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Mortality Among Persons With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Denmark
Sandra M Meier1,2,3, Manuel Mattheisen2,4, Ole Mors2,5
1National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark.
JAMA Psychiatry
|January 29, 2016
Summary
Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) face a significantly higher risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. This increased mortality risk persists even after accounting for comorbid conditions and somatic health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mental disorders are linked to reduced life expectancy.
- The association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and mortality is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of death among individuals diagnosed with OCD.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide prospective cohort study using Danish registers.
- Followed 3 million individuals (born 1955-2006) from 2002-2011, accumulating 30 million person-years.
- Analyzed mortality rate ratios (MRRs) adjusted for various demographic and health factors.
Main Results:
- Individuals with OCD had a significantly higher risk of death (MRR 1.68 for natural causes, 2.61 for unnatural causes).
- Increased mortality risk remained significant even after excluding individuals with comorbid anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders (MRR 1.88).
Conclusions:
- OCD diagnosis is associated with a significantly elevated risk of mortality.
- Comorbid conditions exacerbate this risk, but OCD alone remains a significant mortality risk factor.
- Findings highlight the critical need to address mortality risks in OCD patient care.
