Factors associated with non-treatment or delayed treatment seeking in OCD sufferers: A review of the literature

Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling disorder that can be successfully treated. However, a high percentage of sufferers neither ask for nor receive treatment for their symptoms, or they delay seeking treatment. The factors underlying the treatment-seeking behaviour of OCD pati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychiatry research 2014-12, Vol.220 (1), p.1-10
Main Authors: García-Soriano, Gemma, Rufer, Michael, Delsignore, Aba, Weidt, Steffi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Anxiety disorders. Neuroses
Biological and medical sciences
Health care seeking
Health care utilisation
Help-seeking behaviour
Humans
Medical sciences
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - therapy
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Seek advice
Treatment barriers
Treatment seeking
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Summary:Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling disorder that can be successfully treated. However, a high percentage of sufferers neither ask for nor receive treatment for their symptoms, or they delay seeking treatment. The factors underlying the treatment-seeking behaviour of OCD patients are still not clear. This review includes 12 studies published before April 2014 that analyse the possible variables related to the delayed help-seeking behaviour of OCD patients. Studies showed that individuals who asked for help were more impaired and reported poorer quality of life. Help-seeking behaviour was associated with greater insight, severity, specific obsessive-compulsive symptoms, such as aggressive and other unpleasant obsessions, and comorbidity. Common barriers to seeking treatment were shame about the symptoms or about asking for treatment, not knowing where to find help, or inconveniences associated with treatment. Inconsistencies among the reviewed studies highlight the need to further evaluate the variables that keep OCD patients from seeking help. The review highlights the need for educational campaigns designed to detect underdiagnosed OCD individuals and improve access to mental health services, which could shorten delays in seeking treatment and, therefore, reduce the personal and financial costs of OCD. Guidelines for educational programs and future lines of research are discussed.
ISSN:0165-1781
1872-7123
DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2014.07.009