Conelea CA, Morris S, McLaughlin N
… +4 more, Mamaril E, Benito K, Case B, Garcia A
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2023 Jan · PMID 36644665
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Response Inhibition (RI) is the ability to suppress behaviors that are inappropriate for a given context. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with impaired RI in adults as measured by the Stop Signal...Response Inhibition (RI) is the ability to suppress behaviors that are inappropriate for a given context. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with impaired RI in adults as measured by the Stop Signal Task (SST). Conflicting results have been found in terms of the relationship between OCD severity and SST performance, and no studies to date have examined the relationship between SST and response to OCD treatment. Also relatively unknown is whether RI performance in OCD is associated with developmental or gender differences. This naturalistic study examined the relationship between SST performance, OCD severity, and OCD treatment response in a pediatric sample undergoing intensive treatment involving exposure and response prevention and medication management (n = 36). The SST and Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CYBOCS) were administered at admission and program discharge. OCD severity was not significantly related to stop signal reaction time (SSRT) in the whole sample and among subgroups divided by age and gender. Baseline SSRT and SSRT change did not predict CYBOCS change across treatment in the whole sample, but exploratory analyses indicated both were significant predictors among female adolescents. Results suggest there may be developmental gender differences in the relationship between RI and clinical improvement in pediatric OCD.
Bernstein EE, Weingarden H, Greenberg JL
… +6 more, Williams J, Hoeppner SS, Snorrason I, Phillips KA, Harrison O, Wilhelm S
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2023 Jan · PMID 38313683
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BACKGROUND: Few patients receive cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold-standard for body dysmorphic disorder (CBT-BDD). Smartphones can make evidence-based interventions, like CBT-BDD, more accessible and scalable. A ke...BACKGROUND: Few patients receive cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold-standard for body dysmorphic disorder (CBT-BDD). Smartphones can make evidence-based interventions, like CBT-BDD, more accessible and scalable. A key question is: how do patients view it? Low credibility and expectancy would likely translate to low uptake and engagement outside of research settings, diminishing the impact. Thus, it is important to understand patients' beliefs about digital CBT-BDD. METHODS: We compared credibility and expectancy in a coach-guided app-based CBT-BDD trial (N=75) to a previous in-person CBT-BDD trial (N = 55). We further examined the relationship of perceptions of digital CBT-BDD to baseline clinical and demographic factors and dropout. RESULTS: Credibility did not differ between the in-person (=19.3) and digital (=18.3) trials, =.24. Expectancy for improvement was moderately higher for in-person (=58.4) than digital (=48.3) treatment, =.005. In the digital trial, no demographic variables were associated with credibility or expectancy. Better BDD-related insight and past non-CBT BDD therapy were associated with greater expectancy. Credibility was associated with lower likelihood of dropout. DISCUSSION: Digital CBT-BDD was regarded as similarly credible to in-person CBT-BDD but with lower expectancy. Tailored expectancy-enhancing strategies could strengthen this novel approach, particularly among those with poorer insight and without prior BDD treatment.
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2023 Jan · PMID 36582425
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Consistent with the inhibitory retrieval approach, one proposed modification to improve the effectiveness of exposure-based interventions is to maximize variability by not proceeding linearly up an exposure hierarchy. Ac...Consistent with the inhibitory retrieval approach, one proposed modification to improve the effectiveness of exposure-based interventions is to maximize variability by not proceeding linearly up an exposure hierarchy. Accordingly, the present study compares hierarchical and variable exposure interventions for contamination-fearful individuals and examines the role of uncertainty to predict intervention outcomes. Participants (=73) were randomly assigned to complete a single-session exposure intervention using a standard hierarchy or a variable exposure intervention in which hierarchy items were randomly presented. Participants completed a behavioral approach task (BAT) at baseline and two follow-up visits over a two-week period. Both interventions resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety and disgust as well as more BAT steps completed but did not differ from one another. However, individuals in the variable exposure condition reported variability in uncertainty during exposure compared to those in the standard condition, =.78. Furthermore, lower levels of variability in uncertainty predicted greater reductions in anxiety and disgust post-intervention. Consistent with previous studies, variable exposure did not convey additional benefit over standard, hierarchical exposure. The experience of uncertainty during exposure is an important yet understudied process that warrants additional investigation.
Grøtte T, Hagen K, Eid J
… +3 more, Kvale G, le Hellard S, Solem S
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Oct · PMID 36276590
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BACKGROUND: Early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with increasing obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), but less is known regarding these symptoms' long-term trajectories. The aim of this study was to...BACKGROUND: Early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with increasing obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), but less is known regarding these symptoms' long-term trajectories. The aim of this study was to examine changes in contamination-related OCS in the Norwegian public during early and late stages of the pandemic, as well as characteristics that might be associated with these changes. METHODS: In a longitudinal online survey, 12 580 participants completed self-report questionnaires in April 2020, including a retrospective assessment of contamination-related OCS severity (DOCS-SF) prior to COVID-19. In December 2020, 3405 (27.1%) of the participants completed the survey again. RESULTS: In April, participants retrospectively recalled that their contamination-related OCS were lower prior to COVID-19 ( = 1.09). From April to December, symptoms slightly decreased ( = -0.16). The proportion of participants scoring above the clinical cut-off on DOCS-SF (≥16) changed accordingly from 2.4% pre-COVID to 27.8% in April and 24.0% in December. Previous severity of contamination-related OCS and symptoms of distress related to COVID-19 were the most powerful predictors of contamination-related OCS severity during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of contamination-related OCS were detected at both early and late stages of the pandemic, but the long-term symptom trend seems to be slightly declining.
Berman NC, Fang A, Hoeppner SS
… +4 more, Reese H, Siev J, Timpano KR, Wheaton MG
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Apr · PMID 35529829
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The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique risks to college students' mental health, and specifically to symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To better understand the relationship between COVID-19 impact and OC sympt...The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique risks to college students' mental health, and specifically to symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To better understand the relationship between COVID-19 impact and OC symptoms in this population, six colleges from across the US administered a battery of questionnaires and an emotion differentiation paradigm to eligible students ( = 841). We examined whether degree of pandemic-related disruption was associated with OC severity, and if so, whether this relationship was explained by trait (poor emotion regulation and differentiation) and state risk factors (poor sleep quality, less exercise frequency, less social support, thwarted sense of belongingness, and greater loneliness). Results indicated that the positive relationship between COVID-19 impact and OC severity was mediated by trait emotion-related processes (e.g., emotion regulation and differentiation), but no state risk factors emerged as significant mediators. Our findings contribute to the literature demonstrating a significant relationship between COVID-19 impact and OC severity, and highlight that emotion regulation difficulties may help explain this association. Our findings can inform evidence-based interventions on college campuses; however, the cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Future research should evaluate these relationships longitudinally and incorporate other psychosocial factors that may operate as mechanisms.
Stiede JT, Woods DW, Idnani AK
… +3 more, Pritchard J, Klobe K, Kumar S
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Apr · PMID 37305101
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The present study examined the usability, acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a prototype wrist-worn motion detection device and accompanying mobile app, developed by HabitAware, as a system for deliv...The present study examined the usability, acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a prototype wrist-worn motion detection device and accompanying mobile app, developed by HabitAware, as a system for delivering self-administered Habit Reversal Training (HRT). As an exploratory aim, the effect of the device and HRT app combination was compared to a reminder bracelet. The pilot trial included 15 adults with trichotillomania who interacted with the device and app system ( = 10) or reminder bracelet ( = 5) for 4 weeks. Participants in the device and app condition reported high usability, acceptability, and perceived efficacy of the system. The device and HRT app combination reduced hair pulling severity. Individuals in the reminder bracelet condition also showed a significant improvement in hair pulling. A future efficacy study with a larger sample size, longer timeframe, and improved gesture detection algorithm is warranted.
Bezahler A, Kuckertz JM, Schreck M
… +3 more, Narine K, Dattolico D, Falkenstein MJ
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Apr · PMID 37220532
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The first-line psychological treatment for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) is exposure and response prevention (ERP). As the first study to examine treatment outcomes for sexual minorities, it is cruci...The first-line psychological treatment for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) is exposure and response prevention (ERP). As the first study to examine treatment outcomes for sexual minorities, it is crucial to examine: (1) how treatment-seeking individuals who identify as sexual minorities compare to heterosexual individuals in symptom severity at admission, length of stay in treatment, and (2) whether ERP is equally effective for sexual minorities. The current study explored these questions in an intensive/residential treatment (IRT) program for OCRDs. Adult participants (N = 191) completed self-reported measures of OCD severity, distress tolerance, and depression at program admission, in the first four weeks of treatment, and at discharge. No differences were found between groups for treatment outcome, although slight differences (non-significant) emerged at baseline for OCRD severity, distress tolerance, and depression. Sexual orientation was not predictive of OCRD severity at weeks 1-4, and number of days spent in treatment was not associated with sexual orientation. This is the first study exploring whether sexual orientation is predictive of treatment outcomes for individuals diagnosed with OCRDs. Results suggest that outcomes did not differ and participation in the program resulted in an overall improvement of symptoms regardless of sexual orientation, however several study limitations are discussed. Future studies should replicate these findings, attempt to collect a larger sample, incorporate qualitative feedback from treatment, and examine outcomes in gender minorities.
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Jan · PMID 35242506
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Alcohol use occurs among individuals with obsessive-compulsive symptoms at a rate significantly greater than the general population. In clinical populations, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder...Alcohol use occurs among individuals with obsessive-compulsive symptoms at a rate significantly greater than the general population. In clinical populations, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorders (SUD) have been shown to share neurological substrates, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying substance use in individuals with OCD. Aspects of anxiety and depression frequently contribute to various SUD and are thought to play a role in the relationship between increased substance use and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology. The present research examines the moderating effects of depression and several anxiety-related constructs (anxious arousal, anxiety sensitivity, and social anxiety) on the relationship between health risk resulting from alcohol use and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in university students ( = 178). The physical concerns and social concerns subscales of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index increased the relationship between risky drinking and total OCD symptoms (as measured with the OCI-12). Additionally, general depression and social anxiety significantly increased the relationship between risky alcohol use and the obsessing dimension. All relationships were of a small to medium effect size. These findings help identify emotionally vulnerable subgroups of persons with OCD that may have greater liability for risky alcohol use.
Maye CE, Wojcik KD, Candelari AE
… +2 more, Goodman WK, Storch EA
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Apr · PMID 35194549
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an impairing mental health condition defined by intense distress in the presence of unwanted, recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses which are accompanied by compulsions and avoida...Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an impairing mental health condition defined by intense distress in the presence of unwanted, recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses which are accompanied by compulsions and avoidance performed to reduce distress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCD has continued to be an impairing mental health condition regardless of symptom dimensionality (e.g., contamination, harm, etc.) with varying reports of the overall clinical course. However, changes in the assessment, treatment, and diagnosis of OCD have occurred to personalize care and be aligned with public health guidelines. Exposure and response prevention and pharmacotherapy remain the treatment of choice, even though the setting in which treatment is conducted may have shifted. Telehealth in particular has been a 'game-changer' for clinicians and patients alike. Given the continued health risk posed by the pandemic, treatment personalization should still be made to ensure safety for both patients and providers while balancing efficacy and patient preferences.
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Jan · PMID 35079564
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This shorter communication explores the concept of clinically significant change in treatment outcome studies for hoarding disorder. We argue that cross-study comparisons have been hindered due to researchers using diffe...This shorter communication explores the concept of clinically significant change in treatment outcome studies for hoarding disorder. We argue that cross-study comparisons have been hindered due to researchers using different formulations to assess individual change. As a result, we propose that researchers adopt a standardized approach to calculating rates of clinically significant change for the Saving Inventory-Revised (SI-R) based on Jacobson and Truax's (1991) two-step method. Specifically, we recommend that individuals whose SI-R total scores have reduced by at least 20 points and whose post-treatment score is 38 or less be classified as . Individuals whose total score decreases by 20 points or more, but whose post-treatment score remains above 38, should be classified as . Individuals whose total score increases by 20 or more points should be classified as . Any individual whose total score has changed by less than 20 points should be classified as . By adopting these criteria, researchers will facilitate cross-study treatment outcome comparisons and aid in our understanding of the impact that hoarding treatment has on its recipients.
Flannery MK, Coyne AF, Carlson EJ
… +1 more, Haaga DAF
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Jan · PMID 34956828
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This study provides the longest follow-up yet for comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment of trichotillomania (TTM) (M = 24.59 months after pre-treatment and 15.92 months after the last follow-up point in a recent clin...This study provides the longest follow-up yet for comprehensive behavioral (ComB) treatment of trichotillomania (TTM) (M = 24.59 months after pre-treatment and 15.92 months after the last follow-up point in a recent clinical trial (Carlson et al., 2021), which had shown ComB to be significantly more efficacious than minimal attention at post-treatment). This study also examined changes in TTM severity from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants ( = 23) completed a survey assessing current TTM symptoms, the impact of the pandemic on their coping with TTM, and their experience with ComB treatment. Self-reported symptom severity at this follow-up evaluation fell between the scores obtained at the clinical trial's pre-treatment assessment and at its last follow-up before the pandemic and did not significantly differ from either time point. Most participants (73%) reported some change in their TTM management since onset of the pandemic, with changes to their environment/routine (61%) and in anxiety (32%) being the most common. Pandemic-related changes were associated with variable outcomes, improving symptoms and management for some while worsening them for others. Use of strategies from ComB had declined since the most recent follow-up, but more than half (55%) of participants reported that strategies from ComB remained useful.
Pinciotti CM, Bulkes NZ, Horvath G
… +1 more, Riemann BC
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Jan · PMID 34956827
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Despite evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), many individuals with OCD lack access to needed behavioral health treatment. Although some literature...Despite evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), many individuals with OCD lack access to needed behavioral health treatment. Although some literature suggests that virtual modes of treatment for OCD are effective, it remains unclear whether intensive programs like partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs (PHP and IOPs) can be delivered effectively over telehealth (TH) and within the context of a global pandemic. Limited extant research suggests that clinicians perceive attenuated treatment response during the pandemic. The trajectory and outcomes of two matched samples were compared using linear mixed modeling: a pre-COVID in-person (IP) sample ( = 239) and COVID TH sample ( = 239). Findings suggested that both modalities are effective at treating OCD and depressive symptoms, although the pandemic TH group required an additional 2.6 treatment days. The current study provides evidence that PHP and IOP treatment delivered via TH during the COVID-19 pandemic is approximately as effective as pre-pandemic IP treatment and provides promising findings for the future that individuals with complicated OCD who do not have access to IP treatment can still experience significant improvement in symptoms through TH PHP and IOP treatment during and potentially after the pandemic.
Perez MI, Limon DL, Candelari AE
… +8 more, Cepeda SL, Ramirez AC, Guzick AG, Kook M, La Buissonniere Ariza V, Schneider SC, Goodman WK, Storch EA
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2022 Jan · PMID 34840937
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Mental healthcare professionals often have limited awareness of different obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom presentations, which may contribute to years between OCD symptom onset and treatment initiation. While...Mental healthcare professionals often have limited awareness of different obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom presentations, which may contribute to years between OCD symptom onset and treatment initiation. While research has identified high rates of OCD misdiagnosis among clinicians from the United States and Canada, research on OCD symptom awareness among healthcare providers in Latin American (LATAM) regions is limited. In this study, LATAM mental healthcare providers ( = 83) provided diagnostic impressions based on five OCD vignettes: three with symptoms centered on taboo thoughts (sexual, harming others, and religion/scrupulosity) and two about contamination or symmetry obsessions. Rates of incorrect (non-OCD) diagnoses were significantly higher for the taboo thoughts vignettes (sexual, 52.7%; harm/aggression, 42.0%; and religious, 34.7%) vs. contamination obsessions (11.0%) and symmetry obsessions (6.9%). The OCD vignette depicting sexual obsessions was often attributed to a paraphilic disorder (36.5%). Bachelor's level clinicians had significantly lower odds of accurately identifying all three vignettes related to taboo thoughts compared to respondents with a graduate degree. Accurate identification of the three taboo vignettes was also associated with first-line psychological treatment recommendations (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy) even when controlling for respondents' theoretical orientation. Exposure was rarely mentioned when clinicians were prompted to provide treatment recommendations for each vignette (8-9% of the time for symmetry and contamination vignettes, 5-7% for taboo though vignettes). Like clinicians in the United States and Canada, mental health professionals in LATAM may misidentify OCD symptom presentations, particularly sexual obsessions, highlighting a need for education and training.
Kaczkurkin AN, Mu W, Gallagher T
… +3 more, Lieblich S, Tyler J, Foa EB
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Oct · PMID 34660185
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Prior work has shown a number of similarities between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders such as perfectionism and depressive symptoms. However, distress and impairment due to eating pathology are a...Prior work has shown a number of similarities between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders such as perfectionism and depressive symptoms. However, distress and impairment due to eating pathology are also highly comorbid with other disorders, which brings into question whether the relationship with eating pathology is unique to OCD. The aims of the current study were 1) to test perfectionism and depression as mediators of the relationship between OCD and eating pathology, and 2) to determine whether OCD is related to greater distress/impairment regarding eating habits, exercising, or feelings about eating, shape, or weight above and beyond other disorders. Symptoms were assessed in 329 treatment-seeking patients in a secondary analysis of a clinical battery. The results showed that depressive symptoms and perfectionism were found to mediate the relationship between OCD and eating pathology. Additionally, a regression analysis showed that OCD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder symptoms were associated with eating pathology to a greater extent than other disorders. These results suggest that distress and impairment related to eating habits, exercising, or feelings about eating, shape, or weight are not unique to OCD and that depression and perfectionism may, in part, explain the association between OCD and eating pathology.
Kayser RR, Senter MS, Tobet R
… +3 more, Raskin M, Patel S, Simpson HB
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Jul · PMID 34336561
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BACKGROUND: Americans increasingly use cannabis, including those with psychiatric disorders. Yet little is known about cannabis use among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thus, we conducted the first...BACKGROUND: Americans increasingly use cannabis, including those with psychiatric disorders. Yet little is known about cannabis use among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thus, we conducted the first survey of cannabis users with OCD. METHODS: Adults with OCD (i.e., prior professional diagnosis and/or score above the cutoff on a validated scale) who reported using cannabis were recruited from internet sources to complete a survey querying demographic information, medical/psychiatric history, cannabis use patterns, and perceived cannabis effects. RESULTS: Of 1096 survey completers, 601 met inclusion criteria. Inhalation/cannabis flower were the most common method/formulation participants endorsed; most identified using high-potency cannabis products; 42% met criteria for cannabis use disorder. Nearly 90% self-reported using cannabis medicinally, 33.8% had a physician's recommendation, and 29% used specifically to manage OCD symptoms. Most participants reported cannabis improved obsessions/compulsions; those with increased obsession severity perceived less benefit. Finally, most participants were not receiving evidence-based OCD treatment, and the odds of receiving treatment decreased with increased cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS: In this survey, participants with OCD reported both subjective benefits and harms from cannabis use. Future research should clarify the risks and benefits of cannabis use to those with OCD and develop treatment models to better support this population.
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Apr · PMID 33968604
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Prior research has shown that onset or exacerbation of OCD is associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and the post-partum period. However, the underlying cause is unclear. The goal of this study was to assess whether pr...Prior research has shown that onset or exacerbation of OCD is associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and the post-partum period. However, the underlying cause is unclear. The goal of this study was to assess whether pregnancy and birth complications were associated with OCD symptoms exacerbation, among women with established OCD. Two-hundred and five (n=205) women with OCD retrospectively reported information on their physical and mental health during their first pregnancy. Over a third of the sample (34%) reported an exacerbation in their OCD symptoms. History of pregnancy and birth complications in the first pregnancy were similar between women who did and did not experience symptom exacerbation, with the exception of gestational diabetes, which was significantly more common among women who experienced exacerbation (7% vs 1%, p=0.03). In a multivariable logistic regression model, gestational diabetes remained significantly associated with exacerbation of OCD symptoms (OR=8.44 [95% CI 1.37-77.27]; p=0.03), even after adjusting for maternal age, OCD severity and treatment, premenstrual OCD symptom increase, stress during pregnancy, and major depression or anxiety disorder diagnosis during pregnancy. We discuss potential explanations for this link. These findings should be treated as hypothesis-generating and need to be replicated in a larger, prospective study.
Khosravani V, Aardema F, Samimi Ardestani SM
… +1 more, Sharifi Bastan F
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Apr · PMID 33520614
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The present study aimed to compare a group of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; N = 270) before and during COVID-19 on specific obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions and symptom severity. In additi...The present study aimed to compare a group of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; N = 270) before and during COVID-19 on specific obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions and symptom severity. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the associations of COVID-19-related stress responses with change in OC symptom dimensions and severity of symptoms as the result of the pandemic. Results showed that patients with OCD had higher scores on all OC symptom dimensions and symptom severity during the pandemic as compared to their scores from before the pandemic. Thus, the effect of COVID-19 is not limited to an increase in fears of contamination alone, but occurs across other symptom dimensions, including responsibility for harm, unacceptable thoughts, and symmetry. In addition, regression analyses indicated that COVID-19-related stress responses significantly predicted the observed increase in specific OC symptom dimensions and general severity, after controlling for pre-COVID-19 scores of symptoms and severity. The increase of symptoms as the result of COVID-19 might be best understood in the context of a non-specific stress-related response similar to the effects observed in non-clinical and other clinical populations.
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Jan · PMID 36570525
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During the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals are exposed to stress of unknown duration, and due to prolonged stay-at-home period they are cut off from access to many effective coping strategies. This situation may exagg...During the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals are exposed to stress of unknown duration, and due to prolonged stay-at-home period they are cut off from access to many effective coping strategies. This situation may exaggerate the use of maladaptive coping methods that are triggered by stress and boredom, and may be adopted in isolation, such as pathological skin picking. The aim of our study was to investigate the change in skin picking behaviours during the pandemic in comparison with the time prior to the pandemic onset. We also tested whether applying cognitive reappraisal as an coping strategy may affect skin picking. Self-report questionnaires measuring: automatic and focused skin picking, cognitive reappraisal, the experience of stress and loneliness were administered online to a non-clinical sample three times: 1) before the pandemic, 2) during mandatory stay at home; 3) at the time when most strict restrictions were lifted. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse the data. Cognitive reappraisal was found to be negatively associated with focused skin-picking regardless of the time of the measurement. In case of automatic skin picking, the link with cognitive reappraisal was significant only at the baseline and disappeared during the pandemic.
Khosravani V, Asmundson GJG, Taylor S
… +2 more, Sharifi Bastan F, Samimi Ardestani SM
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Jan · PMID 33354499
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The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) were designed to assess stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging evidence indicates that people with anxiety disorders (ADs) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more nega...The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) were designed to assess stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging evidence indicates that people with anxiety disorders (ADs) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more negatively impacted by COVID-19 than those with mood disorders or healthy individuals. Accordingly, this study sought to validate the Persian CSS (Persian-CSS) and to compare COVID-19-related stress reactions among patients with specific ADs and OCD. Patients with OCD ( = 300) and ADs ( = 310) completed the Persian-CSS and other scales developed to assess anxiety-related traits and COVID-19-related distress. The Persian-CSS replicated a five-factor structure similar to the original CSS in OCD and ADs. The total CSS and its scales had good reliability and validity. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and OCD had higher COVID-19 stress reactions than patients with social anxiety disorder and specific phobia. Patients with panic disorder had higher danger and contamination fears and xenophobia than patients with OCD. The study suggests that the Persian-CSS is a valid scale to be used in patients with OCD and ADs, each of whom differs in their specific patterns of COVID-19-related stress reactions.
Schwartz-Lifshitz M, Basel D, Lang C
… +4 more, Hertz-Palmor N, Dekel I, Zohar J, Gothelf D
J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord
· 2021 Jan · PMID 33288995
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Several current publications have considered persons with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 period, and to require more frequent symptom monitoring. The purpose of this st...Several current publications have considered persons with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 period, and to require more frequent symptom monitoring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether OCD exacerbated during the first wave of COVID-19 in children and adolescents. Twenty-nine children and adolescents with OCD were evaluated in the midst of the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (April-May 2020). Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), by means of a functional questionnaire and by the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-child version (OCI-CV) questionnaires. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were not found to have exacerbated during the period investigated, as evident by a lack of change in CGI severity scores and by improvement rather than deterioration among more participants, based on the CGI improvement scores. Additionally, the children and adolescents reported better general functioning during the COVID-19 period and had relatively low scores on the OCI-CV scale. Our findings indicate that Israeli children and adolescents with OCD coped well with COVID-19 during the first two months of the pandemic and mostly did not experience exacerbation of OCS. However, due to the short duration of exposure to the pandemic at the time of the study, social isolation and lockdown might have masked OCS; thus, further longitudinal studies are needed.