The obsessive compulsive spectrum in schizophrenia, a meta-analysis and meta-regression exploring prevalence rates

Abstract Aims The aims of this study were to conduct a meta-analysis and meta-regression to estimate the prevalence rates for obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in schizophrenia, and to investigate what influences these prevalence rates. Method Studies were identified via an online OVID database search, including PsychInfo, Embase and Medline until December 2009. Results Forty-three studies summarizing outcomes for 3978 subjects met inclusion criteria. The mean OCD prevalence is 12.3%, slightly increasing to 13.6% after adjustment in meta-regression. The prevalence rate of OCS, defined as any obsession or compulsion is 30.7% (30.3% adjusted). Higher severity of OCS, DIGS assessment, and Sub-Saharan African origin of study are associated with a lower OCS/OCD prevalence rate, use of DSM-IV edition, Y-BOCS assessment and longer schizophrenia history are associated with a higher prevalence rate. Conclusion The prevalence of OCS and OCD in schizophrenia is substantial, specifically in more chronic patient populations and is influenced by the method of assessment.