Relationship between obsessive compulsive disorder and cortisol: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Altered stress response and elevated glucocorticoids are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Stressful events can precede or worsen obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms.
• Previous studies on cortisol profiles in OCD patients have yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature to clarify the cortisol profile in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• To determine if cortisol levels are significantly different in individuals with OCD compared to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Data analysis performed using the Metafor package in R software.
• Inclusion of 19 studies for systematic review and 18 for meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis revealed significantly higher cortisol levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients compared to controls (d = 0.76, p < 0.001).
• Studies utilizing multiple cortisol assessments showed a significantly higher effect size than those using single measurements.
• Both systematic review and meta-analysis indicate elevated cortisol in OCD patients.

Conclusions:

• Cortisol levels are significantly elevated in individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• The findings support the involvement of the stress response system in the pathophysiology of OCD.
• Further research may explore the clinical implications of these elevated cortisol levels in OCD management.