[The evaluation of perceived responsibility among obsessive-compulsive patients]

Although many authors agree that excessive responsibility is associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), some believe that the manifestations of responsibility are more easily observed among patients suffering from checking compulsions (36, 42). This study compares a group of obsessive-compulsive patients that have been sub-divided into three groups (washers, checkers, ruminators) with a group of normal volunteers that are healthy with regards to responsibility. The sample consisted of 58 adults who meet diagnostic criteria for OCD and 20 normal individuals. During an individual interview, a clinician administered the ADIS III-R (section on OCD) as well as other instruments in order to precise the diagnosis. The participants then filled out questionnaires that assess symptoms, responsibility, perfectionism and general functioning. The results confirm that OC patients obtain higher scores than the normal group with regards to responsibility. However, no significant difference was found between the three sub-groups of OC patients. Thus, it seems to be pertinent of consider excessive responsibility as a characteristic of OC clients, for checkers and washers, as well as ruminators.