Title: Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Patients Followed in Dermatology:
Authors: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Cases
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Pages: 156-163
Publication Date: 2025/12/28
Abstract:
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent and disabling psychiatric condition. The relationship between dermatological diseases and psychiatric comorbidities has been increasingly recognized, yet data on OCD prevalence in dermatology settings remain limited, particularly in North African populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of OCD among patients consulting in dermatology and to analyze its association with chronic dermatoses. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 200 adult patients consulting at the Dermatology Department of Avicenna Military Hospital in Marrakech, Morocco. OCD was diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and confirmed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 7.0. Dermatoses were classified as acute or chronic. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: The prevalence of OCD was 14% (n=28). OCD was more frequent in women (17%) than in men (10%) (p=0.08). Patients with chronic dermatoses had a significantly higher prevalence of OCD (20%) compared to those with acute dermatoses (8%) (p=0.01). The most common OCD subtypes were checking compulsions (39%), contamination obsessions (32%), and repetitive behaviors (29%). Conclusion: OCD is a frequent comorbidity in dermatology settings, particularly among patients with chronic dermatoses. These findings underscore the importance of systematic screening and integrated psychiatric-dermatological care.