FREQUENCY OF RELIGIOUS THEMES IN OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the theme of religion on the symptomatology of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Methodology:

This study was carried out at the Department of Psychiatry, Lady Reading Hospital,

Peshawar from October 2005 to March 2006. Those who satisfied DSM-III R criteria for obsessive

compulsive disorder were included in the study. Those suffering from neurological illnesses or any other

psychiatric illness were excluded from the study.

Results:

st

onset of obsessive

compulsive disorder was 21.36 + 8.21 years. Themes of obsessions and compulsions were religious (60%),

contamination (28%), and order/ safety (20%), in decreasing order of frequency

Fifty Muslim patients (36 Males and 14 females) fulfilled the DSM-III R criteria for obsessive

compulsive disorder. The mean age of the group was 25.87 + 7.39 and for the 1

Conclusion:

This study reflects the role of religion which gives content to various obsessions and

compulsions which may be helpful in early diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder in our culture.

Further more the impact of these findings in term of psychological method of treatment such as cognitive

behavioral therapy (CBT) could be significant in Islamic culture.