Is obsessive compulsive disorder linked to schizophrenia?

For those taking Geodon to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, understanding all of the mental traits associated with the disease is can help better manage the condition. While delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thoughts are typically reported in cases of schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder has been linked to the mental illness in rare cases. A study has revealed how those who are diagnosed with OCD may be at a higher risk for developing schizophrenia later in life.

Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark analyzed a potential correlation between . Using data from previous studies, the colleagues reviewed records from more than 3 million individuals born between 1955 and 2006, and follow-up sessions were conducted with these individuals from 1995 through 2012.

Out of all the medical records that were analyzed, the researchers found 16,231 cases of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, and 447 of those subjects had a prior diagnosis of OCD. The researchers concluded that having a prior diagnosis of OCD could be linked to a greater chance of developing schizophrenia further down the road, especially when OCD is detected in children.

The researchers described how there seems to be overlapping characteristics between both of these mental disorders, and how important it is for anyone living with OCD to be aware of potential symptoms of schizophrenia.

"Despite the fact that our results indicate putative overlapping etiological factors of OCD and schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorders, they do not necessarily suggest that these disorders should be aggregated into one global diagnosis," the authors shared in a statement. "However, given these findings and the fact that OCD and schizophrenia co-occur with one another at a higher rate than would be expected in the general population, the phenotypes of these disorders are potentially more similar than currently acknowledged."

Identifying symptoms of OCD
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there are currently in the U.S. living with obsessive compulsive disorders. Those who are treating symptoms of schizophrenia should be aware of OCD in a general sense. These side effects are described by the Mayo Clinic as :

• Always keeping things in order or symmetrical
• Frequent doubts of everyday tasks, such as locking the door or turning off the stove
• Constant fear of germs or contamination
• Unwanted thoughts of aggression or violence
• Avoiding certain social settings

With OCD, symptoms generally start to become worse when you're experiencing more stress. Learning tactics or coping strategies that can help you relax, such as breathing exercises, meditation or yoga, are widely considered to be beneficial for people living with OCD. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle could also help ease the stress and tension commonly reported by individuals suffering from OCD. 

When it comes to schizophrenia, medication is one of the most dynamic forms of treatment. Try using a Canadian online pharmacy whenever you need to buy Geodon to refill your prescription.