Suicidality and its Relationship to Psychological and Sociodemographic Factors among Individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in Jordan

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental disorder causing severe social and occupational dysfunction leading to high risk of suicidal ideas and behaviours. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of suicidality and its relationship to psychological (depressive and anxiety symptoms) and sociodemographic factors among individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Jordan. Methods: this is a descriptive correlational study. Data was collected using self-reported questionnaire from 90 individuals diagnosed with OCD from outpatient departments receiving care at public and private health institutions in Jordan. Data were collected regarding suicidality, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results: Suicidal risk was detected in 34.4% % (N= 31) of the individuals with OCD, 90% had mild to severe depressive symptoms, 70% had mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Significant positive correlation found between suicidality, anxiety and depressive symptoms (p<.05). Individuals with OCD and suicidality had significantly lower educational level, contamination, trichotillomania, and sexual obsessions. Depressive symptoms and type of OCD were significant predictors for suicidality among individuals known to have OCD. Conclusion: Individuals with OCD have high risk for suicidality and should be carefully monitored. Health care professionals in the outpatients’ clinics are recommended to actively investigate suicidality risk as part of OCD comprehensive assessment per visit.