Checkers and washers: valid subtypes of obsessive compulsive disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) presents with diverse symptom presentations.
• Subtyping OCD can aid in understanding its heterogeneity and guiding treatment.
• Previous research has identified various OCD symptom clusters, including washing and checking behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sociodemographic and clinical differences between 'washer' and 'checker' subgroups of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• To explore the characteristics of a 'mixed' group exhibiting both washing and checking symptoms.
• To identify potential variables for differentiating these OCD subgroups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 412 patients diagnosed with OCD between 1975 and 1984.
• Categorization of patients into 'washers' (n=123), 'checkers' (n=70), and a 'mixed' group (n=89).
• Comparison of sociodemographic data (marital status, gender) and clinical variables (age of onset, age at consultation) across the identified subgroups.

Main Results:

• The 'checker' subgroup was significantly more likely to be single, male, and have an earlier age of onset and consultation compared to other groups.
• For married individuals in the 'checker' group, OCD onset frequently preceded marriage.
• The 'mixed' group was predominantly female and appeared to represent a pathoplastic variant of the 'checker' subgroup.

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic and clinical variables, such as marital status, gender, and age of onset, help differentiate 'washer' and 'checker' subgroups of OCD.
• The 'mixed' washer-checker group exhibits distinct characteristics, suggesting it may be a specific subtype or variant.
• Further research exploring additional variables is recommended to refine the differentiation and understanding of OCD symptom subtypes.