Overlap of Obsessive Compulsive and Psychosis Risk Symptoms in a
Specialized Clinic
Abstract
Aim: Psychotic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
commonly co-occur. Likewise, subthreshold psychosis symptoms (clinical
high risk for psychosis; CHR-p) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS)
commonly overlap and may be difficult to differentiate. Previous work
suggests some notable differences between OCS and psychosis include
insight and the content of thoughts and experiences. Methods: The
current study explored the overlap between OCS and psychosis symptoms in
a CHR-p sample. Results: Results demonstrated 13.5% of the sample
experienced co-morbid OCD and CHR-p. Individuals with comorbid OCD and
CHR-p experienced no other significant differences in presenting
concerns, including psychosis symptoms, social or role functioning,
anxiety, or depression. Exploratory factor analyses conducted on the
CFOCI-A revealed two subtype factors: 1) checking and counting, and 2)
intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt. The checking and counting
factor was significantly correlated with depression and social anxiety.
The intrusive thoughts and images of harm/guilt factor was significantly
correlated with unusual thought content, suspiciousness and persecutory
ideas, attenuated positive symptoms, and social anxiety. Conclusions:
These findings suggest individuals who experience intrusive thoughts and
images may be more likely to rate on positive symptoms, while
individuals with checking and counting symptoms may not rate on positive
symptoms, though may experience greater levels of depression.