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The Parma High School Epidemiological Survey: obsessive-compulsive symptoms
C Maggini1, P Ampollini, S Gariboldi
1Clinical Psychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|June 13, 2001
Summary
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD) are more common in adolescents than previously thought, particularly among females. This study found higher symptom prevalence and interference in females compared to males.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a significant mental health concern.
- Adolescent populations may exhibit unique symptom presentations and prevalence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in Italian adolescents.
- To compare symptom frequency and interference between male and female adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 2877 Italian high-school students aged 16-21.
- Utilized the Leyton Obsessional Inventory--Child Version (LOI-CV) for assessment.
- Identified high interference (HI) and supernormal (Sn) groups based on scores.
Main Results:
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were identified in 4.1% (HI) and 3.0% (Sn) of the sample.
- Females reported higher scores for symptoms and interference than males.
- Dirt phobia, rumination, and nail biting were the most interfering symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent OCD symptom prevalence is higher than previously estimated.
- Females experience more OCD symptoms and greater personal functioning interference than males.
- Findings align with recent literature on adolescent OCD.