Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders in Individuals with Dissociative Disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) encompass a range of conditions with shared phenomenological and neurophysiological characteristics.
• Dissociative disorders often present with overlapping symptoms, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
• Early childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for both OCD and dissociative disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the phenomenological and neurophysiological overlap between Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and dissociation.
• To illustrate how a psychodynamic understanding can aid in treating treatment-resistant cases.
• To highlight the impact of early childhood trauma on the presentation of these disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of the spectrum of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.
• Description of the overlap between OCD and dissociation.
• Presentation of three case reports detailing treatment-resistant OCD with dissociative symptoms.

Main Results:

• The three case reports demonstrated significant overlap between OCD and dissociative symptoms.
• These cases were resistant to conventional cognitive/behavioural and pharmacological interventions.
• A psychodynamic approach was found to be a key component in successful treatment for these individuals.

Conclusions:

• There is a notable overlap between Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and dissociation, particularly in individuals with histories of early childhood trauma.
• Psychodynamic understanding is essential for effectively treating treatment-resistant OCD in the context of dissociative disorders.
• Further research into the neurophysiological underpinnings and integrated treatment approaches for these overlapping conditions is warranted.