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Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Familial–Developmental History, Symptomatology, Comorbidity and Course with Special Reference to Gender-Related Differences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

P. Lensi ,
G. B. Cassano ,
G. Correddu ,
S. Ravagli ,
J. L. Kunovac  and
H. S. Akiskal
P. Lensi
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa
G. B. Cassano*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa
G. Correddu
Affiliation:
S.I.M.A.P. (Servizio Igiene Mentale Assistenza Psichiatrica), Ravenna, Italy
S. Ravagli
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa
J. L. Kunovac
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa
H. S. Akiskal
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Ca 92093-0603, USA
*
Professor Giovanni B. Cassano, Istituto di Psichiatria, Università di Pisa, via Roma, 67-56100 Pisa, Italia
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Abstract

Background

Demographic data, family history, psychopathological features, comorbidity and course of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are investigated and data generated to support the possible existence of two subgroups with gender-related differences of a broader nature.

Method

Two hundred and sixty-three OCD patients, consecutive admissions to the Institute of Psychiatry, University of Pisa over a period of 5 years, not excluding those with comorbid Axis I and Axis II conditions, were studied. Patients were evaluated with a specifically designed semi-structured OCD interview.

Results

We found a significantly greater history of perinatal trauma in men who also had an earlier onset, greater likelihood of never having been married and a higher frequency of such symptoms as sexual, exactness and symmetry obsessions and odd rituals; by contrast, women suffered a later onset of the disorder, were more likely to be married, had higher rates of associated panic attacks after the onset of OCD and a higher frequency of aggressive obsessions at the onset of their illness, and were less frequently associated with bipolar disorders.

Conclusions

Pathophysiological mechanisms in OCD seem to differ by gender. Perinatal trauma might predispose to earlier onset in men, whereas in women there is a close association between OCD and panic disorder.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 169 , Issue 1 , July 1996 , pp. 101 - 107
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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