Gender differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Genetics
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition with proposed subtypes.
• Previous research indicates gender significantly impacts OCD's phenotypic expression.
• Understanding these gender differences is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on gender differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• To examine demographic, clinical, genetic, and familial aspects of OCD stratified by gender.
• To synthesize current knowledge on how sex influences OCD presentation and course.

Main Methods:

• A conventional review of studies investigating gender and OCD was performed.
• Searches were conducted in Medline and PsycINFO databases over the past 20 years.
• Keywords included "obsessive-compulsive disorder" and terms related to gender, demographics, clinical features, and genetics.

Main Results:

• Sixty-three relevant studies were selected from 487 initial papers.
• Males with OCD often present with earlier onset, chronic symptoms, social impairment, and higher comorbidity with tic and substance use disorders.
• Females with OCD tend to exhibit more contamination/cleaning symptoms and comorbidity with eating and impulse-control disorders.

Conclusions:

• Gender is a significant factor in the clinical evaluation of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Current genetic and familial studies are inconclusive but suggest a role for gender in OCD expression.
• Further investigation is required to determine if gender defines distinct, homogeneous subgroups within OCD.