Intrusive Thoughts Research Articles

How parentification relates to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD): the mediating role of obsessive beliefs

Abstract OCD is characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts, images or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or cognitive acts) to alleviate anxiety caused by the obsessions. Parentification is the phenomenon whereby parents assign adult roles to their children, expecting them to perform practical and emotional tasks. Previous research has linked parentification to both beneficial and detrimental consequences for the child. Despite previous research suggesting that parent-child interactions are a contributor to the development and persistence of obsessive tendencies, research investigating the role of parentification in OCD and the relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is lacking. This study evaluates the relationship between benefits and negative aspects of parentification, OCD, and ROCD symptoms. In addition, the study examines the mediating role of obsessive beliefs in these associations. A community sample of 788 participants responded to self-report questionnaires of parentification, obsessive beliefs, OCD, and ROCD. Findings revealed that parent and sibling-focused parentification were positively associated with OCD and ROCD symptoms, whereas perceived benefits of parentification were negatively associated with OCD and ROCD. Furthermore, obsessive beliefs mediated the relationship between parentification and obsessive tendencies. Findings suggest that individuals who have undergone parentification may be more susceptible to developing maladaptive beliefs that may subsequently lead to obsessive preoccupation. The study contributes to the clarification of complex interplay between developmental factors such as parentification, cognitive factors such as obsessive beliefs, and obsessive tendencies.

EEG microstate analysis and machine learning classification in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Microstate characterization of electroencephalogram (EEG) is a data-driven approach to explore the functional changes and interrelationships of multiple brain networks on a millisecond scale. This study aimed to explore the pathological changes of whole-brain functional networks in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) through microstate analysis and further to explore its potential value as an auxiliary diagnostic index. Forty-eight OCD patients (33 with more than moderate anxiety symptoms, 15 with mild anxiety symptoms) and 52 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Brain activities during eyes-closed period were collected using 64-channel electroencephalography. The differences in microstate features between OCD patients and HCs were compared, and the relationship between the microstate features and clinical symptoms were explored. Key microstate features were selected for machine learning modeling to achieve targeted classifications. The probability of transition from microstate B to C was significantly lower in OCD patients compared to HCs, and the obsessive thoughts factor scores were significantly correlated with the duration of microstate A, the occurrence of microstate B, and the transition probability from microstate C to B. The occurrence rate of microstate C was significantly negatively correlated with the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA) scores. The AUC (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) of the machine learning model in the test set classification between the above two groups and between OCD patients with more than moderate/mild anxiety symptoms could achieve 70.43% and 77.13%, respectively. EEG microstate characteristics were altered in OCD patients, and these changes were closely associated with obsessive thoughts and anxiety symptoms. Besides, the machine learning classification model based on microstate features has limited ability to identify OCD, and further optimization on this classification approach is still needed in the future.

N-acetylcysteine: An Innovative Approach to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment: A Narrative Review

Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental illness defined by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (called obsessions) and repetitive actions or ideas (called compulsions). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioural therapy are currently the first-line treatments. Alternative therapeutic approaches must be developed because many patients still resist conventional medicines. There is increasing evidence that glutamate, rather than serotonin, is an essential factor in the pathophysiology of OCD. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement that targets the glutamatergic system and is derived from the amino acids. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials suggest that NAC improves OCD sufferers. Numerous suggested processes, such as the control of various neurotransmitters, oxidative equilibrium and inflammatory mediators, have been brought up to explain the therapeutic benefits of NAC. This narrative review focuses on the effect of NAC, a glutamate-modulating agent, as an augmentation in the treatment of OCD. This article reviews the clinical trials, case reports and case series exploring using NAC for OCD. We thoroughly searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Search engines to identify the relevant trials published until December 2024. Critical words for searching included (‘N acetylcysteine’ OR NAC OR ‘Glutamatergic agents’) AND (‘Obsessive-compulsive disorder’ OR OCD). NAC’s clinical effectiveness has not been identified despite pre-clinical research suggesting that it improves the animal models of OCD. Although NAC is still a promising adjunct treatment option for OCD, more research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these results and develop conclusions about how effectively NAC works to improve the OCD symptoms.

Pharmacological Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Huntington's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Studies focusing on the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Huntington's disease (HD) are scarce and show a wide variation in design, outcome measures and methodological quality. The effectiveness of pharmacological treatment of NPS in HD has not been systematically reviewed so far. To provide an overview of the available literature on the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment of NPS in HD. PubMed and the Cochrane library were systematically searched for studies assessing the effects of pharmacotherapy of NPS, both as a primary and as secondary outcome. A risk of bias assessment was performed for each article. Fifteen articles qualified for critical evaluation: 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (five placebo-controlled and five cross-over) and five open label studies. One RCT reported improvement of the overall NPS with nabilone treatment; another RCT reported that fluoxetine slightly improved irritability. Lower-level evidence from open studies suggests that the atypical antipsychotics cariprazine, olanzapine and risperidone may improve overall NPS, and that cariprazine, venlafaxine XR and olanzapine may improve depression. In addition, olanzapine may improve obsessive thoughts, aggression, anxiety and irritability. We conclude that although NPS in HD are common, hardly any clinical trials have addressed their treatment. As a result, convincing evidence that could guide clinical practice is lacking. More focused, and larger, multicenter trials focusing on NPS are urgently needed to generate the knowledge necessary to support the development of evidence-based clinical treatment guidelines.

A clinical case study of individual with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and the treatment with Exposure Response Prevention

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric illness characterized by distressing and intrusive thoughts, impulses or images (obsession) and repetitive covert or overt behaviors (compulsion) that are performed to reduce distress. The case aims to provide insights into the comprehensive assessment and evidence-based interventions of OCD in various clinical contexts of OCD relapsing control by using exposure response prevention. The case highlights the importance of the using of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the primary treatment approach and also using exposure response prevention for reducing relapsing tendency. Developing impulse control capacity in individuals treated with OCD through ERP. The main tools of subjective assessment were in-depth clinical interview, observation of client in the session and thought diary. In-depth clinical interview was done by the therapist through open-ended and closed questions, empathetic listening, and active listening. This case found at the 4th session the client improved 40%, 7th session 60%, and lastly 13th session she improved 90% she was benefited from the treatment day by day. She also reported that her anxiety and depression level also was decreased. Subjective rating of Mrs. X’s problem was taken intermittently in assessment and treatment sessions. She rated her overall problem at the starting of psychotherapy with 100 in a ‘0 to 100’ scale, in the 13th session she rated her problem with 25%. By sharing these cases, mental health professionals who are interested to this field can gain valuable insights into the assessment and management of OCD in various clinical contexts.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters associated with an indicator of heart rate variability: The ADVANCE cohort study.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is governed by of sympathetic and parasympathetic regulatory systems. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may influence these systems and consequently affect cardiovascular functioning. The sample consisted of 860 UK male military personnel approximately half of who had sustained physical combat injuries in Afghanistan. HRV was measured via Root-Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) in normal heart beats and PTSD using a self-report questionnaire (Posttraumatic Checklist-Civilian version (PCL)). Associations between probable PTSD status (PCL score ≥ 50) and symptom clusters (avoidance behaviours, emotional numbing, hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts) with HRV were examined. Bootstrap inclusion frequencies and model averaging were employed prior to regression modelling to identify the most important symptom clusters associated with RMSSD. Probable PTSD status was not associated with log RMSSD [-11.6 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) -22.2 %, 4.1 %). Increases in severity of emotional numbing were associated with reductions in RMSSD, with a - 1.1 % (95%CI -2.1 %, -0.2 %) decrease in the geometric mean of RMSSD per point increase on the emotional numbing subscale. High levels of comorbidity with depression/anxiety; possible endogeneity/bidirectionality due to PCL including both psychological and physiological symptoms. Emotional numbing, the symptom cluster including symptoms such as anhedonia, cognitive dysregulation and feeling distant from other people, was associated with HRV whilst overall PTSD status was not. These results lend support to the hypothesis that different PTSD symptom clusters may have unique effects on the cardiovascular system, and that particular symptom clusters of PTSD or combinations thereof may be associated with distinctive cardiovascular profiles.

A Warm Water Immersion Intervention for Symptoms of PTSD in Military Veterans: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a substantial problem for Veterans and active members of armed forces across the globe, resulting in debilitating mental and physical comorbidities. Evidence-based treatments have demonstrated some success; however, many Veterans remain symptomatic mandating the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of military Veterans with PTSD symptoms who participated in a therapeutic warm water immersion intervention aimed at reducing their symptoms. A standardized warm 33 °C (92 °F) water immersion intervention to the chest, lasting 45 min was implemented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 13 participants (age 23-41) after engaging in the intervention. Using a qualitative descriptive design informed by phenomenology, thematic analysis was completed, applying criteria of rigor throughout the process. Five main themes explicated the participants' experience: the rhythm of relaxed, embracing the properties of the water, the pain floats away, acclimatize to calmness, and a place to set your mind. Participants described a sense of relaxation, calmness, pain reduction, and a means to control intrusive thoughts. All indicated they would recommend the intervention and provided feedback on how to refine it. As a component of a larger study, these qualitative findings revealed the potential for therapeutic effects of a novel water immersion intervention. The findings serve to inform revisions to the intervention for future research and practice. Immersion provides a fast-acting, non-stigmatizing adjunct therapy for student Veterans who continue to experience symptoms during and after standard evidence-based treatment.

Does ruminating about the previous night's drinking during a hangover predict changes in heavy episodic drinking? A two-wave, 30-day prospective study.

We examined whether hangover-related rumination-repeatedly dwelling on negative aspects of yesterday's drinking while hungover the following morning-predicts changes in three dimensions of heavy episodic drinking (HED) over time. N = 334 emerging adults (aged 19-29) from three Eastern Canadian universities who had recently experienced a hangover completed online self-report questionnaires at baseline (Wave 1) and 30 days later (Wave 2; 71.6% retention). HED was assessed in frequency (number of HED episodes), perceptions (how participants perceived the extent of their heavy drinking), and quantity (greatest number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a single HED episode) over the past 2 weeks. Levels of HED frequency, perceptions, and quantity declined overall from Waves 1 to 2. Exploratory factor analysis established two factors of hangover-related rumination: intrusiveness (unwanted thoughts about the previous night's drinking) and regret (desire to change future drinking behavior). Structural equation models revealed that intrusiveness at Wave 1 predicted the maintenance of higher frequency and perceptions of HED at Wave 2, even as these HED measures were generally declining; regret at Wave 1 also predicted the maintenance of HED perceptions at Wave 2. Neither Wave 1 hangover rumination factor predicted changes in HED quantity at Wave 2. Models controlled Wave 1 variables, including the relevant HED outcome, overall hangover severity, total number of hangovers, generalized anxiety symptoms, sex, age, and data collection site. Hangover-related rumination factors are associated with the maintenance of higher HED frequency (intrusiveness factor) and HED perceptions (intrusiveness and regret factors), suggesting risk for problematic alcohol consumption. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

A network analysis of body dysmorphic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms among individuals with and without exposure to trauma.

BDD and OCD symptoms often co-occur, but the associations between specific symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, current research suggests that the clinical presentation of emotional disorders can differ in individuals who self-report exposure to trauma, but it is unclear whether this extends to BDD and OCD. The current study aimed to: (a) investigate associations between individual OCD and BDD symptoms and (b) determine whether symptom networks differ in those with self-reported trauma compared to those without self-reported trauma. Participants (N = 3127) were drawn from the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study and had completed validated self-reported questionnaires to assess BDD and OCD symptoms, and childhood and adulthood experiences of trauma. Network analysis was used to investigate associations between seven BDD symptoms and six OCD symptom domains. Networks of reporters and non-reporters of lifetime trauma were compared using the network comparison test. BDD and OCD symptoms clustered distinctively with some bridging associations between them. The strongest bridging edges highlighted an association between three core BDD symptoms and the OCD domain of obsessional thoughts. BDD and OCD networks of reporters and non-reporters of lifetime trauma did not differ. Cross-sectional design, meaning causality cannot be inferred. The findings suggest that BDD and OCD symptoms cluster distinctively, with some bridging associations between core BDD symptoms and obsessional thoughts. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms underpinning this relationship.

A Scoping Review of Autistic Children’s Neurological, Cognitive, and Psychological Responses to Trauma

Background: Research tells us that autistic children are more likely than their neurotypical peers to experience potentially traumatic events. There is, however, limited literature on how autistic children respond to trauma, and there are few tools available to specifically assess autistic children’s exposure and response to trauma. Consequently, clinicians may lack the knowledge or resources to adequately support these individuals and provide them with appropriate, non-harmful care. Methods: In this scoping review, four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Emcare, and PsycINFO) were searched using keywords that represented the research question: “What are autistic children’s neurological, cognitive, and psychological responses to trauma?” Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on the data, and a frequency analysis was conducted to categorize and describe the results. Results: Thirty-one studies were included in the final analysis. Eleven themes were identified, which included social anxiety, isolation and withdrawal, generalized anxiety, depression, negative emotions and feelings, posttraumatic stress disorder and intrusive thoughts, social behaviors and skills, and behavioral challenges. Conclusions: This scoping review provides important insights into the unique trauma responses of autistic children and highlights the need for additional research and evidence-based guidance to inform clinical best practices and trauma-informed care for this population.

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in individuals with a history of eating disorders.

OCD symptoms are well documented in anorexia nervosa (AN) and to a lesser extent in bulimia nervosa (BN), yet remain virtually unstudied in binge-eating disorder (BED). In this cross-sectional observational study, 5927 participants with lifetime eating disorders (EDs) (i.e., past or current) were categorized into five groups based on their diagnostic histories: AN only (n = 2330), BN only (n = 740), BED only (n = 665), AN and another ED diagnosis (AN Mixed) (n = 1293), and BN and BED (BN-BED) (n = 899). Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-12 scores were compared across these groups and with OCD (n = 1040), anxiety-related disorders (ANX) (n = 423), and non-clinical community (NCC) (n = 1194) cohorts. OCD symptoms were common among individuals with lifetime AN, BN, BED, and multiple EDs, with obsessing being the most prevalent dimension, followed by ordering, checking, and washing. The obsessing scale, which captures general intrusive thoughts rather than traditional OCD obsessions, was notably high. ED groups generally scored higher on the OCI-12 subscales than the ANX and NCC cohorts but lower than the OCD cohort, although ordering severity was higher in some ED groups. Positive correlations were found between ED symptoms and OCI-12 subscales, and gender-diverse individuals and men had greater OCD symptoms than women. Clinicians should be vigilant for OCD symptoms in individuals with AN, BN, and BED. These findings call for research on the mechanisms linking EDs and OCD symptoms and support integrated treatment approaches for both conditions.

The effects of social loss and isolation on partner odor investigation and dopamine and oxytocin receptor expression in female prairie voles.

In humans, grief is characterized by intense sadness, intrusive thoughts of the deceased, and intense longing for reunion with the deceased. Human fMRI studies show hyperactivity in emotional pain and motivational centers of the brain when an individual is reminded of a deceased attachment figure, but the molecular underpinnings of these changes in activity are unknown. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), which establish lifelong social bonds between breeding pairs, also display distress and motivational shifts during periods of prolonged social loss, providing a model to investigate these behavioral and molecular changes at a mechanistic level. Here, a novel odor preference test was used to assess social vs non-social odor investigation, and a sucrose preference test was used to assess non-social, reward-driven motivation. Females that lost a male partner investigated partner- and food-associated cues significantly more than females that lost a female cagemate or remained intact with a male partner. However, females experiencing the loss of a male partner did not change investigation of stranger-associated cues. Western blotting revealed significant increases of dopamine receptor type 1 (DRD1) and oxytocin receptor protein content in specific brain regions in response to the loss of distinct social relationships. Such effects included an increase in DRD1 in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (mPOA) in females experiencing loss of a male partner compared to all other conditions. Pharmacological antagonism of DRD1 in the mPOA blocked the loss-associated increase of investigation of the partner odor but did not affect investigation of food or stranger odors. This reveals a novel dopamine-mediated mechanism for partner-seeking behavior during periods of partner loss in female prairie voles.

Clinical Insights into PTSD and OCD Comorbidity

This paper examines the complex relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), highlighting how trauma can not only exacerbate, but also trigger the onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, contributing to treatment resistance. Both disorders share overlapping features such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and abnormalities in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation, including hyperactivity in the amygdala and hypoactivity in the prefrontal cortex. Trauma-induced OCD, which often emerges after trauma, tends to be more resistant to standard treatments like exposure and response prevention (ERP) due to the heightened emotional distress linked to trauma memories. This paper also discusses the neurobiological underpinnings of these comorbid conditions, presenting evidence of disrupted cortico-striatal- thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuits, which affect fear processing and cognitive control. By incorporating trauma- focused interventions, such as trauma-sensitive ERP, prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), clinicians can more effectively address the emotional dysregulation that drives and exacerbates OCD symptoms. A case study of a treatment-resistant OCD patient with comorbid PTSD underscores the need for tailored, multidimensional approaches to improve clinical outcomes. The findings stress the importance of early trauma identification and integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies with trauma-informed care to promote lasting recovery in patients with these dual diagnoses.

Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazilian Post-Peak Period: Differences Between Individuals with and Without Pre-Existing Psychiatric Conditions.

(1) Background: Validated instruments to measure mental health variables related to sanitary crises can provide data for prevention or intervention plans. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evidence the psychometric factorial internal structure of the Battery for Assessing Mental Health-Pandemic Version (BASM-P) in the sample; (2) to investigate the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian post-peak period among individuals with and without pre-existing psychiatric conditions using the BASM-P; and (3) to analyze relationships between the mental health variables measured by the BASM-P in both groups. (2) Methods: This is an internet-based quantitative, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic convenience sample. The participants (n = 209) were divided into a non-psychiatric group (n = 168) and a psychiatric group (n = 41). The instruments were the BASM-P and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were collected throughout the second semester of 2022 and analyzed with JASP software. (3) Results: The BASM-P demonstrated robust psychometric factorial internal structure. Significant differences were observed between the two groups across all variables. In the non-psychiatric group, obsessive thoughts presented strong connections to fear, distress, and grief from job loss. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the central role of obsessive thoughts in shaping the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Brazilian post-peak period.

The Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This study focuses on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and in particular the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) method will be examined. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition consisting of disturbing mental obsessions in which the person is excessively worried or unwanted thoughts or impulses are constantly repeated, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviours to eliminate these obsessions. Compulsions manifest themselves as behaviours such as repeating certain rules, patterns or rituals, checking or cleaning a certain number of times. Individuals with OCD experience serious problems in their daily lives because of these thoughts and behaviours. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the person's inner experiences as part of the cognitive behavioural therapy approach. ACT aims to help the person to accept disturbing thoughts, feelings and physical sensations quietly and with understanding, and to cope with them in a more flexible way. Research shows that ACT is effective in reducing OCD symptoms and is therefore considered as an effective therapy option in the treatment of OCD. Furthermore, it should focus on how the integration and combination of ACT with other treatment modalities can benefit in the field of OCD treatment. In this way, more effective and personalised methods can be developed in the treatment of OCD patients.

Treating Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) via Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a prevalent and challenging mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Traditional treatment modalities, including pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapies, fail to alleviate symptoms in around half of the patients, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic options. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant OCD, with recent studies reporting a success rate of about 60%. This innovative treatment involves the precise placement of electrodes in specific brain regions such as the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc), Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), and Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits. This paper reviews the effectiveness of DBS in reducing OCD symptoms, evaluates its safety, and discusses the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects. It also explores future research directions, including the optimization of electrode placement, the integration of DBS with other treatment modalities, and the development of personalized medicine approaches. Furthermore, the paper addresses ongoing challenges such as the need for a clearer understanding of DBS mechanisms, the refinement of patient selection criteria, and the management of long-term outcomes. By providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and potential developments, this study aims to highlight the role of DBS as a transformative tool for managing severe, refractory OCD.

Effectiveness of the Rapid Eye Movement Sequential Therapy Program in Reducing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Sample of Mothers of Children with Special Needs Referred from Psychological Clinics in Kha

The study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of the Rapid Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) program in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (among a sample of mothers of children with special needs referred from psychiatric clinics in Khartoum). The study sample consisted of (14) mothers, who were intentionally selected from those attending psychiatric clinics in Khartoum, and suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder after being informed that their children have special needs. Their ages ranged between (35-40) years. Participation in the treatment program was approved based on the psychiatrists' orientations for them to attend the program to complete treatment after stopping medication. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was used and applied to the study sample before and after the program, as well as during follow-up. To achieve the study objectives, the EMDR program was applied to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. It was prepared by the researcher and lasted for two months from January 1st (2023) until the end of February of the same year. The researcher applied the study tools before and after the program. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study reached the following results: The first hypothesis indicated statistically significant differences at the significance level (α=0.05) in obsessive thoughts among the study sample between the pre-test and post-test due to the EMDR program. The training program showed an effectiveness of (74.7%) in reducing their obsessive thoughts. The result of the second hypothesis also indicated statistically significant differences at the significance level (α=0.05) in compulsive acts among the sample between the pre-test and post-test, attributed to the EMDR program. The training program showed an effectiveness of (74.9%) in reducing the compulsive acts associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among the sample. The follow-up results indicated no statistically significant differences at the significance level (α=0.05) in obsessive thoughts among the sample between the post-test and follow-up test. There were also no statistically significant differences at the significance level (α=0.05) in compulsive acts among the sample between the post-test and follow-up test, indicating the effect and continued effectiveness of the training program during the follow-up stage. In light of these results, the study recommended conducting further studies on the effectiveness of the EMDR program in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder with a sample of males or other age groups to reduce their obsessive-compulsive acts.

Collective ambiguous loss after mass hostage-taking in war: exploring public mental health outcomes and resilience

ABSTRACT Objective: Collective ambiguous loss can arise in communities facing the unresolved absence or presence of loved ones, marked by uncertainty and confusion. This study examines the impact of such loss on the general public in Israel after 251 individuals were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 2023. Method: A diverse sample of 740 participants (ages 18–85, 58.2% women) took part in a comprehensive survey from December 2023 to January 2024. The survey measured boundary ambiguity (BA), separation distress related to disappearance (Ambiguous Loss Inventory Plus – ALI + - SD), general psychological distress (Mini-DASS), and personal resilience factors: ambiguity tolerance (Need for Closure Scale-Revised, NCSR) and psychological flexibility (PF). Results: Public stances indicated that 85% of respondents had moderate to very low confidence in the hostages’ return, coupled with high endorsement of psychological engagement indicators such as emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, and survivor guilt. Those acquainted with a hostage (12%) showed no differences in stances or ALI + -SD and Mini-DASS levels, except for higher BA and greater engagement in demonstrations activities for their return. SEM analysis showed that ALI + -SD mediated the relationship between BA and Mini-DASS (high BA related to high general distress). In this model, BA and ALI + -SD explained over half of the variation in general psychological distress (R2 = 53%). A second model revealed serial mediation by BA and ALI + -SD in the relationship between NCSR and Mini-DASS, with lower ambiguity tolerance related to increased general distress. However, no such mediation was observed in the relationship between PF and Mini-DASS, and overall, the effect of personal resilience on general distress was relatively small. Conclusions: Mass hostage-taking substantially impacts society’s mental health, extending beyond personal acquaintance with a hostage. The findings underscore the need to shift focus from personal resilience to community-based policies and therapeutic approaches to effectively address communal ambiguous loss amid collective trauma.

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.

Exploring the association between social media disorder and academic procrastination of college students

The study aimed at exploring the relationship between social media disorder and academic procrastination, and to thereby investigate the mediating effects of intrusive thinking and fatigue. By enrolling 412 undergraduate college students in India, the interconnectedness of the four variables was investigated using Social Media Disorder scale by Choudhury et al. (2024), White Bear Suppression Inventory by Rassin (2003), Fatigue Assessment Scale by Michielsen et al. (2003) and Academic Procrastination Scale by Mccloskey and Scielzo (2015). The results disclosed: 1) A significant gender differences in the level of SMD; 2) Correlation analysis displayed a significant positive correlation between the four variables; 3) The multiple mediating effect test results showed that SMD caused academic procrastination directly and indirectly through three pathways.