Symmetry Dimension in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Prevalence, Severity and Clinical Correlates

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous condition with various symptom dimensions.
• The symmetry dimension includes obsessions/compulsions related to symmetry, ordering, repetition, and counting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, severity, and correlates of the symmetry dimension in OCD patients.
• To analyze demographic and clinical factors associated with the symmetry dimension.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 1001 outpatients from the Brazilian Research Consortium on OCD Spectrum Disorders.
• Utilized Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, and other standardized assessments.
• Employed bivariate analyses and logistic regression to identify correlates.

Main Results:

• The symmetry dimension was highly prevalent (86.8%) in the sample.
• Associated with earlier onset of OCD symptoms and insidious onset of compulsions.
• Linked to more severe depressive symptoms and the presence of sensory phenomena.

Conclusions:

• Understanding specific OCD dimensions, like the symmetry dimension, is crucial for effective management.
• Highlights the importance of recognizing associated factors such as depression and sensory phenomena.