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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and self-esteem: an exploratory study
K A Ehntholt1, P M Salkovskis, K A Rimes
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|August 19, 1999
Summary
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders have lower self-esteem than controls. OCD patients specifically link self-worth to relationships and fear negative judgment for causing harm.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of mental well-being.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Understanding the relationship between self-esteem and OCD is vital for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between self-esteem and obsessional problems.
- To compare self-esteem levels in patients with OCD, other anxiety disorders, and non-anxious controls.
- To explore specific self-worth issues in individuals with OCD.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary investigation comparing patient groups and controls.
- Development of a questionnaire for coding responses on self-worth.
- Administration of standardized measures for self-esteem and clinical symptoms.
Main Results:
- Both clinical groups (OCD and other anxiety disorders) showed significantly lower generalized self-esteem than non-clinical controls.
- Individuals with OCD were more likely than anxious controls to base their self-worth on interpersonal relationships.
- OCD patients perceived causing harm as leading to harsh external judgment, unlike other groups.
Conclusions:
- Self-esteem deficits are present in both OCD and other anxiety disorders.
- Specific cognitive patterns regarding self-worth and social judgment characterize OCD.
- Findings have implications for refining therapeutic interventions for OCD.