Overvalued ideation in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

In Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), overvalued ideas (OVI) are considered poor prognostic indicators in adults. To date, OVI has not been studied in an adolescent population with OCD, nor has it been examined in relation to obsessive-compulsive beliefs. To investigate the relationship between OVI and specific cognitions, fifty-five adolescents with OCD (35 male; 20 female; age range 13–17 years; M=14.05 years, SD=1.75 years) participated. It was predicted that OVI would be associated with symptom severity and would moderate obsessive-compulsive beliefs and functional disability. Results showed that OVI was associated with symptom severity, but did not moderate the relationship with any OC beliefs or functional domains. To evaluate the role of OVI in treatment outcome, thirteen adolescents completed a cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Severity of their OCD symptoms, OVI, degree of functional impairment and quality of life were assessed. It was expected that all variables would change in response to treatment. Further, it was expected that OVI would mediate treatment outcome for all measures of obsessive-compulsive symptom and belief assessments. Results indicated that there was clinically significant change in symptom severity and functional disability, as well as beliefs regarding responsibility/overestimation of threat. Treatment, assessment, and methodological recommendations for this population are offered.