Published in:
01-07-2019 | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Sleep Disorders (P Gehrman, Section Editor)
Circadian Rhythms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Recent Findings and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors:
Rebecca C. Cox, Bunmi O. Olatunji
Published in:
Current Psychiatry Reports
|
Issue 7/2019
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Circadian rhythms are a topic of growing interest in mental health, particularly in obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the consistency of this link has not been carefully examined. Thus, the present review integrates findings from the past 5 years in order to determine the strength of such a relationship and identify areas for clarification and extension.
Recent Findings
Findings revealed inconsistent evidence for a link between circadian rhythms and OCD. Chronotype is unrelated to OCD symptoms in adolescents but predicts OCD symptoms in adults. Results on delayed sleep timing are equivocal. Circadian rhythm disorders predict OCD treatment outcome. Preliminary evidence implicates decreased light exposure and diurnal symptom variability in OCD.
Summary
The relationship between circadian rhythms and OCD may vary by age, diagnostic status, and assessment method. Recent findings are limited by an overreliance on convenience samples and singular self-report methods. Recommendations for future research on the role of circadian rhythms in OCD are discussed.