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Predictors of course in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
1School of Social Work, Boston University, MA 02215, USA. steketee@bu.edu
Psychiatry Research
|March 9, 2000
Summary
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remission rates were studied over 5 years. Being married and lower symptom severity predicted partial remission in OCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Systematic studies on the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are infrequent.
- Standardized diagnostic criteria are essential for reliable illness course assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the 5-year course of illness in 100 patients diagnosed with OCD.
- To identify predictors of remission and treatment outcomes in OCD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 100 OCD patients for up to 5 years.
- Assessment of comorbid conditions including anxiety, major depressive, and personality disorders.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors of partial and full remission.
Main Results:
- 20% of patients achieved full remission, and 50% achieved partial remission.
- Marital status and lower global severity scores at intake predicted partial remission.
- Major depressive disorder was marginally predictive of a poorer course.
Conclusions:
- Marital status and baseline symptom severity are significant predictors of OCD course.
- Further research is needed to understand predictors of treatment outcome in OCD.