Predictors of course in obsessive-compulsive disorder

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.