Abstract:

Introduction: Data obtained from both clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that the frequency of comorbidities in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) varies between 25% and 65%. Suicide has been shown as a new problem area in OCD cases in recent studies. Nevertheless, there was no study on adolescent subjects on this field. In this context, in this study, it was aimed to determine the frequency of comorbidity and suicidal behavior in adolescent OCD cases. Methods: Seventy patients in the 15-22 age range who were diagnosed with OCD and referred to the Adolescence Unit of the Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Ankara University Medical Faculty in 2015 were included in the study. The information was retrieved retrospectively on physician notes by file scanning method. Results: 35% of the cases were male and 65% were female. The mean age was 19.6 (± 2.3, 15-22). Depression was the most common comorbid diagnosis of OCD (23.2%) and followed by anxiety disorders (15.9%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (7.2%), bipolar disorder (5.8%), mental retardation (2.9%), psychotic symptoms (2.9%), ADHD-depression and epilepsy (1.4%). Suicide ideation was observed in 4.3% (n = 3) of OCD group and no suicide attempt was found. Suicidal ideation was only found in depression group. Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies in the literature, comorbidity was found to be high in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, suicidal ideation was found to be lower in adolescent OCD cases than in healthy adolescents and adult OCD cases in the literature. It is important to question the comorbidity in our clinical practice while working with the adolescent group. Further research needed about frequency of suicidal thoughts and attempts in adolescents with OCD.

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