OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PRURITIC CONDITIONS - CASE-STUDIES AND DISCUSSION

Background: Relatively few persons with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) come to psychiatric clinics for treatment. Our hypothesis was the patients with a form of OCD that involves compulsive hand and body washing might initially seek treatment from a dermatologist. Objective: Our purpose was to screen patients attending a dermatology clinic to determine the frequency of OCD cases and to help dermatologists recognize this disorder. Methods: Randomly selected patients who presented with one of several chronic pruritic conditions were interviewed to determine the presence of anxiety disorders. Results: A significantly high percentage of the patients (14%) were found to have previously undiagnosed OCD. Case studies of five of these patients are presented. Conclusion: A significant number of patients with undiagnosed OCD appear to present to dermatology clinics. Identification and referral for psychiatric consultation may aid in the treatment of both OCD and concomitant dermatologic conditions.