Obsessive-compulsive Research Articles

THE RELATIONSHIP OF ADDICTIVE-LIKE EATING, RELATIONSHIP QUALITY, BODY SATISFACTION, PERSONALITY TENDENCIES, HEDONISTIC EATING

The aim of the present study was to explore the correlational and predictive relationships between addictive-like eating tendency and hedonistic eating, body satisfaction, romantic relationship quality and Obsessive-Compulsive, Borderline, Dependent personality disorder tendencies. Possible differentiations on addictive-like eating tendency by gender and marital status were also explored for inventional purposes. Furthermore, addictive-like eating and hedonistic eating tendencies of the participants were compared with respect to their body mass index. The present study was carried out with 768 participants aged 18-63. Demographic information form including socio-demographic information of the participants, Addictive-Like Eating Scale, Body Satisfaction Scale, Hedonistic Eating Scale and Coolidge Axis II Plus Turkish Short Form were used for the present study. Data were analyzed via correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, two-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U Test. The results revealed that addictive-like eating tendency was positively related to hedonistic eating, Obsessive-Compulsive, Borderline and Dependent personality disorder tendencies whereas it was negatively correlated with body satisfaction. Furthermore, hedonistic eating, body satısfaction and Borderline Personality Disorder tendency were found out to be significant predictors of addictive-like eating inclination. It was found that these predictive relationships did not differ by gender or marital status. Moreover, results indicated that both addictive-like eating and hedonistic eating behaviors of the participants whose body mass indexes were above 25, were significantly higher than those with body mass indexes of 25 and lower. Results were discussed within the scope of literature.

Efficacy of the mHealth App Intellect in Improving Subclinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial With a 4-Week Follow-Up.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the third most prevalent mental health disorder in Singapore, with a high degree of burden and large treatment gaps. Self-guided programs on mobile apps are accessible and affordable interventions, with the potential to address subclinical OCD before symptoms escalate. This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the efficacy of a self-guided OCD program on the mobile health (mHealth) app Intellect in improving subclinical OCD and maladaptive perfectionism (MP) as a potential moderator of this predicted relationship. University students (N=225) were randomly assigned to an 8-day, self-guided app program on OCD (intervention group) or cooperation (active control). Self-reported measures were obtained at baseline, after the program, and at a 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was OCD symptom severity (Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised [OCI-R]). Baseline MP was assessed as a potential moderator. Depression, anxiety, and stress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-21) were controlled for during statistical analyses. The final sample included 192 participants. The intervention group reported significantly lower OCI-R scores compared with the active control group after the intervention (partial eta-squared [ηp2]=0.031; P=.02) and at 4-week follow-up (ηp2=0.021; P=.044). A significant, weak positive correlation was found between MP and OCI-R levels at baseline (r=0.28; P<.001). MP was not found to moderate the relationship between condition and OCI-R scores at postintervention (P=.70) and at 4-week follow-up (P=.88). This study provides evidence that the self-guided OCD program on the Intellect app is effective in reducing subclinical OCD among university students in Singapore. Future studies should include longer follow-up durations and study MP as a moderator in a broader spectrum of OCD symptom severity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06202677; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06202677.

Natural history of SGCE-associated myoclonus dystonia in children and adolescents.

To investigate the natural progression of SGCE-associated myoclonus dystonia from symptom onset in childhood to early adulthood. Myoclonus and dystonia were monitored using rating scales in two cohorts of participants from Spain and the Netherlands. Individual annualized rates of change were calculated and longitudinal trends were assessed using Bayesian mixed models. Psychiatric features were evaluated cross-sectionally in the Spanish cohort. Thirty-eight patients (21 males, 17 females) were evaluated at a mean age (SD) of 10 years (4 years 7 months; range 2-21 years) and 14 years 2 months (4 years 8 months; range 4-25 years). We observed a significant worsening of action myoclonus, global dystonia, and dystonia during writing (mean annual increases of 1.356, 0.226, and 0.518 in the Unified Myoclonus, Burke-Fahn-Marsden, and Writer's Cramp Rating Scales respectively). Accordingly, participants perceived a significant worsening in their speech, writing, and walking abilities. Twenty-six of 32 participants suffered from anxiety (n = 13), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 9), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 8). This study demonstrates that, unlike in the adult population, myoclonus dystonia syndrome in childhood and adolescence follows a progressive course that can be debilitating in the early stages of life. These findings, along with a high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, highlight the need for early therapeutic interventions to prevent long-term motor and psychological sequelae.

Predictors of outcome following psychological therapy for depression and anxiety in an urban primary care service: a naturalistic Bayesian prediction modeling approach.

England's primary care service for psychological therapy (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies [IAPT]) treats anxiety and depression, with a target recovery rate of 50%. Identifying the characteristics of patients who achieve recovery may assist in optimizing future treatment. This naturalistic cohort study investigated pre-therapy characteristics as predictors of recovery and improvement after IAPT therapy. In a cohort of patients attending an IAPT service in South London, we recruited 263 participants and conducted a baseline interview to gather extensive pre-therapy characteristics. Bayesian prediction models and variable selection were used to identify baseline variables prognostic of good clinical outcomes. Recovery (primary outcome) was defined using (IAPT) service-defined score thresholds for both depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7]). Depression and anxiety outcomes were also evaluated as standalone (PHQ-9/GAD-7) scores after therapy. Prediction model performance metrics were estimated using cross-validation. Predictor variables explained 26% (recovery), 37% (depression), and 31% (anxiety) of the variance in outcomes, respectively. Variables prognostic of recovery were lower pre-treatment depression severity and not meeting criteria for obsessive compulsive disorder. Post-therapy depression and anxiety severity scores were predicted by lower symptom severity and higher ratings of health-related quality of life (EuroQol questionnaire [EQ5D]) at baseline. Almost a third of the variance in clinical outcomes was explained by pre-treatment symptom severity scores. These constructs benefit from being rapidly accessible in healthcare services. If replicated in external samples, the early identification of patients who are less likely to recover may facilitate earlier triage to alternative interventions.

Therapeutic DBS for OCD Suppresses the Default Mode Network.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) is a circuit-based treatment for severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The therapeutic effects of DBS are hypothesized to be mediated by direct modulation of a distributed cortico-striato-thalmo-cortical network underlying OCD symptoms. However, the exact underlying mechanism by which DBS exerts its therapeutic effects still remains unclear. In five participants receiving DBS for severe, refractory OCD (3responders, 2 non-responders), we conducted a DBS On/Off cycling paradigm during the acquisition of functional MRI (23fMRI runs) to determine the network effects of stimulation across a variety of bipolar configurations. We also performed tractography using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to relate the functional impact of DBS to the underlying structural connectivity between active stimulation contacts and functional brain networks. We found that therapeutic DBS had a distributed effect, suppressing BOLD activity within regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and subthalamic nuclei compared to non-therapeutic configurations. Many of the regions suppressed by therapeutic DBS were components of the default mode network (DMN). Moreover, the estimated stimulation field from the therapeutic configurations exhibited significant structural connectivity to core nodes of the DMN. Based upon these findings, we hypothesize that the suppression of the DMN by ALIC DBS ismediated by interruption of communication through structural white matter connections surrounding the DBS active contacts.

Psychometric study of the Russian version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale

Craving is one of the central symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Currently, there is no single accepted definition, model, or standardized approach to assessing craving for alcohol use, but the phenomenon is extensively studied in the field of addiction research. The Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale was developed based on the hypothesis that both obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcohol use disorder have similar symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure as well as the convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale. 222 patients with Alcohol Use Disorder undergoing inpatient treatment (163 men (73,42%), average age 42,67±10,06 years old, average age of the onset of alcohol use disorder 32,19±8,57 years old) were recruited for the study. The following methods were used: clinical interview, Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale, Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, Motivation for Alcohol Consumption, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The results of the study confirmed two-factor structure of the scale; however, the goodness-of-fit indices slightly differed from acceptable cut-off values. The scale had acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. Discriminant validity was moderate. The analysis of criterion validity revealed a negative correlation between the factor “Compulsions” and age of the first alcohol drink, start of the regular alcohol use, and age of the first inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder. Participants with daily use had significantly higher scores on both factors compared to the participants with heavy drinking episodes.

Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Digital and AI-Driven Psychotherapy for ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Disorders: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Psychotherapy remains a fundamental component of mental health treatment, yet it encounters significant barriers to accessibility and efficacy. The integration of digital therapies, encompassing e-Health, m-Health, and artificial intelligence (AI) offers the transformative potential to enhance therapeutic processes through automated systems that improve access and personalize treatment. This integration, however, involves complex considerations, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the dynamics of the therapeutic alliance. This narrative review synthesizes current literature on the application of digital therapies in psychotherapy, with a focus on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and substance use disorders (SUDs). The review evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions, their impact on HRQoL, therapeutic relationships, and the associated ethical considerations. Following Green's checklist for narrative reviews, a systematic literature review was conducted on studies published from January 2009 to May 2024. Inclusion criteria centered on digital therapies, including AI-based, Internet-based, and mobile-based interventions in psychotherapy. A total of 23 studies were analyzed. The findings indicate that digital therapies hold substantial promise for enhancing therapeutic interventions across various mental health disorders, particularly through chatbots and Internet-based psychotherapy. However, successful integration requires careful attention to the therapeutic alliance, HRQoL, and ethical implications. This review highlights the significant potential of digital therapies, including AI-driven psychotherapy, in managing diverse mental health disorders. A balanced approach to integration, prioritizing patient well-being and addressing ethical complexities, is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Fears Worth Testing Out: A Systematic Review of the Neural Mechanisms of Treatment Outcome for Anxiety-Related Disorders.

With the advent of human neuroimaging, researchers were drawn to the idea that by better understanding the human brain, more effective mental health interventions could be developed. It has been more than 20years since the first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were conducted to examine changes in brain activation with anxiety-related treatments and more than 60 studies have since been published in this vein. For the current review, we conduct a systematic review of this literature, focusing on adult studies using task-based fMRI to measure brain activation changes with pharmacologic or psychotherapy interventions for phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neuroscientific theories of anxiety-related disorders and their treatment have focused on prefrontal-insula-amygdala networks. Treatment-related decreases in amygdala and/or anterior insula activation were identified as the most consistent finding across disorders, with the most consistent results reported for specific phobia. Directionality of change and specific regions implicated in the prefrontal cortex were inconsistent across studies. The potential importance for probing other networks and processes as mechanisms of anxiety treatment was recognized, such as striatal regions underlying inhibitory learning or reward responsivity. Future treatment-fMRI research related to anxiety disorders would benefit from larger sample sizes, use of more nuanced computational approaches, and increased focus on replication. There is continued promise that fMRI research will enhance our understanding of how treatments work and inform the evolution of more effective or personalized mental health treatment.

Functional MRI-Specific Alternations in default mode network in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A voxel-based meta-analysis.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and debilitating mental disorder. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted that the dysfunctional default mode network (DMN) plays a key role in the pathophysiology mechanisms of OCD. However, the findings of impaired DMN regions have been inconsistent. We employed meta-analysis to identify the fMRI-specific abnormalities of the DMN in OCD. PubMed, Web of science and Embase were searched to screen resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation/fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF/fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) of the DMN in OCD patients. Based on the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) algorithm, we compared all patients with OCD and control group in a primary meta-analysis, and analyzed the unmedicated OCD without comorbidities in secondary meta-analyses. A total of 26 eligible studies with 1219 OCD patients (707men) and 1238 healthy controls (684 men) were included in the primary meta-analysis. We concluded specific changes in brain regions of DMN, mainly in the left medial frontal gurus (MFG), bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral precuneus (PCUN), bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and right parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). OCD patients showed dysfunction in the DMN, including impaired local important nodal brain regions. The PCC/PCUN appear to be the most affected regions within the DMN, providing valuable insights into understanding the potential pathophysiology of OCD and targets for clinical interventions.

Prevalence and treatment of perinatal anxiety: diagnostic interview study.

Anxiety affects around one in five women during pregnancy and after birth. However, there is no systematic information on the proportion of women with perinatal anxiety disorders who want or receive treatment. To examine (a) the prevalence of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and after birth in a population-based sample, and (b) the proportion of women with anxiety disorders who want treatment and receive treatment. This study conducted 403 diagnostic interviews in early pregnancy (n = 102), mid-pregnancy (n = 99), late pregnancy (n = 102) or postpartum (n = 100). Participants also completed self-report measures of previous/current mental health problems and desire for treatment at every time point. The prevalence of anxiety disorders over all time points combined was 19.9% (95% CI 16.1-24.1), with greatest prevalence in early pregnancy (25.5%, 95% CI 17.4-35.1). The most prevalent disorders were obsessive-compulsive disorder (8.2%, 95% CI 5.7-11.3) and generalised anxiety disorder (5.7%, 95% CI 3.7-8.4). The majority of women with anxiety disorders did not want professional help or treatment (79.8%). Most women with anxiety disorders who did want treatment (20.2%) were receiving treatment. The majority of participants with anxiety disorders had a history of mental health problems (64.6%). Prevalence rates overall are consistent with previous research, lending validity to the findings. However, findings challenge the assumption that everyone with a psychological disorder wants treatment. These findings highlight the importance of relationship-based care, where individual needs and contextual barriers to treatment can be explored.

Altered eotaxin-1 and interleukin-34 levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case-control observational study in Bangladesh.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition that impacts daily life. It is thought to be associated with genetic, biological, and structural brain changes, serotonergic abnormalities, altered neuromodulation, and environmental factors. Limited observational studies have examined cytokines in Bangladeshi patients with OCD. This study aimed to assess the levels of eotaxin-1 and interleukin (IL)-34 in individuals with this disorder. This case-control observational study included 58 patients with OCD and 30 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS). Psychiatrists evaluated participants according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Serum levels of eotaxin-1 and IL-34 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Patients with OCD exhibited significantly higher serum eotaxin-1 levels (121.13±7.84 pg/mL) than HCs (85.52±9.42 pg/mL). Conversely, IL-34 levels were considerably lower in patients than in HCs (119.02±14.53 pg/mL vs. 179.96±27.88 pg/mL). The Cohen d values for eotaxin-1 and IL-34 were 0.55 and -0.48, respectively. Among patients with OCD, a significant positive correlation was found between serum eotaxin-1 level and Y-BOCS score, along with a negative correlation between serum eotaxin-1 and IL-34 levels. The findings suggest that altered eotaxin-1 and IL-34 levels may be associated with OCD. These chemokines and cytokines could serve as primary tools for assessing the risk of OCD, warranting further clinical investigation. This could potentially support more extensive research and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.

Healing Through Purpose: Using Founder Mode Entrepreneurial Experience (FMEE) as Exposure Therapy for Moral Scrupulosity OCD with a Transpersonal Psychology Perspective

The paper introduces the "Founder Mode Entrepreneurial Experience" (FMEE), a novel therapeutic framework rooted in transpersonal psychology that reimagines entrepreneurial engagement as exposure therapy for individuals with Moral Scrupulosity Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). FMEE emphasizes confronting ethical dilemmas, embracing imperfection, and navigating moral ambiguities through mission-driven entrepreneurial activities. This approach not only facilitates desensitization to scrupulosity-related triggers but also fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and a purpose-driven mindset. Integrating transpersonal practices such as mindfulness, altruism, and intuitive decision-making, FMEE bridges personal healing with meaningful social impact. The manuscript underscores FMEE's transformative potential as a practical and spiritually grounded intervention for reducing moral rigidity and fostering holistic well-being. Implications for OCD therapy, transpersonal psychology, and social entrepreneurship are discussed, along with future research directions at the intersection of psychology and mission-driven innovation.

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder with a Religious Focus: An Observational Study

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder with a Religious Focus: An Observational Study

Reasons for seeking internet-delivered treatment for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) face multiple barriers when accessing treatment and rarely receive best-practice cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) when they seek help. Remote treatments, such as internet-delivered CBT (ICBT), enhance access to evidence-based treatments. To date, no known studies have examined the reasons individuals seek remote treatment over traditional in-person treatment for OCD. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine the treatment histories of individuals who completed ICBT for OCD and their reasons for seeking ICBT. One hundred and sixty-six participants (Mage = 33.88; SD = 13.41, 71.7% female) were included in the study. Almost three-quarters of the sample had previously spoken to a health professional about their OCD symptoms. General practitioners were the most frequently consulted health professionals initially (41.7%), while psychologists were the most frequently consulted overall (81.7%). Supportive counselling (74.2%) and medication (72.5%) were the most common forms of treatment ever received. Of those who had received CBT for OCD, only 20.0% (12.5% of the overall sample) likely received best-practice CBT. The most frequently endorsed reasons for seeking ICBT over in-person treatment related to having no access to face-to-face treatment in the community (25.9%) and having found previous face-to-face treatment unhelpful (24.1%). Group differences in reasons for seeking ICBT over face-to-face treatment emerged based on geographical location, OCD severity and presence of comorbid depressive symptoms. Evidence-based treatment for OCD is underutilized in the community highlighting the need to develop and disseminate evidence-based remote treatments for OCD.

Application of a localized morphometrics approach to imaging-derived brain phenotypes for genotype-phenotype associations in pediatric mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Quantitative global or regional brain imaging measurements, known as imaging-specific or -derived phenotypes (IDPs), are commonly used in genotype-phenotype association studies to explore the genomic architecture of the brain and how it may be affected by neurological diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), mental health (e.g., depression), and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]). For this purpose, medical images have been used as IDPs using a voxel-wise or global approach via principal component analysis. However, these methods have limitations related to multiple testing or the inability to isolate high variation regions, respectively. To address these limitations, this study investigates a localized, principal component analysis-like approach for dimensionality reduction of cross-sectional T1-weighted MRI datasets utilizing diffeomorphic morphometry. This approach can reduce the dimensionality of images while preserving spatial information and enables the inclusion of spatial locality in the analysis. In doing so, this method can be used to explore morphometric brain changes across specific components and spatial scales of interest and to identify associations with genome regions in a multivariate genome-wide association study. For a first clinical feasibility study, this method was applied to data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, including adolescents with ADHD (n = 1,359), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 1,752), and depression (n = 1,766). Meaningful associations of specific morphometric features with genome regions were identified with the data and corresponded to previous found brain regions in the respective mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder cohorts. In summary, the localized, principal component analysis-like approach can reduce the dimensionality of medical images while still being able to identify meaningful local brain region alterations that are associated with genomic markers across multiple scales. The proposed method can be applied to various image types and can be easily integrated in many genotype-phenotype association study setups.

A Study of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Trauma in OCD Patients

Objectives: Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) and Trauma both are seen in the OCD population and have been recognized as a vital component of the illness. Both can interfere with the progress of the treatment yet limited research has been documented comparing OCD patients on the basis of trauma (its presence or absence) in the context of IU and OCD severity. The current study therefore highlights the role of IU and Trauma in OCD patients who have experienced trauma compared to those who have not experienced trauma. Methods: For the current study 188 OCD patients were recruited from private clinics in Delhi NCR over a period of 12 months (2021-2022) in the 18–50 age range, the total sample was evaluated for OCD severity, IU, and Trauma through YBOCS severity rating scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Early traumatic events measure of Childhood trauma and recent trauma scale respectively. The sample was divided into two groups (94 had trauma history, and the remaining 94 had none). Findings: Results highlighted significantly higher OCD severity and IU in the trauma group and a significant positive correlation was discovered amongst IU, OCD, and trauma. Clinicians can utilize this knowledge by combining IU and trauma-based intervention in the management of OCD. Novelty: The findings add to the existing knowledge of OCD by incorporating the two significant variables together (IU and Trauma) through a comparative study that has not been much researched more so in India. Keywords: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trauma, Core Beliefs, Cognitive Behavioral model

The revival of psilocybin between scientific excitement, evidence of efficacy, and real-world challenges.

The revival of psilocybin in psychopharmacological research heralds a potential paradigm shift for treating mood and anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric conditions beyond the psychotic spectrum. This critical review evaluates current evidence on psilocybin's efficacy, juxtaposing potential benefits with the practical aspects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and the methodological constraints of existing research.An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, selecting studies published up to December 2023 that explored the clinical use of psilocybin in mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. Despite promising preliminary results suggesting psilocybin's efficacy in alleviating depression and anxiety, as well as obsessions, compulsions, and addictive behaviors, significant evidence gaps persist. These include evaluating the efficacy of psilocybin compared to standard antidepressants or anxiolytic molecules and identifying patient subpopulations that might benefit most from PAP. Concerns about psilocybin's safety, long-term efficacy, and optimal dosage remain unclear due to previous trials' limitations. Real-world implementation faces challenges, including infrastructural requirements, personnel training, and unresolved legal and ethical issues. This paper argues for further research to substantiate the evidence base, emphasizing the need for larger studies that overcome current methodological limitations and explore psilocybin's full therapeutic potential. While psilocybin holds promise for psychiatry, its successful translation from research to clinical practice demands more robust evidence on efficacy, safety, and methodological rigor. In addition, other factors, such as cultural stigma and legal/ethical issues, need to be successfully addressed to facilitate psilocybin's implementation in healthcare systems.

Impact of traumatic experiences on obsessive-compulsive disorder: a study of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip – a conflict area

ABSTRACT Objective: Prior research has indicated a possible relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma that appears to affect symptom severity and comorbidity. The Gaza Strip, a region characterised by ongoing violence and conflict, would benefit from further study to address psychopathology in the context of psycho-traumatology. Considering these circumstances, in this study, we investigated the prevalence of trauma aetiology among OCD patients and its impact on the clinical picture by studying the effects of trauma on three different levels of trauma-aetiology: (1) history of trauma exposure (TE-OCD), (2) individual perception of OCD as trauma-related (TR-OCD), and (3) the onset of OCD within six months post-trauma (PT-OCD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 103 Gazans diagnosed with OCD, aged 18–56 years. Semi-structured clinical interviews, including self-report measures, were used to collect demographic and diagnostic data. Results: Out of 103 participants, 77.7% reported a history of trauma (TE-OCD), 29.1% perceived their trauma as a cause of OCD (TR-OCD), and 18.4% developed their symptoms within six months of the trauma (PT-OCD). No significant correlation was found between the severity of OCD symptoms and a history of trauma exposure. Statistical differences in symptom severity were found across TR- and PT-OCD levels of trauma-aetiology. However, after controlling for major depressive disorder (MDD), these differences were observed only for obsessions. Conclusions: These findings reveal that trauma is common among OCD patients in Gaza and could be a major predisposing factor. The perception of trauma as a cause and the time between trauma exposure and OCD onset could impact the clinical picture of OCD in terms of symptom severity and increased MDD comorbidity.

Magnetic Seizure Therapy in Refractory Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: La thérapie par convulsions magnétiques pour la prise en charge des troubles psychiatriques réfractaires : revue systématique et méta-analyse.

To qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the literature on the efficacy and safety of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) in psychiatric disorders. A literature search was conducted of the OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception to 14 January 2024, using subject headings and key words for "magnetic seizure therapy." Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), post-hoc analyses of RCTs, open-label trials, or case series investigating MST in adults with a verified psychiatric diagnosis and reporting on two possible primary outcomes (1) psychiatric symptom reduction (as measured by validated rating scale) or (2) neurocognitive outcomes (as measured by standardized testing), were included. Abstracts, individual case reports, reviews and editorials were excluded. Extracted data included: (1) basic study details; (2) study design; (3) sample size; (4) baseline demographics; (5) outcome data (including secondary outcomes of suicidal ideation and adverse events); and (6) stimulation parameters. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was applied. A quantitative analysis was conducted for the depression studies, using Hedge's g effect sizes. A total of 24 studies (n = 377) were eligible for inclusion. Seventeen studies in depression (including three RCTs), four studies in schizophrenia (including one RCT), one study in bipolar disorder, one study in obsessive-compulsive disorder and one study in borderline personality disorder were summarized. We found no significant difference in depressive symptom reduction between MST and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in randomized, controlled trials (g = 0.207 towards ECT, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.132 to 0.545, P = 0.232). We found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms overall with MST in the pooled RCT and open-label analysis (g = 1.749, CI 1.219 to 2.279, P < 0.005). It is suggested that MST has modest cognitive side effects. Large-scale RCTs are necessary to confirm early signals of MST as an effective intervention in psychiatric disorders with a cognitive profile that is potentially more favourable than ECT.

Investigation of Theory of Mind, Disgust Sensitivity, and Mental Contamination in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between theory of mind (ToM), disgust sensitivity, and mental contamination patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 37 patients with OCD and 45 healthy volunteers with similar socio-demographic characteristics were enrolled at the Silifke State Hospital Department of Psychiatry between October 2023 and March 2024. We utilized the Padua Inventory - Washington State University Revision, the Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Index, the Disgust Scale — Revised, and the Vancouver Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory — Mental Contamination Scale. Results: Patients with OCD exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to disgust (mean ± standard deviation 68.19±12.28) and mental contamination (mean ± standard deviation= 25.54± 7.64) compared to healthy controls. Although the differences in ToM abilities approached significance, they did not reach statistical significance. A significant correlation was identified between the subscale of "disgust related to contamination" and "checking compulsions" (r = 0.433), as well as with "obsessive thoughts about harming oneself/others" (r = 0.515). No significant correlation was found between mental contamination and the other variables (r = 0.240). Conclusion: The findings highlight impairments in certain ToM skills among patients with OCD, alongside elevated disgust sensitivity and mental contamination, relative to controls. The significant correlations between disgust sensitivity and specific OCD symptoms emphasize the influence of disgust in exacerbating certain compulsive behaviors. These insights contribute to our understanding of the interactions between OCD symptoms, ToM abilities, and disgust sensitivity.