literature, but lower than the recent reports amid the pandemic. Psychosocial interventions are suggested to be designed and implemented in such conditions.

Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder among Medical Students at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental disorder. It has an onset during the late teens, thus putting university students at higher risk as a target group. They live in an environment that is full of stressors and factors that may lead to the expression of obsessive compulsion symptoms. The objective of the present research is to explore the prevalence of OCD and its associated symptoms among medical students.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional analytic research at Taibah University in which medical students participated during a year period from December 2021 to 2022. Data collection was through an online self-administered questionnaire with 18 questions on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scale (OCI-R) filled out anonymously as well as voluntarily.&#x0D; Results: According to the OCI-R used in the study, 69 out of 263 (26%) participants are found to have probable OCD. There was a statistically significant association between participants who reported a history of mental illness and the probability of OCD [p=0.002]. Also, age groups showed statistically significant differences [p=0.007] as well as between academic years [p=0.003], with an increase in the probability of OCD with younger age and early academic years&#x0D; Conclusions: This current study has shown a high OCD prevalence among medical students at Taibah University, consistent with other similar studies. There were significant correlations with age, academic year, and history of mental illnesses, especially depression and anxiety.

A closer look to neural pathways and psychopharmacology of obsessive compulsive disorder.

The intricate neural pathways involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affect areas of our brain that control executive functioning, organization, and planning. OCD is a chronic condition that can be debilitating, afflicting millions of people worldwide. The lifetime prevalence of OCD in the US is 2.3%. OCD is predominantly characterized by obsessions consisting of intrusive and unwanted thoughts, often with impulses that are strongly associated with anxiety. Compulsions with OCD encompass repetitive behaviors or mental acts to satisfy their afflicted obsessions or impulses. While these factors can be unique to each individual, it has been widely established that the etiology of OCD is complex as it relates to neuronal pathways, psychopharmacology, and brain chemistry involved and warrants further exploration.