Treatment seeking for obsessive-compulsive disorder : role of ocd symptons and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses

Background. Previous research has indicated that although obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with immense suffering, and social and economic costs, individuals afflicted with the disorder have a very low rate of seeking help from mental health professionals. Methods. From standardized psychiatric interviews of 7214 Edmonton residents we identified 172 subjects with a lifetime diagnosis of OCD; 37% (63/172) had consulted a doctor about their symptoms. Results. Total number of symptoms (odds ratio, OR = 3.44) and severe obsessions of violence and other unpleasant thoughts (OR = 2.62) were significantly associated with treatment seeking in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion. This study was an important step in examining which specific symptoms and comorbid conditions are associated with treatment seeking. It was somewhat surprising that neither comorbid disorders nor any compulsive symptoms were related to treatment seeking behaviour. This study may be of benefit to future public education programs especially by teaching the public about compulsions