The obsessive compulsive spectrum in schizophrenia, a meta-analysis and meta-regression exploring prevalence rates

Schizophr Res. 2014 Feb;152(2-3):458-68. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.10.033. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study were to conduct a meta-analysis and meta-regression to estimate the prevalence rates for obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in schizophrenia, and to investigate what influences these prevalence rates.

Method: Studies were identified via an online OVID database search, including PsychInfo, Embase and Medline until December 2009.

Results: Forty-three studies summarizing outcomes for 3978 subjects met inclusion criteria. The mean OCD prevalence is 12.3%, slightly increasing to 13.6% after adjustment in meta-regression. The prevalence rate of OCS, defined as any obsession or compulsion is 30.7% (30.3% adjusted). Higher severity of OCS, DIGS assessment, and Sub-Saharan African origin of study are associated with a lower OCS/OCD prevalence rate, use of DSM-IV edition, Y-BOCS assessment and longer schizophrenia history are associated with a higher prevalence rate.

Conclusion: The prevalence of OCS and OCD in schizophrenia is substantial, specifically in more chronic patient populations and is influenced by the method of assessment.

Keywords: Meta-analysis; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Psychotic disorder; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Bibliographic / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / classification
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / complications
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Regression Analysis
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology*