ABSTRACT
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition that affects cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and executive functioning. Cognitive impairment in OCD can significantly impact daily life and treatment outcomes. Despite growing awareness, there is limited data on the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction among OCD patients in Pakistan.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the frequency of cognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with OCD presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Services Hospital, Lahore, from October 2023 to September 2024. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with OCD, based on DSM-5 criteria, were included. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A score below 26 was considered indicative of cognitive impairment. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and descriptive statistics were applied to determine the prevalence.
Results: Out of 50 patients, 29 (58%) exhibited cognitive impairment, while 21 (42%) had normal cognitive function. Among those with impairment, 17 (58.6%) were male, and 12 (41.4%) were female. The most affected cognitive domains were attention (65.5%), executive function (55.2%), and memory recall (51.7%). A significant association was observed between longer illness duration (≥5 years) and cognitive deficits (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Cognitive impairment was prevalent in more than half of the OCD patients in this study, with attention, executive function, and memory being the most affected domains. These findings highlight the need for routine cognitive assessment in OCD management to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Cognitive impairment, Executive function, Attention deficit, Memory dysfunction, Pakistan.