Background: Constipation is a common clinical problem with insufficient attention. Medication-emergent constipation is a rarely studied adverse reaction in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Methods: In this descriptive study, we retrospectively investigated the prevalence of laxative use and its relationship with clinical characteristics in hospitalized OCD patients. A total of 51 OCD patients were included in the final analysis.
Results: The proportion of patients using laxatives was 31.4%, and the commonly used laxatives were phenolphthalein tablet, lactulose and congrongtongbian oral liquid (a patent herbal medicine). In the laxative group, hospital stays were longer when compared to the nonlaxative group. Moreover, the dose of paroxetine was higher in patients treated with laxatives than in those without laxative use. Correlation analysis indicated that laxative use was positively associated with hospital stays, as well as the dose of paroxetine.
Conclusion: The current study provided a preliminary picture of constipation and laxative use in hospitalized OCD patients. Close monitoring and treatment of constipation are recommended in OCD patients with pharmacotherapy.
Keywords: obsessive-compulsive disorder, constipation, laxative, hospital stay, paroxetine