A recent study from Sweden published in the medical journal, The BMJ, has found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might have a higher risk of dying from various causes, both natural and unnatural, compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that many of the natural causes of death could be prevented with better surveillance and early intervention for individuals with OCD.
OCD is a long-term psychiatric disorder that affects around 2% of the population. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause high levels of anxiety, known as obsessions. To cope, individuals often engage in repetitive behaviors known as compulsions.
The study highlights that OCD is not just about mental health; it is also associated with challenges in academics, work prospects, substance use disorders, and an increased risk of death. While previous studies focused on unnatural causes like suicide, this study aimed to understand specific natural causes of death in people with OCD.
The researchers looked at data from Swedish population registers and identified over 61,000 individuals with OCD, comparing them with over 600,000 without OCD. The results showed that people with OCD had a higher rate of death than those without OCD. Even after adjusting for various factors, individuals with OCD had an 82% increased risk of death from any cause.
The excess risk of death was higher for both natural (31% increased risk) and unnatural causes of death (a threefold increased risk). Natural causes included diseases related to the respiratory system, mental and behavioral disorders, genitourinary system diseases, and more. Unnatural causes included a nearly fivefold increased risk of suicide and a 92% increased risk of accidents.
(Inputs from ANI)