THE PREVALENCE OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT PRESENTING TO RASSUL-E-AKRAM HOSPITAL, TEHRAN IN 2011

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a chronic debilitating and relapsing autoimmune disease which causes psychological problems by involving the central nervous system (CNS). Severe neuropsychiatric manifestations occur in half the patients with different types of LE. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder among LE patients presenting to the rheumatologic outpatient clinic and ward at Rassul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran. Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted on a statistical population of 170 patients presenting to the rheumatologic outpatient clinic and ward at Rassul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran. Availability sampling was used and data were collected using two-part questionnaires (part one consisting of demographic data and questions regarding disease history and part two questions about symptoms of obsession and compulsion according to Maudsleycriteriain the fall and winter of 2011. In order to analyze data, descriptive (relative frequency) and deductive (the t-test and chi-square test) statics were used. Result: The mean prevalence of OCD among LE patients was 62.4%. The mean age of patients was 32 with a standard deviation of 9.51. Ninety-four point three percent were female, 44.3% had a high school diploma, 56.6% were unemployed, 60.4% had no prior history of OCD, and 74.2% had LE for less than one year. The most frequent type of medication used by patients with OCD was anxiolytics (42.5%) followed by serotonin reuptake inhibitors (23.6%). Also, depression and anxiety disorders were most common among patients with 32.1% and 37.7%, respectively. The most frequent type of obsession was washing (29%). Conclusion: In the present study, over half the patients with LE had OCD. Given the high prevalence rates of obsession among LE patients, more research is needed regarding the etiology of OCD in LE patients so that effective measures may be taken regarding prevention and treatment.