Prevalence and impact of psychiatric comorbidities in the diagnosis and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Abstract

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both, affecting approximately 2%–3% of the population throughout their lifetime. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence and impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the diagnosis and treatment of OCD, particularly conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The analysis included studies from the past two decades using databases such as PubMed and LILACS to investigate how these comorbidities affect symptom severity, treatment response, and patients' quality of life. The selection process involved two stages: an initial screening and a detailed review of articles addressing the impact of these comorbidities on the management of OCD. A total of 5 studies were selected, revealing that patients with OCD and ADHD tend to have an earlier onset of symptoms and a slower treatment response. Similarly, young individuals with ASD exhibit greater functional impairment and reduced remission rates. In patients with BD, OCD symptoms often fluctuate with mood episodes, complicating clinical management. The findings highlight the need for early diagnosis and tailored therapeutic approaches to optimize the treatment of these patients, reducing therapeutic resistance and improving quality of life. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of these comorbidities and to develop more effective interventions.