The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Amphetamine-Induced Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Publisher Pubmed



Shakeri J¹ ; Farnia V¹ ; Karimi AR¹ ; Tatari F¹ ; Juibari TA¹ ; Alikhani M¹ ; Bajoghli H² ; Holsboertrachsler E³ ; Brand S^{3, 4}
Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Published:2016

Abstract

Background: Amphetamine abuse is increasing worldwide, and the occurrence of amphetamine-induced (AI) psychiatric issues further complicates treatment. In response, the DSM 5 has introduced the classification of amphetamine-induced obsessive-compulsive disorders (AI-OCD), though little has been published on either its prevalence rates or its clinical features. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the prevalence of AI-OCD, to describe patients' clinical features, and to compare the prevalence rate among such patients with those for OCD in the general population in Western countries and Iran. Methods: A total of 547 patients with amphetamine abuse or dependency and with a positive urine test (mean age: 31.64 years; 75.5% males) took part in the study. A psychiatric interview was carried out, covering both socio-demographic and illness-related information. Results: 18 (3.3%) patients suffered from OCD prior to amphetamine abuse, 491 (89.8%) had no OCD, and 38 (6.9%) suffered from AI. -OCD. Neither socio-demographic nor illness-related dimensions predicted patients with diagnosed AI-OCD. The prevalence of AI. -OCD was significantly higher than that for OCD in the general population (2.3% in Western countries, 1.8% in Iran). Conclusions: Data suggest that prevalence rate of AI. -OCD is about 7%. Neither socio-demographic nor illness-related dimensions predicted the occurrence of AI. -OCD. Thus, it remains unclear why some amphetamine abusers develop AI. -OCD while others do not. © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.