Schizo-obsessive disorder: A diagnostic dilemma

• Main Authors: Prasad S Shetty, Naresh Rathod
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Archives of Mental Health
• Subjects: key message: schizo obsessive disorder can be detected and treated early to prevent the development of schizophrenia in future. key words: schizo-obsessive disorder; schizophrenia; identification and treatment.
• Online Access: http://www.amhonline.org/article.asp?issn=2589-9171;year=2012;volume=13;issue=2;spage=122;epage=124;aulast=Shetty;type=0

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common co-morbid condition in schizophrenia. The clinical implications of this co-morbidity are uncertain. Schizo-obsessive patients were more likely to have paranoid symptoms and first-rank symptoms of schizophrenia. Case description: We present a case of 27 yr old man who initially presented with symptoms suggestive of schizophrenia not responding to treatment and who finally responded to addition of paroxetine to antipsychotics. Discussion: Comorbidity of Schizophrenia and OCD though prevalent is not often diagnosed. The question of whether or not OCD has a deleterious effect on the outcome of schizophrenia has been often asked but never conclusively answered. Conclusion: The clinical issues in this case study highlights the importance of identification and treatment of OCD in schizophrenia. A detailed history is merited in patients especially those not responding adequately to conventional treatment