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The clinical characteristics of patients with obsessive compulsive disorder: a descriptive study of an Irish sample

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

James V Lucey ,
Gerard Butcher ,
Anthony W Clare  and
Timothy G Dinan
James V Lucey
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, England
Anthony W Clare
Affiliation:
St. Patrick's Hospital, James St, Dublin 9, Ireland
Timothy G Dinan
Affiliation:
Dept. of Psychological Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A, England
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Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and demographic details of a sample of patients with a principal diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Method: A retrospective review of fifty patients with DSM-III-R OCD referred to the Department of Behaviour Therapy at St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland between 1990 and 1991. Standard clinical ratings were made before and after treatment. Ratings used included the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Fear Questionnaire (FQ), and the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive score (YBOCS). Results: The male to female ratio was almost equal and the mean duration of illness was 6.1 (SD 11 years). OCD presented in isolation in a minority of cases (14%). A life time history of at least one other DSM-III-R axis I diagnosis, especially depression, was found in 72% of patients. Co-morbid Gilles de la Tourettes syndrome or epilepsy was rare. The majority of patients were on medication prior to presentation (78%). Levels of symptomatology were reduced in 91% of patients who completed treatment. Conclusions: Epidemiological research into the mass aspects of this disorder is required.

Keywords

Obsessive compulsive disorderClinical characteristicsBehaviour therapySpecific serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , March 1994 , pp. 11 - 14
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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