Prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideations among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder in Egypt

Background Suicidal ideations were reported in many studies among patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with current suicidal ideations among Egyptian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A consecutive sample of 120 Egyptian OCD patients was included in the study. OCD was diagnosed using the structured clinical interview for DSM-V axis Ι disorders, clinical version (SCID-I-CV). Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was also applied to the patients. Presence of current suicidal ideations was assessed using Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI). Results Twenty eight (23.3%) of the OCD patients reported presence of current suicidal ideations, religious obsessions OR = 3.53, P = 0.009, and presence of comorbid major depressive disorder OR = 1.77, P = 0.04. Conclusion Religious obsessions and comorbid major depressive disorder were found to be significant predictors for the current suicidal ideations in patients with OCD; however, religious obsessions were the strongest predictor. Religious obsessions should be evaluated and treated to decrease the risk of suicidal thoughts in Egyptian OCD patients.