Subtyping obsessive compulsive patients by depressive symptoms: a retrospective pilot study

Depression is a frequent comorbid condition in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and may impact upon treatment prognosis. Identification of OCD "subtypes" might ultimately aid in treatment decision-making as it has in other psychiatric disorders. A retrospective pilot study was performed examining depressive and OCD symptomatology by analyzing the relation between factor scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Maudsley Inventory (MOCI) in 41 OCD patients. Total BDI score was significantly correlated with total MOCI score (r = .36, p < .02). Checking was correlated with Retarded depression (r = .30, p < .05). Doubting correlated with both Guilty depression (r = .48, p < .002) and Retarded depression (r = .37, p < .02). None of the canonical correlations were significant. At p < .08, the first canonical correlation approached significance. The data were interpreted cautiously as suggesting that some OCD patients may exhibit symptoms of Doubting together with Guilty depression and Retarded depression symptoms. These data need replication in a larger, prospective study design.