The epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder in an Italian population

SummaryThis study presents the clinical and demographic characteristics of a sample of 131 patients, who met DSM III-R criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our aim was to compare our epidemiological data with non-European research, and to investigate the relationship between OCD symptoms and other clinical features, ie other Axis I concomitant disturbances, personality disorders (Axis II) and family history. Furthermore, we evaluated the age at onset distribution according to sex, family history and presence/absence of a comorbid diagnosis of mood disorder, by means of survival analysis.

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Obsessive–compulsive disorder: subclassification based on co-morbidity

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291708004753 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 1491-1501 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

G. Nestadt ◽

C. Z. Di ◽

M. A. Riddle ◽

M. A. Grados ◽

B. D. Greenberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Latent Class ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Separation Anxiety Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

The Relationship

BackgroundObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is probably an etiologically heterogeneous condition. Many patients manifest other psychiatric syndromes. This study investigated the relationship between OCD and co-morbid conditions to identify subtypes.MethodSeven hundred and six individuals with OCD were assessed in the OCD Collaborative Genetics Study (OCGS). Multi-level latent class analysis was conducted based on the presence of eight co-morbid psychiatric conditions [generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depression, panic disorder (PD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), tics, mania, somatization disorders (Som) and grooming disorders (GrD)]. The relationship of the derived classes to specific clinical characteristics was investigated.ResultsTwo and three classes of OCD syndromes emerge from the analyses. The two-class solution describes lesser and greater co-morbidity classes and the more descriptive three-class solution is characterized by: (1) an OCD simplex class, in which major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most frequent additional disorder; (2) an OCD co-morbid tic-related class, in which tics are prominent and affective syndromes are considerably rarer; and (3) an OCD co-morbid affective-related class in which PD and affective syndromes are highly represented. The OCD co-morbid tic-related class is predominantly male and characterized by high conscientiousness. The OCD co-morbid affective-related class is predominantly female, has a young age at onset, obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) features, high scores on the ‘taboo’ factor of OCD symptoms, and low conscientiousness.ConclusionsOCD can be classified into three classes based on co-morbidity. Membership within a class is differentially associated with other clinical characteristics. These classes, if replicated, should have important implications for research and clinical endeavors.

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Quality of life and subthreshold obsessive-compulsive disorder

Acta Neuropsychiatrica ◽

10.1111/j.1601-5215.2007.00257.x ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 357-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Arianna Goracci ◽

Mirko Martinucci ◽

Anastassia Kaperoni ◽

Andrea Fagiolini ◽

Chiara Sbaragli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Axis Ii ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Residential Population ◽

Current Axis ◽

Axis I

Objective:This study investigates the relationship between subthreshold obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and quality of life (QoL) in a sample from the Italian general population.Methods:A sample of 202 psychiatrically healthy (defined as absence of current axis I and axis II disorders) subjects was recruited by word of mouth from the residential population in the Siena, Salerno and Milano municipalities (Italy). All study subjects completed the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) and the Questionnaire for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum (OBS-SR), which explore a wide array of threshold and subthreshold OCD symptoms, behaviours and traits. A diagnostic assessment was conducted to exclude the presence of DSM-IV axis I and axis II disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R personality disorders, respectively.Results:A statistically significant correlation was found between the OBS-SR total score and the Q-LES-Q domains of physical health, subjective feelings, work, school, social relationships and general activities. There was also a statistically significant correlation between several Q-LES-Q and OBS-SR domains.Conclusions:The presence of subthreshold OCD is correlated with poorer QoL. More research is needed to evaluate if specific therapeutic interventions targeting subthreshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms can lead to a significant improvement in the QoL of the affected individuals.

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Gender-related clinical differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(99)00224-2 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 434-441 ◽

Cited By ~ 127

Author(s):

F. Bogetto ◽

S. Venturello ◽

U. Albert ◽

G. Maina ◽

L. Ravizza

Keyword(s):

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Clinical Features ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Course Of Illness ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

History Of ◽

Axis I ◽

Dsm Iv ◽

Chronic Course

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the gender-related differences of clinical features in a sample of obsessive-compulsive (OCD) patients. One hundred and sixty outpatients with a principal diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (DSM-IV, Y-BOCS = 16) were admitted. Patients were evaluated with a semi-structured interview covering the following areas: socio-demographic data, Axis I diagnoses (DSM-IV), OCD clinical features (age at onset of OC symptoms and disorder, type of onset, life events and type of course). For statistical analysis the sample was subdivided in two groups according to gender. We found an earlier age at onset of OC symptoms and disorder in males; an insidious onset and a chronic course of illness were also observed in that group of patients. Females more frequently showed an acute onset of OCD and an episodic course of illness; they also reported more frequently a stressful event in the year preceding OCD onset. A history of anxiety disorders with onset preceding OCD and hypomanic episodes occurring after OCD onset was significantly more common among males, while females showed more frequently a history of eating disorders. We found three gender-related features of OCD: males show an earlier age at onset with a lower impact of precipitant events in triggering the disorder; OCD seems to occur in a relative high proportion of males who already have phobias and/or tic disorders; and a surfeit of chronic course of the illness in males in comparison with females.

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The relationship between obsessive-compulsive personality and obsessive-compulsive disorder: data obtained by the Personality Disorder Examination

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1017/s0924933800002959 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 219-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

D Cassano ◽

G Del Buono ◽

F Catapano

Keyword(s):

Personality Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Control Group ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Axis Ii ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Matched Healthy Control ◽

Healthy Control ◽

The Relationship

SummaryWe administered the Personality Disorder Examination (PDE) to 31 patients meeting DSM III criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to an age-and sex-matched healthy control group. Seventeen patients (54.8%) and four controls (12.9%) met criteria for one or more DSM III Axis II diagnoses. The most frequent Axis II diagnoses in patients were avoidant, passive-aggressive and compulsive personality disorder. Compulsive personality disorder was diagnosed in 6 OCD patients (19.3%). The prevalence of this disorder did not change according to sex, age of onset or duration of OCD, and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

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Onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Premorbid Conditions and Prodromal Phase

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852900007793 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 5 (12) ◽

pp. 31-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Giuseppe Maina ◽

Umberto Albert ◽

Filippo Bogetto ◽

Luigi Ravizza

Keyword(s):

Personality Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Age At Onset ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Acute Onset ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Prodromal Phase ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Clinical Onset ◽

Axis I

AbstractThis article focuses on the clinical onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specifically addressing the of onset, gradual and acute onset, and whether there are some types of premorbid conditions or a prodromal phase that predispose individuals to the onset of OCD. Clinical and epidemiological studies have come to different conclusions regarding age at onset as well as regarding differences between the sexes. Data gleaned from research to date have demonstrated a relationship between OCD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), although OCPD does not appear to be the more prevalent personality disorder among patients with OCD. Preliminary research has suggested that Axis I disorders may predispose individuals to OCD onset; however, the significance of this relationship remains to be clarified. Evidence of the association between OCD and subthreshold obsessive-compulsive syndrome suggests that these disorders lie on a continuum of severity, with some cases developing OCD while others do not.

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The Relationship of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852900021155 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 347-358 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Katharine A. Phillips ◽

Walter H. Kaye

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Body Image ◽

Family History ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Body Dysmorphic Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Body Image Disorders ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACTBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders are body image disorders that have long been hypothesized to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Available data suggest that BDD and eating disorders are often comorbid with OCD. Data from a variety of domains suggest that both BDD and eating disorders have many similarities with OCD and seem related to OCD. However, these disorders also differ from OCD in some ways. Additional research is needed on the relationship of BDD and eating disorders to OCD, including studies that directly compare them to OCD in a variety of domains, including phenomenology, family history, neurobiology, and etiology.

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Plasma serotonin, comorbidity, family history, and the relationship of obsessive-compulsive disorder to major depressive disorder

Biological Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/0006-3223(89)91500-x ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 25 (7) ◽

pp. A7-A8

Author(s):

John W. Cain ◽

John Battaglia ◽

John R. Debus ◽

Frederick Petty ◽

A.John Rush

Keyword(s):

Major Depressive Disorder ◽

Family History ◽

Depressive Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Major Depressive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Plasma Serotonin

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Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.169.1.101 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 169 (1) ◽

pp. 101-107 ◽

Cited By ~ 165

Author(s):

P. Lensi ◽

G. B. Cassano ◽

G. Correddu ◽

S. Ravagli ◽

J. L. Kunovac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽

Close Association ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Bipolar Disorders ◽

Panic Attacks ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Axis Ii ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

History Of ◽

Axis I

BackgroundDemographic data, family history, psychopathological features, comorbidity and course of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are investigated and data generated to support the possible existence of two subgroups with gender-related differences of a broader nature.MethodTwo hundred and sixty-three OCD patients, consecutive admissions to the Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa over a period of 5 years, not excluding those with comorbid Axis I and Axis II conditions, were studied. Patients were evaluated with a specifically designed semi-structured OCD interview.ResultsWe found a significantly greater history of perinatal trauma in men who also had an earlier onset, greater likelihood of never having been married and a higher frequency of such symptoms as sexual, exactness and symmetry obsessions and odd rituals; by contrast, women suffered a later onset of the disorder, were more likely to be married, had higher rates of associated panic attacks after the onset of OCD and a higher frequency of aggressive obsessions at the onset of their illness, and were less frequently associated with bipolar disorders.ConclusionsPathophysiological mechanisms in OCD seem to differ by gender. Perinatal trauma might predispose to earlier onset in men, whereas in women there is a close association between OCD and panic disorder.

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