Study Says OCD Can Increase the Risk of Death

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JAKARTA - A new study published by global health knowledge provider from the United Kingdom, BMJ, found a link between long-term mental disorders and an increased risk of death.

The TimesofIndia page, reported by ANTARA, also reported that the study used data from several Swedish population registers, identifying 61,378 people with OCD and 613,780 people without OCD who were matched (1:10) based on gender, year of birth, and area of ​​residence. and a sibling group of 34,085 people with OCD and 47,874 without OCD.

As a result, it was found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were more likely to die from both natural and unnatural causes, compared to those who did not have the disease.

Overall, people with OCD had a higher death rate than individuals without OCD (8.1 versus 5.1 per 1,000 years), the researchers found. The excess risk of death was higher for natural causes of death (31 percent increased risk) and, especially, unnatural causes of death (threefold increased risk).

Although OCD sufferers experience the highest risk of death, other psychiatric disorders which include various mental health conditions that affect thoughts, emotions and behavior can also be affected, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These disorders often result from complex interactions between genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Symptoms vary widely, but can include persistent sadness, excessive worry, hallucinations, mood swings, and impaired cognitive function.

Psychiatric disorders significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Treatment approaches include psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle interventions, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to mental health care.