Gender Differences in Subtypes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is the fourth most prevalent among mental disorders, yet its clinical presentation varies among individuals. Much research has focused on the gender differences in the presentation of OCD subtypes. The present study aims to understand gender differences in the manifestation of OCD subtypes, and the relative prevalence of the subtypes among the two genders in the Indian context. The preliminary sample constitutes 50 consecutive patients reporting to the Outpatient Psychiatric services and Child and Adolescent Clinic at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Participants between the age of 15 to 45 years, with a diagnosis of OCD (mixed), and not suffering from comorbid Axis I disorders were included for the study. Obsessive Compulsive symptoms were studied using YBOCS and categorized under six headings of obsessions/compulsions. Significant difference was seen between males and females along various types of obsessions and compulsions. Females rated higher on contamination doubts and cleaning compulsions, while males rated significantly higher on pathological doubt and checking compulsions.