OCD may be affecting your life expectancy – New Research reveals elevated risk of early death for individuals with this disorder

New research from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveals an alarming 82% increase in premature death for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

ocd
OCD may be affecting your life expectancy

A recent study by the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden delves into the profound effects of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on life expectancy, revealing an alarming 82% increase in premature death among individuals grappling with this condition. Using extensive Swedish population registers, the research goes beyond previous studies that linked OCD to elevated mortality rates, shedding light on specific contributors to premature death, not limited to suicide.

OCD which afflicts about 2% of the population, manifests as distressing intrusive thoughts coupled with compulsive rituals, significantly disrupting daily life and impacting relationships and overall functioning. While prior research acknowledged an association between OCD and increased mortality, this study which spans over four decades (1973-2020) comprehensively compared 61,378 individuals diagnosed with OCD to a control group of 613,780 without the disorder.

The study highlights a notable gap in average life expectancy, with individuals battling OCD experiencing premature mortality at an average age of 69 as compared to their non-OCD counterparts who lived until an average age of 78. This discrepancy underscores the urgent need for deeper exploration into the health implications associated with OCD beyond its recognized impact on mental well-being.

The research concludes that in this population-based study, non-communicable diseases and external causes of death, including suicides and accidents, significantly contribute to the heightened risk of mortality in individuals with OCD. 

It stresses the importance of implementing better surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies to mitigate the risk of fatal outcomes in those grappling with OCD. The findings call for a comprehensive approach to address the broader health implications of OCD, prompting a proactive stance in enhancing the overall well-being and longevity of individuals affected by this challenging disorder.

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This article was first uploaded on January twenty-eight, twenty twenty-four, at twenty minutes past twelve in the night.