A Swedish study has revealed that individuals suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more prone to mortality due to both natural and non-natural causes compared to those without the disorder.
Researchers, as reported by The BMJ Research Center, state that many natural causes of death can be avoided through early intervention, monitoring, and treating OCD, whose risks can be life-threatening.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a long-term mental health disorder that affects around two percent of the population, generating thoughts and desires that provoke high levels of anxiety and disturbing feelings, commonly known as obsessions.
The study also associates OCD with lower academic achievement, lack of job prospects, alcohol disorders, and an increased risk of death.
Study figures indicate an 82% increased risk of death from any cause among those with OCD. The risk of death from natural causes rises by 31%, while the mortality rate from non-natural causes triples in individuals with this disorder.
The mortality rate for individuals with OCD increased by 73% due to respiratory system diseases, 58% due to nervous and behavioral system disorders, 55% due to urinary system diseases, and 47% due to glandular, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, there was a 33% increase for circulatory system diseases, 21% for nervous system diseases, and 20% for digestive system diseases.
Regarding non-natural causes of death for OCD patients, the study revealed that suicide was the leading cause, followed by accidents.