Obsessive-compulsive spectrum of disorders: a defensible construct?

To explore critically whether there is a robust basis for the concept of an obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum of disorders, and if so, which disorders should be included.

Selective literature review concentrating on three proposed members of the OC spectrum, namely body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondriasis and trichotillomania.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) itself is a heterogeneous condition or group of conditions, and this needs to be appreciated in any articulation of a 'spectrum' of OC disorders. The basis for 'membership' of the spectrum is inconsistent and varied, with varying level of support for inclusion in the putative spectrum.

A more fruitful approach may be to consider behaviours and dimensions in OCD and OC spectrum disorders, and that this should be encompassed in further developments of the OC spectrum model.