A systematic review of prevalence of comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorders and substance use disorders in clinical settings, 1990-2021

Background and ObjectiveObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic debilitating illness. Individuals experience severe impairment in their functioning. It is associated with multiple psychiatric comorbidities. OCD is associated with increased stress states and negative affect, to relive these states, individuals can use substances to alleviate their distress. OCD and substance use disorders share similar brain pathways.MethodsThe aim of this review was to systematically review and summarize the evidence regarding the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorders in a clinical sample. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL to identify relevant peer-reviewed journals published between January 1990 and August 2021.ResultsSix studies were identified with a total sample size of 2,559 participants. OCD has a high comorbidity with substance use, alcohol use disorder was the highest reported comorbidity, the onset of OCD preceded that of substance use. The number of studies that have reported on the relationship between specific substance use and OCD is insufficient.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceDespite the high comorbidity of SUDS and OCD, insufficient studies have been conducted. Clinicians need to explore substance use histories amongst individuals with OCD attending their clinics.