Royal College of Psychiatrists: Majority of people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are unmarried or divorced

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Wednesday, 02, Jul 2008 12:00

The majority of people with moderate to severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are either unmarried or divorced, with only a minority being in stable co-habiting relationships.

OCD is a chronic condition that is known, particularly in its severe forms, to have a significant effect on social functioning. Although the prevalence of OCD is roughly equal in men and women, some studies have suggested that men with OCD are less likely to be married.

A study carried out in London examined all patients referred to a Specialist Community OCD Service between April 2005 and April 2006. This service treats patients from five London boroughs with a total adult population of over 1 million.

Patients referred to the service have significant OCD symptoms, and will have already had a trial of cognitive behavioural treatment before referral. Patients are treated in the community, usually in their own homes.

47 patients were included in the study – 20 men and 27 women. They had an average of 19 years, with OCD symptoms and a diagnosis of severe OCD. Two-thirds of them were single or divorced, with only 33% married or co-habiting. There was no difference between the sexes in the frequency of marriage.

After 12 weeks of therapy there was an overall improvement in OCD symptoms. The possible effect of marital status on outcome was examined, but no differences were found between those who lived with a partner and those who were single.

The researchers comment that they cannot prove that the reason the majority of patients with OCD are single is due to the social impact of the disorder, but say that it is likely to be the case. Marital status alone did not appear to have any effect on response to treatment.

Further studies examining the possible cause, and also the result, of single status in OCD patients are indicated, as they may have a bearing on the development of appropriate services for this handicapped group.

Reference:

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Meeting, Imperial College London 1 - 4 July 2008

For further information contact Dr Zuber Moola or Dr Lynne Drummond, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

Tel: 020 8694 2111 (Dr Moola) or 020 8682 6961 (Dr Drummond)

E-mail: zubermoola@doctors.org.uk or l.drummond@sgul.ac.uk

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Press Office: 020 7235 2351 exts. 298 or 127.

From 1-4 July, please call the Annual Meeting Press Office on 020 7594 8636 or 020 7594 1847.