ABSTRACT

Background:  OCD is the fourth psychiatric common disorder that is seen in 2-3% general population. OCD is a chronic and debilitating disease that has a negative effect on familial, social ، educational & occupational function. On the other hand, Schizophrenia is the eighth debilitating disease in the world. 

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life Qol of OCD patients and also to compare it with the schizophrenic patients

Method::  In a cross-sectional study, held in Mashhad, Iran, quality of life in out-patients with Obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenic disorder were compared. The sample size estimated 98 patients in each group. The WHO quality of life questionnaire was filled out through person to person interview.

Results:  There was strong evidence of the difference between the quality of life of OCD patients and schizophrenic patients. The quality of life in OCD patients was worse than schizophrenic patients. P-values were less than 0.000 in all aspects of quality of life, including physical health, psychological, social, relationships, and environment.

Conclusion: The quality of life in OCD patients was significantly disrupted. Our study also showed that the quality of life in OCD patients was even worse than schizophrenic patients. These findings suggest a strong need for better management of these two disabling conditions in order to improve the Qol of patients.

Keywords: Quality of life (QOL), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia