The brief obsessive-compulsive scale: Development and validation of a self-report (BOCS-SR)

Abstract

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2–3% of the population and causes significant impairment in functioning and quality of life. OCD is often misdiagnosed in community practice. To address this problem, researchers in Sweden developed the Brief Obsessive Compulsive Scale (BOCS), a measure derived from the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). We shortened the BOCS further and tested whether the BOCS as a self-report (BOCS-SR) can both screen for OCD and assess its severity. MethodsWe used the BOCS-SR in 155 adults and assessed its ability to identify OCD when compared to a validated structured diagnostic interview and, in those with OCD, to assess OCD severity when compared to the Y-BOCS severity score. We also explored how it compares to the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Revised (OCI-R). ResultsThe BOCS-SR can accurately identify OCD (symptom count: AUC = 0.991 (95% CI: 0.977, 1.000; severity score: AUC = 0.968; 95% CI: 0.968, 1.000). The BOCS-SR severity score was significantly correlated with Y-BOCS severity score (Pearson's r = 0.432; p = 0.001). The BOCS-SR performed similarly to the OCI-R in this sample. DiscussionThis provides promise for using the BOCS-SR as a screening tool for OCD and for assessing OCD severity. Further refinement and testing is warranted.