Obsessive Compulsive Scale Research Articles

IVIG response in pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome correlates with reduction in pro-inflammatory monocytes and neuropsychiatric measures.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is characterized by abrupt onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating restriction along with the abrupt onset of other co-occurring symptoms (tics, behavioral and cognitive regression, etc.). PANS is thought to be a post-infectious immunopsychiatric disorder, although as with most post-infectious disorders, it is challenging to establish a causal relationship with proposed infectious triggers. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can modulate inflammation and support the elimination of infection and has been used for treatment of many post-infectious inflammatory disorders and autoimmune conditions. The aim of the study is to explore the pro-inflammatory state in PANS before and after administration of IVIG. Children with moderate-to-severe PANS received six infusions of IVIG (Octagam 5%, Octapharma) every 3 weeks with post treatment follow-up. Blood samples and psychiatric measures were obtained at Visits 1 (pre-treatment), 7 and 8 (4 and 11 weeks after last infusion, respectively). Myeloid cell activation was assessed via flow cytometry. All ten patients included in the study were male, White, with mean age 12.4 years (range 6-16). Statistically significant improvements following IVIG treatment were demonstrated in all psychometric assessments and parent questionnaires including CY-BOCS (obsessive compulsive scale), YGTSS (tic scale) and a parent PANS rating scale (for all scales p<0.001). The fraction of pro-inflammatory monocytes and dendritic cells decreased from pre-IVIG treatment levels. The proportional reductions were not compensated by increases in total white blood cells; pro-inflammatory monocytes post-IVIG were decreased as a proportion of CD14+ myeloid cells and in absolute number. The results of this study suggest that active PANS is associated with a pro-inflammatory state. This pro-inflammatory profile and psychometric scores improved following IVIG treatment. Future work will aim to further elucidate the roles of innate and adaptive immune responses in PANS and the regulatory mechanism(s) of IVIG in PANS treatment.

The effects of COVID-19 on wellbeing and resilience among Muslims in Turkey

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional exploratory study surveys the general perceived adverse effects of COVID-19 on people's wellbeing (including obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms (OCDS)) and the level of resilience shown against it, with specific reference to the role of religiosity and optimism. Data were collected in an online survey from 247 non-randomly selected participants in Turkey, aged 12–64. The questionnaire included a demographic form, a battery of COVID-19 scales, the Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, a short-form Optimism Scale, and the Ok-Religious Attitude Scale. The results indicate that COVID-19 significantly and negatively influenced several aspects of people's lives, including finance, mood, life perspective, physical health, spirituality, and state of mental health. Furthermore, resilience, family solidarity, religiosity, and optimism played a positive role in overcoming the negative effects. Nonetheless, women, less religious people, pessimists, and anxiety-prone individuals, including people with OCDS symptoms, reported that they felt less resilient against the perceived adverse effects of COVID-19.

КОГНИТИВНЫЕ РАССТРОЙСТВА, АССОЦИИРОВАННЫЕ С НАРУШЕНИЕМ ДЕТОКСИЦИРУЮЩЕЙ ФУНКЦИИ ПЕЧЕНИ, У БОЛЬНЫХ АЛКОГОЛЬНОЙ ЗАВИСИМОСТЬЮ, НОВЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ В ПЕРСОНАЛИЗИРОВАННОЙ ТЕРАПИИ

Introduction. The disruption of the detoxifying function of the liver, the direct toxic effects of alcohol and its metabolites, as the well as increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier lead to alcohol-induced brain damage. A complication of alcoholic liver disease is progressive cognitive dysfunction. Target. Assessment of impairments in the detoxification function of the liver and cognitive disorders in personalized therapy for patients with alcohol dependence. Materials and methods. The study included 30 men 41.5 years of age (32.3-53.0) with mental and behavioral disorders associated with alcohol use, impaired liver detoxification function, and cognitive disorders. To assess cognitive impairment, the following were used: Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), obsessive-compulsive alcohol craving scale, and short-term and long-term memory assessment. Cognitive functions were examined upon admission and on days 10 and 18 of therapy. Biochemical blood parameters (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, cholesterol, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione) were studied before and after treatment. Results. Against the background of complex therapy, there was a decrease in craving for alcohol, assessed on the obsessive-compulsive scale from 36 (34-39) to 9 (8-11) points on the 10th day of therapy and 3 (2-5) points at the end of the course of treatment (p=0.0001). Biochemical parameters of the blood have improved significantly. Cognitive abilities assessed on the MoCA scale improved from 23.5 (20.3-26.3) to 27 (25.8-28) points, p=0.0001. Prediction of a favorable outcome of therapy (MoCA score greater than 26 points after a course of treatment) is possible based on initial indicators. AST level less than 112 U/L, ALT less than 120 U/L, direct bilirubin less than 9.8 µmol/L and cholesterol less than 6, 7 mmol/l. The probability of achieving less than 7 points on the obsessive-compulsive scale after 10 days of treatment can be predicted by the level of indirect bilirubin before starting therapy of less than 14.2 µmol/l and the initial score on the Hamilton anxiety scale of less than 20.5 points. Conclusions. Restoring liver detoxification function and improving cognitive potential through the use of drugs that combine neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects in complex therapy is an effective method of treating patients with alcohol dependence. Prediction of a favorable outcome of therapy is possible based on initial biochemical parameters and assessment on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale.

Клініко-терапевтичні особливості пацієнтів із шизотиповим розладом з обсесивно-компульсивною симптоматикою

Introduction. The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in modern conditions of high stress and the lack of detailed recommendations for this category of patients determine the relevance of this publication. The emergence of suffering at a young age forms insufficiently adaptive behaviors and complicates the socialization of such persons. And the emergence of these symptoms within different etiological disorders requires the development of differentiated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Materials and methods. The study involved 69 outpatients with leading obsessive-compulsive disorder within schizotypal disorder (F21). The following methods were used: clinical-psychopathological, psychodiagnostic, clinical-follow-up and mathematical statistics. Patients were examined using psychodiagnostic techniques: clinical scale of obsessions and Yel-Brown compulsions (Y-BOCS - Obsessive-compulsive Scale); hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS); quality of life scale (Chaban OS, 2008); multidimensional scale of perception of social support ("MSPSS" D. Zimet); questionnaire "Lifestyle Index" ("LSI" by R. Plutchik - G. Kellerman - H. R. Conte), method "Psychological diagnosis of coping behavior strategy" by R. Lazarus. Results. The clinical typology of these symptoms: type of avoidance, type of ambivalence and type of accumulation was studied by processing the clinical scale of obsessions and Yel-Brown compulsions (Y-BOCS) in patients with schizotypal disorder (F21). It was found that these symptoms were accompanied by anxiety and depressive symptoms only at the subclinical level, which indicates a lack of criticism of one’s condition. In patients with the leading obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizotypal disorder, not quite mature variants of the protective structure are actualized, namely, substitution (62.3%), displacement (60.9%), regression (58%) and denial (26.1%). The leading coping strategies of such individuals are self-control (73.9%) and escape-avoidance (55.1%), which differs significantly from the strategies more often used by patients with ACS at the neurotic level. We have proposed a program of comprehensive treatment of this group of patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups, the first of which received a combined (differentiated psychopharmacological interventions and psychotherapy) option of therapy, and the second – only differentiated psychopharmacotherapy. The psychotherapeutic formulation was determined by different focus targets depending on the type of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and consisted of a combination of techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and gestalt therapy (GT). The results of the follow-up study indicate the effective impact of the developed treatment and rehabilitation program on all components of the mental state and social functioning of patients with all types of obsessive-compulsive symptoms of subpsychotic level. Conclusions. The leading types of ACS in schizotypal disorder and features of psychosocial functioning in patients have been identified, which allowed to create a differentiated approach to the formation of a program of their comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation. Such persons need mandatory psychopharmacotherapy and differentiated psychotherapeutic intervention. The application of the program made it possible to improve the mental state and quality of life and achieve the optimal level of adaptation of patients in various spheres of life, increase periods of remission and prevent recurrence of the disorder.

Validation and cultural adaptation of the Brief Obsessive Compulsive Scale (BOCS) among Sri Lankan Sinhala speaking children and adolescents

The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry (SLJP) is a peer-reviewed, open access journal published bi annually by the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.The Journal publishes original papers, brief reports including case reports and commentaries relevant to psychiatry and allied sciences. The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry is committed to maintaining and conforming to the editorial and ethical standards recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.Cover“Perseverance”. These tenacious fishermen in Mannar continue their livelihood despite numerous difficulties. L. N. P. Samarasinghe, Acting Consultant Psychiatrist, Base Hospital Nikaweratiya, Sri Lanka.

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

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.

Coping Strategies and Burden Dimensions of Family Caregivers for People Diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

(1) Background: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental disorder that can be a source of emotional, financial and/or social burden for family caregivers. Few studies have investigated family caregiving for patients diagnosed with OCD in relation to the coping strategies being used from a theoretical perspective. This study evaluated the burden and coping strategies of family caregivers for people diagnosed with OCD. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 123 participants diagnosed with OCD and their caregivers were surveyed using three types of scales: obsessive–compulsive scale; coping scale; and burden scale. (3) Results: Of the participants with OCD and their caregivers, 53% and 31% were male and 47% and 69% were female, respectively. Around 80% of the OCD patients were considered young and their age ranged from 20–40 years old. Forty percent of caregivers in the current study reported a high burden level. The caregivers of those who had severe OCD symptoms had a lower coping level compared to the caregivers of those with less severe symptoms and those urban caregivers were able to better cope than rural caregivers. There was an association between OCD symptom severity and financial, work-related, social and family relationships, mental and health burdens for family caregivers. Meanwhile, the greater coping level of family caregivers, the lesser social and family, mental, and spouse relationship burden (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: The family caregivers of people diagnosed with OCD have specific aspects of burden and coping which require support by designing strategic interventions for family caregiver coping.

Assessment of online compulsive buying: Psychometric properties of the Italian compulsive online shopping scale (COSS)

The rapid diffusion of the Internet has made doing things online in addition to in person possible. This has also lead to the emergence of new potential behavioural addictions related to the digital world, such as online shopping addiction. Given the peculiar features of cyberspace, the development of specific instruments for asseessing online shopping addiction appears to be of great importance to promote a better understanding of the phenomenon and effective clinical interventions. On this basis, this research aims to translate and validate the Compulsive Online Shopping Scale (COSS) for the Italian context. A sample of 397 Italian participants (Mage = 32.54 years, SD = 11.16) completed an online survey consisting of the Italian COSS, Edwards Compulsive Buying Scale, Internet Addiction Test, Yale‑Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale‑ Second Edition, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed the adequacy of the model fit to the data for a correlational solution with the same 7 factors of the original version: Salience¸ Mood modification¸ Conflict¸ Tolerance¸ Relapse¸ Withdrawal¸ and Problems. Furthermore, good indications of internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity emerged from the results. Therefore, the Italian COSS seems to be a valid and reliable self-report scale that can be used to assess the risk of compulsive online shopping among Italian-speaking individuals and may be useful for both research and clinical practice.

The Effect of Krocina™ on Decreasing Substance User Withdrawal Syndrome, Craving, Depression and Stress: A Double-Blind Randomized Parallel Clinical Trial

Introduction Due to the association between substance use abstinence with some psychological syndromes, the use of herbal medicines such as Crocus sativus L. have been considered as a proper approach to controlling withdrawal syndrome. The present study aimed to identify the effect of Krocina™ in reducing withdrawal symptoms, craving, depression, stress, anxiety and durability of treatment in the detoxification period and abstinence phase. Methods In a double-blind randomized parallel clinical trial, 72 opioid users passing the detoxification period who were referred to the Soroush Center during 2020, randomly categorized into the two groups. Motivational interviewing sessions and 15 mg of Krocina™ twice a day were provided for six weeks for the cases. The placebo group received pills with the same coating and motivational interviewing. Withdrawal symptoms, craving, depression, stress and anxiety were assessed at the start of the study and then weekly using the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale, Obsessive-Compulsive Drug Use Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, respectively. SPSS-v16 was used for statistical analyses. Results Drug withdrawal symptoms and craving did not indicate a significant difference by Krocina™ intervention during the time (p > 0.05). Furthermore, depression, stress and anxiety were statistically similar between Krocina™ and placebo groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, we found similar findings between the two groups when analyzing only patients with negative urinary test (F = 0.03;p = 0.86). Conclusion Our finding rejected the effectiveness of 30 mg/day of Krocina™ for six weeks as an effective substance for decreasing withdrawal symptoms, craving, depression, anxiety and stress at the detoxification period and abstinence phase.

Reliability and validity of the Diagnostic Scales of the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2) in Italian community-dwelling adults and psychiatric patients.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2) diagnostic scales, 837 Italian community-dwelling adults and 429 consecutively admitted Italian psychiatric adults were administered the SNAP-2. The 12 SNAP-2 diagnostic scales yielded reliable scores in both community (median ω value = .90) and psychiatric (median ω value = .92) samples. The 6-month temporal stability was adequate for all SNAP-2 diagnostic scales (median test-retest r-value = .84) in a subsample of the community-dwelling adults (n = 97). When we examined the correlations between the SNAP-2 diagnostic scales and the Five-Factor Model Rating Form trait scales among the community-dwelling adults, the double-entry intraclass correlation values (median ICCDE = .94) indicated a marked similarity between our correlation profiles and the correlation profiles that were reported in Samuel and Widiger (2008) meta-analysis. In our psychiatric-adult sample, the SNAP-2 diagnostic scales showed adequate convergent-validity coefficients (median r-value = .61) with criterion measures of DSM-IV axis II/DSM-5 Section II personality disorders (PDs). Finally, relative-weight analysis results showed that selected Personality Inventory for DSM-5 trait-scale scores explained a substantial amount of variance in SNAP-2 antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and schizotypal PD scale scores (median R 2 value = .55). As a whole, our data suggest that the Italian SNAP-2 diagnostic scales have adequate reliability and construct validity in the Italian culture. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Alcohol-related changes in behaviors and characteristics from the baseline to the randomization session for treatment and non-treatment seeking participants with alcohol use disorder

ABSTRACT Background Participants who are enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may be more motivated to change their behaviors after being enrolled in a study and that motivation may vary by treatment status. Objectives The objectives of this secondary analysis were to investigate if changes in alcohol-related behaviors/characteristics from the baseline to the randomization session differed overall and to assess those differences between non-treatment and treatment seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Methods Our sample included participants from eight RCTs conducted at Brown University (N = 281, 34% female). To assess differences across alcohol-related behaviors/characteristics, we investigated changes in craving (obsessive compulsive drinking scale) and alcohol drinking (percent abstinent days, drinks per week (DPW) and percent heavy drinking days (HDD)) overall and between treatment status. Results Results showed that there were baseline differences, such as increased AUD severity and craving for alcohol in treatment seeking participants (p’s < .05) in the overall sample. Next, we showed that craving, DPW and HDD decreased and percent abstinent days increased from baseline to randomization (p’s < .05). When controlling for treatment status and sociodemographic characteristics, treatment seeking, compared to non-treatment seeking participants, had a greater reduction in alcohol craving (p < .001) and a greater increase in percentage of drinking days (p < .01). Conclusions These findings demonstrated that alcohol-related behaviors and characteristics changed after enrollment. Severity, craving and drinking behaviors also differed between treatment-seeking status, which can potentially impact medication development stages for AUD such as clinical trial eligibility, enrollment and study outcomes.

Developmental Trajectories of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms.

Children who experience obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) may be at risk for developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The current study aimed to investigate developmental trajectories of OCS, as well as possible predictors, within a community-based sample of children. Children (N = 1147) from the longitudinal NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) were assessed for OCS, via the Child Behavioral Checklist - Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (OCS-8), eight times between Pre-Kindergarten (54months; Pre-K) and High School (15years of age; HS.) Participants were recruited within the United States and included only maternal caregivers. Preliminary analyses indicated that approximately 3% of the sample was above the diagnostic cutoff score on the OCS-8 at the High School time-point. Latent growth models tested symptom trajectories. Findings demonstrated three groups of OCS trajectories. Most children fell within a low symptomatology group (the No Peak group) with low OCS across all time points. Two additional OCS trajectories were also demonstrated: Pre-K Peak (high to low OCS across time) and HS Peak (low to high OCS across time). Both higher attention problems and greater depression/anxiety symptoms at the Pre-K time point predicted children's membership in the Pre-K Peak or HS Peak groups compared to the No Peak group. Membership within the HS Peak group predicted a high likelihood of children's OCS being above previously established cutoff scores for an OCD diagnosis at age 15years. Membership within either the Pre-K Peak or No Peak groups predicted a low likelihood. This study provides new evidence for the existence of different developmental trajectories for youth with OCS. From a clinical perspective, these results may have important implications when considering the identification and early intervention of childhood OCS and OCD within the community.

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives:To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and its correlation with the level of perceived stress among the Saudi population.Methods:In July 2020, a cross-sectional survey of 2909 participants in Saudi Arabia during the outbreak was conducted to collect data related to sociodemographic characteristics and scores on the Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).Results:Most participants were female (73.9%) with a university level of education or higher (81%). The prevalence of new-onset obsessions was 57.8%, compulsions 45.9%, and moderate/high perceived stress 72.4%. New-onset dirt, germs, and virus obsessions were significantly higher among 40-49 age group, employees, housewives, students, quarantine discipliners, and those who spent 20 or more days in quarantine. New-onset hand-washing compulsions were significantly higher among the 30-49 age group. A significantly higher level of perceived stress was reported among those in the 18-29 age group, females, singles, participants with no children, students, non-smokers, those who were unemployed, living with families, diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, living in the northern region, quarantine discipliners, and those who spent 60 or more days in quarantine.Conclusion:This study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of high perceived stress in respondents with new-onset OCD contamination symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This implies that a biodisaster is associated with high psychological morbidity.

The Effect of Family Participation on the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy of Children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a time-consuming and severe mental illness that causes significant distress and impaired functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on the symptoms and functions of children with OCD. Materials and Methods: The research plan was single-case or single-subject. The statistical population of this research included all the children with OCD within the age range of 7-12 years who referred to counseling and psychiatric centers in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2020. In total, four children who were diagnosed with OCD were selected by the available sampling method and received family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention in 12 sessions. In this study, the required data were collected using Yale-Brown Child Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Scale and the Child Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Impact Scale. Data analysis was performed using visual charting or graphical analysis methods, reliable change index, and percentage of improvement. Results: The results showed that a reliable change index was significant for symptoms and function in treatment and follow-up (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, the percentage of overall improvement showed the effectiveness of family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on the symptoms and function of children with OCD in treatment and follow-up stages. All four children were in the successful treatment category based on the Classification of Blanchard. Conclusion: Family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy can be beneficial and effective on the symptoms and function of children with OCD.

Neurocognitive Empowerment for Addiction Treatment (NEAT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNeurocognitive deficits (NCDs) and associated meta-cognition difficulties associated with chronic substance use often delay the learning and change process necessary for addiction recovery and relapse prevention. However, very few cognitive remediation programs have been developed to target NCDs and meta-cognition for substance users. The study described herein aims to investigate the efficacy of a multi-component neurocognitive rehabilitation and awareness program termed “Neurocognitive Empowerment for Addiction Treatment” (NEAT). NEAT is a fully manualized, cartoon-based intervention involving psychoeducation, cognitive practice, and compensatory strategies relevant across 10 major cognitive domains, including aspects of attention, memory, executive functions, and decision-making.Method/designIn a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT), 80 female opioid and/or methamphetamine users will be recruited from an addiction recovery program providing an alternative to incarceration for women with substance use-related offenses. Eight groups of 9–12 participants will be randomized into NEAT or treatment-as-usual (TAU). NEAT involves 14 90-min sessions, delivered twice weekly. The primary outcome is change in self-reported drug craving from before to after intervention using Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include additional psychological, neurocognitive, and structural and functional neuroimaging measures. Clinical measures will be performed at five time points (pre- and post-intervention, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up); neuroimaging measures will be completed at pre- and post-intervention.DiscussionThe present RCT is the first study to examine the efficacy of an adjunctive neurocognitive rehabilitation and awareness program for addiction. Results from this study will provide initial information concerning potential clinical efficacy of the treatment, as well as delineate neural mechanisms potentially targeted by this novel intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03922646. Registered on 22 April 2019

The impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on developing obsessive-compulsive disorder in saudi arabia

IntroductionCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease. Its potential psychological impact could involve fear of being contaminated by germs and dirt, which may lead to washing hands repeatedly until harm the skin.ObjectivesTo explore the incidence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic among the Saudi general population, and to explore its correlation with stress and the associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of a sample consisting of 2909 participants was conducted during COVID-19 outbreak consists of socio-demographic characteristics, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and The Brief Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (BOCS).ResultsMost participants were female (73.9%) with university level or above (81%) and were disciplined with quarantine (75.6%). New onset symptoms of obsessive thoughts (worries about germs, dirt and viruses), and compulsive behavior (excessive hand washing) were reported by 57.8% and 45.9% of the participant. Participants who developed these symptoms only during CODIV-19 pandemic were significantly higher than asymptomatic participants or those who developed symptoms before the pandemic (p-value&amp;lt; 0.000). New onset symptoms were significantly more among participants with high stress (57.5% and 51.4%; p-value &amp;lt;0.000). Some sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with new onset OCD symptoms such as age group (40-49 years), employee in non-medical field, housewives, students, being disciplined and spending more days in quarantine (p- value&amp;lt;0.000, p-value&amp;lt;0.047, p-value&amp;lt;0.012, p-value&amp;lt;0.015).ConclusionsThis study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of high perceived stress in respondents with new onset OCD symptoms. This implies that bio disaster is associated with a high psychological morbidity which needs interventional programs.

Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among Iraqi undergraduate medical students in time of COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental disorder affecting millions of people. Its onset and peak are during late teens making university students a priority target. Medical student perhaps is at greater risk for developing OCD while corona COVID-19 is expected to more exaggerate symptoms mainly with extra hygiene and cleanliness practices. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of OCD symptoms among Iraqi medical students, and to assess the associated psychological symptoms and its correlates. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among Iraqi medical students during the period from August to October 2020. An online anonymous, voluntary, and self-administered questionnaire based on the 18 questions Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scale (OCI-R) was used to collect the data.ResultsA total of 1644 students had filled the questionnaire. Females were 1116 (67.9%), while 1153 (70.1%) had reported accompanying mental symptoms. Of which worry and stress were the most prevalent with 674 (25.9%) and 617 (23.7%) respectively. However, 707 (43%) have probable OCD symptoms that need further assessment. Unpleasant thoughts were the most prevalent symptoms with 51.8%. Surprisingly, the washing and contamination scales were low at 14% and 19.4% while repeating certain numbers was the least with 8%. OCD symptoms were significantly related to younger age and earlier years of study. Further, all accompanied mental symptoms were significantly associated with probable OCD status.ConclusionHigh prevalence of OCD among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. No association of OCD with gender and family history. Younger students and early years of study were more likely to suffer from OCD symptoms.

The severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in Tourette syndrome and its relationship with premonitory urges: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives Nearly half of the patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) present with comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms (OCS) and premonitory urges (PUs). However, inconsistent results have been found in the correlation between PUs and OCS in patients with TS. Methods A meta-analysis was applied to identify the severity of OCS and its correlation with PUs in TS patients. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to identify potential heterogeneity. Results A total of 13 studies, including 576 patients, were enrolled in this study. The pooled correlation coefficient (r) was 0.29 (95% confidence interval: 0.18, 0.38) and heterogeneity (I2) of pooled r was 40% based on a fixed-effect model. The mean level of OCS based on the assessment of Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Scale/Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Scale was 14.99 (95% CI: 11.41, 18.57) by a random effect model. Results of meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the severity of tic symptoms based on the assessment of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale was the predictor of severity of OCS (p = 0.018). Conclusion There was a mild positive correlation between the PUs and OCS in patients with TS. The severity of OCS in TS patients was mild to moderate and positively predicted by the severity of tic symptoms.

Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy on Neuro-Cognitive and Behavioral Skills in Alcohol-Dependent Patients: A Quantitative Electroencephalography Imaging Investigation

An immersive virtual reality based cognitive-behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) has been clinically used to improve the neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills in alcohol-dependent patients with destructive impulse-control disorders, but the therapeutic effects are unknown. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effectiveness of an impulse-anger management VR-CBT program (IAM-VR-CBTP) on cortical activation, neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills as well as drinking, impulse-anger control, anxiety, and depression. A convenience sample of 11 patients diagnosed with DICD participated and underwent the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention, a 90-minute session, two times/week for 3 weeks. The intervention related physiological and neuro-psychiatric behavioral changes were measured with a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) brain mapping and standardized neurocognitive and behavioral tests including the alcohol dependence scale, the obsessive compulsive drinking scale, the readiness to change questionnaire, the Barratt impulsiveness scale II, the Beck anxiety, the Beck depression inventory II, and the state trait anger expression inventory-2. The non-parametric Wilcoxon statistic was used at P &lt; 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences between the pretest and the posttest scores induced by the IAM-VR-CBTP. QEEG data analyses showed that the post-QEEG maps were characterized by mildly diminished (z -score &lt; – 1.5) relative powers in theta (Fz and Cz), fast alpha (Cz), and slow beta (Cz) bands after the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention. The results suggest that the IAM-VR-CBTP had promising effects on abnormal brain activity underlying compulsive drinking behaviors, motivation to change, and anger experience and unfair treatment by others and provide the first clinical evidence of IAM-VR-CBT on non-invasive neuromodulation and associated neuro-cognitive and behavioral outcomes in alcohol-dependent patients.

Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy on Neuro-Cognitive and Behavioral Skills in Alcohol-Dependent Patients: A Quantitative Electroencephalography Imaging Investigation

An immersive virtual reality based cognitive-behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) has been clinically used to improve the neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills in alcohol-dependent patients with destructive impulse-control disorders, but the therapeutic effects are unknown. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effectiveness of an impulse-anger management VR-CBT program (IAM-VR-CBTP) on cortical activation, neuro-cognitive and behavioral skills as well as drinking, impulse-anger control, anxiety, and depression. A convenience sample of 11 patients diagnosed with DICD participated and underwent the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention, a 90-minute session, two times/week for 3 weeks. The intervention related physiological and neuro-psychiatric behavioral changes were measured with a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) brain mapping and standardized neurocognitive and behavioral tests including the alcohol dependence scale, the obsessive compulsive drinking scale, the readiness to change questionnaire, the Barratt impulsiveness scale II, the Beck anxiety, the Beck depression inventory II, and the state trait anger expression inventory-2. The non-parametric Wilcoxon statistic was used at P &lt; 0.05. There were no statistically significant differences between the pretest and the posttest scores induced by the IAM-VR-CBTP. QEEG data analyses showed that the post-QEEG maps were characterized by mildly diminished (z -score &lt; – 1.5) relative powers in theta (Fz and Cz), fast alpha (Cz), and slow beta (Cz) bands after the IAM-VR-CBTP intervention. The results suggest that the IAM-VR-CBTP had promising effects on abnormal brain activity underlying compulsive drinking behaviors, motivation to change, and anger experience and unfair treatment by others and provide the first clinical evidence of IAM-VR-CBT on non-invasive neuromodulation and associated neuro-cognitive and behavioral outcomes in alcohol-dependent patients.