As mentioned in the previous blog, the incidence of symptoms of OCD is higher in people with schizophrenia. Sometimes, before a person presents with a full-blown episode of schizophrenia, symptoms of OCD can occur. Hence, specific diagnostic categories known as schizo-obsessive disorder have been suggested even though it has not received any formal recognition. This specific subcategory of schizo–obsessive disorder was proposed in the 1990s. Poyurovsky et al. (2012) have proposed particular criteria for diagnosing this condition, known as schizo-obsessive disorder. The patient must have symptoms of both disorders.Symptoms that meet the criteria for OCD must be present at some point in someone who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
The content of the obsessions or compulsions must be linked with the nature of the content of delusions and hallucinations. (e.g., compulsive hand washing due to command auditory hallucinations).There must also be other symptoms of OCD, such as obsessions and compulsions, which are recognised as unreasonable by the individual.OCD symptoms are present for a substantial period of the schizophrenia diagnosis.The OCD must cause significant distress or dysfunction that is SEPARATE from the impairment associated with schizophrenia.Antipsychotic agents, substances of abuse, or other medical issues must not cause OCD symptoms.However, suppose the obsessive-compulsive symptoms occur purely in response to hallucinations or delusions, then it will not qualify the criteria for schizo-obsessive disorder. For example, washing hands following commands of voices. This will improve on treatment of the hallucinations.Sometimes, delusions and obsessions can have similar themes.
However, to qualify as a schizo-obsessive disorder, OCD symptoms in patients with schizophrenia present identical to ones in patients without schizophrenia.Treatment patterns would be similar to the treatment of OCD. However, certain antipsychotics, such as risperidone and clozapine, can induce obsessions, and such antipsychotics must be avoided in people with schizo-obsessive disorders. Atypical antipsychotics have been shown to have a bidirectional effect in people with OCD and schizophrenia symptoms. It can improve or make the symptoms worse. Atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and aripiprazole may show better benefits. More research is needed into whether cognitive behaviour therapy, including ERP, might be suitable for the schizo-obsessive disorder. Some studies have shown that schizo-obsessive disorders have poorer prognoses and more extrapyramidal side effects of medications and catatonia.
There is evidence suggesting that there could be specific categories within the class of schizophrenia and OCD overlap, which might benefit from a separate diagnosis. More paranoid delusions and first-rank symptoms are known to be present within this category of proposed schizo-obsessive disorder. Treatment for OCD is available in the form of medications and therapy. Getting the correct information from suitable sources will alleviate your anxiety related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
The best Psychiatrist in Chennai, Chennai Minds, offers therapy for OCD and related conditions. The blogs will help you understand more about the nature of the condition and associated illnesses.
