The characteristics of unacceptable/taboo thoughts in obsessive–compulsive disorder

Vlasios Brakoulias, Vladan Starcevic, David Berle, Denise Milicevic, Karen Moses, Anthony Hannan, Peter Sammut, Andrew Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: In the quest to unravel the heterogeneity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an increasing number of factor analytic studies are recognising unacceptable/taboo thoughts as one of the symptom dimensions of OCD. Aims: This study aims to examine the characteristics associated with unacceptable/taboo thoughts. Methods: Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Symptom Checklist (YBOCS-SC) with 154 individuals with OCD, obsessive-compulsive symptoms were subjected to principal components analysis. The characteristics associated with the resulting symptom dimensions were then assessed using logistic and linear regression techniques. Results: Unacceptable/taboo thoughts comprised of sexual, religious and impulsive aggressive obsessions, and mental rituals. Higher scores on an unacceptable/taboo thoughts symptom dimension were predicted by higher Y-BOCS obsession subscores, Y-BOCS time preoccupied by obsessions scores, Y-BOCS distress due to obsessions scores, importance of control of thought ratings, male gender, and having had treatment prior to entering into the study. Unacceptable/taboo thoughts were also predicted by greater levels of hostility, and a past history of non-alcohol substance dependence. Conclusions: An unacceptable/taboo thought symptom dimension of OCD is supported by a unique set of associated characteristics that should be considered in the assessment and treatment of individuals with these symptoms.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)750-757
Number of pages8
JournalComprehensive Psychiatry
Volume54
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • compulsive behavior
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • taboo
  • thought and thinking

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