Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Spectrum or Prodrome of Schizophrenia? A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract

Background : Research findings in recent times are highly suggestive of an interface between obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, a relationship which is yet to be fully understood. Aim : To report a case of OCD in a 14 year old Niger ian boy who developed schizophrenia 6 years after. Method : A 14 year old secondary school boy with OCD who was in partial remission for about 3 years and full remission for over 1 year, presenting with schizophrenia after 6 years is reported and relevant literature is reviewed. Conclusion : Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), although a distinct diagnostic entity may not only coexist with schizophrenia but also may be a prodrome of schizophrenia and they share similar neurobiological features. KeyWords : Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD), Schizophrenia, Depression