TY - JOUR
T1 - The characteristics of unacceptable/taboo thoughts in obsessive–compulsive disorder
AU - Brakoulias, Vlasios
AU - Starcevic, Vladan
AU - Berle, David
AU - Milicevic, Denise
AU - Moses, Karen
AU - Hannan, Anthony
AU - Sammut, Peter
AU - Martin, Andrew
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - compulsive behavior
KW - obsessive-compulsive disorder
KW - taboo
KW - thought and thinking
UR - http://handle.westernsydney.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:39443
U2 - 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.02.005
DO - 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.02.005
M3 - Article
SN - 1532-8384
SN - 0010-440X
VL - 54
SP - 750
EP - 757
JO - Comprehensive Psychiatry
JF - Comprehensive Psychiatry
IS - 7
ER -