Obsession subtypes : relationships with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, dysfunctional beliefs and thought control strategies

Abstract

Obsessive themes can be classified into two main categories: autogenous obsessions and reactive obsessions. The first comprise highiy unacceptable and unrealistic thoughts, including aggressive, sexual and repulsive concerns. that can be conceptualised as «pure obsessions» (PO), whereas the second relate to relatively realistic doubts or thoughts with common themes dealing with contamination, mistakes or accidents, associated with overt actions taken to prevent the occu- rrence of negative outcomes, that can be conceptualised as obsessions plus compulsions (O-C). In this study, the ditTerences bctween PO and O-C in 39 Obsessive-Compulsive Disordered (OCD) outpatients are examined. Results: the O-C subtype associated with higher OCD severity and obses- sive-compulsive symptom measures, whereas the PO subtype related to harming impulses only. PO also showed a significant relationship with dysfunctional beliefs as to responsibility. overestima- tion of threat and meta-cognitive beliefs (thought-action fusion, importance of thoughts and the control over them ), as well as with a tendency to the concealment of obsessions. O-C only related to worry as a thought control strategy. Kcywords: Pure obsessions, Autogenous obsessions. Reactive obsessions, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD subtypes, Obsessive dysfunctional beliefs, Thought control strategies.