Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive illness

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive illness (OCI) frequently goes unrecognized, despite its significant impact.
• OCI often presents alongside or underlies other psychiatric conditions, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• Diagnostic difficulties arise when OCI co-occurs with eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse, and adult attention deficit disorder.
• Patient secrecy, shame, and healthcare provider characteristics can impede OCI recognition.

Findings:

• OCI is often underdiagnosed due to its complex presentation and patient/provider factors.
• Effective pharmacologic and therapeutic interventions exist for OCI when properly identified.

Implications:

• Improved diagnostic strategies are needed to identify underlying OCI.
• Targeting OCI directly can enhance treatment outcomes for comorbid conditions.