Obsessive‐compulsive disorder in Chinese methamphetamine patients: Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics

Abstract Background and Objectives Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most common addictive substances and has become the second most commonly used drug worldwide. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) has been shown to influence the effectiveness of addiction treatment, and there may be overlapping neurobiological mechanisms between OCD and addiction. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of OCD among MA patients. Methods A total of 457 MA patients were recruited, and clinical and demographic data were collected. The Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale was utilized for OCD symptoms, and the Obsessive‐Compulsive Drug Use Scale was used for MA craving. Results The prevalence of OCD among MA patients was 7.7%. Compared to those patients without OCD, patients with OCD had a longer length of abstinence and higher OCDUS frequency of craving subscale and total scores. Multiple regression showed that longer length of abstinence and higher MA carving were independently associated with OCD in MA patients. Discussion and Conclusions Chinese Han MA patients have a high prevalence of OCD. Some clinical parameters may be associated with OCD in MA patients. Scientific Significance This is the first study to examine the prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical correlates of OCD in MA patients in a Chinese Han population.