Obsessive-compulsive disorder in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Omid Mirmosayyeb, Homa Khodadadi, Parsa Saberian et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis examined the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its association with MS. Ten studies included 1024 people with MS and 172 healthy controls. The pooled OCD prevalence among people with MS was 10.7% (95% CI: 5.6% to 15.9%; I² = 67%). Across three studies, the odds of OCD were higher in people with MS than in comparators (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.13 to 9.36, p-value = 0.03), although heterogeneity was moderate to high.
Key findings
- Pooled OCD prevalence among people with MS was 10.7% (95% CI: 5.6% to 15.9%; I² = 67%).
- In three studies, OCD odds were higher in people with MS (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.13 to 9.36, p-value = 0.03).
- Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the findings; no significant evidence of publication bias was identified.
Why it matters
The findings suggest OCD is a relevant psychiatric comorbidity in MS, with potential implications for psychological burden and quality of life. Recognising its frequency and possible association with MS can inform clinical awareness, while the heterogeneity and limited number of studies assessing comparative odds warrant caution in interpreting the pooled estimates.
What to keep in mind
Moderate to high heterogeneity was observed, and the association estimate was based on only three studies.