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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-03-2012 | Original Paper

Obsessive–compulsive disorder in the community: 12-month prevalence, comorbidity and impairment

Authors: Yuki Adam, Gunther Meinlschmidt, Andrew T. Gloster, Roselind Lieb

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Background

Although subthreshold conditions are associated with impairment in numerous disorders, research on obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) below the diagnostic threshold of DSM-IV in the general population is limited.

Purpose

To estimate the DSM-IV 12-month prevalence, comorbidity and impairment of OCD, subthreshold OCD (i.e., fulfilling some but not all core DSM-IV criteria), and obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) (i.e., endorsement of OCS without fulfilling any core DSM-IV criteria) in a general population sample.

Methods

Data from the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey–Mental Health Supplement (N = 4181, age 18–65 years), based on the standardized diagnostic Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results

The 12-month prevalence of OCD was 0.7%, subthreshold OCD was 4.5%, and OCS was 8.3%. Subjects in all three groups showed higher comorbidity (odds ratios [ORs] ≥ 3.3), compared to those without OCS. The OCD, subthreshold OCD and OCS were all associated with increased odds of substance abuse/dependence-, mood-, anxiety- and somatoform disorders, with especially strong associations with possible psychotic disorder (ORs ≥ 4.1) and bipolar disorders (ORs ≥ 4.7). Participants in all three groups showed higher impairment (ORs ≥ 3.1) and health-care utilization (ORs ≥ 2.4), compared to those without OCS, even after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions

Individuals with subthreshold OCD and OCS, not currently captured by DSM-IV OCD criteria, nevertheless show substantial comorbidity, impairment and health-care utilization. This should be taken into account in future conceptualization and classification of OCD and clinical care.

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Title: Obsessive–compulsive disorder in the community: 12-month prevalence, comorbidity and impairment
Authors: Yuki Adam
Gunther Meinlschmidt
Andrew T. Gloster
Roselind Lieb
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0337-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Obsessive–compulsive disorder in the community: 12-month prevalence, comorbidity and impairment

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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