Misidentification and stigma rates varied significantly across unacceptable thought presentations ofOCD, with harm-based obsessions considered most stigmatizing. Individuals likely view aggression and sexuality as controllable but religiosity as more dispositional. Familiarity with OCD and correctly identifying symptoms helps mitigate stigma.
Unacceptable thoughts obsessive-compulsive disorder (UT-OCD) involves deeply disturbing obsessions or mental imagery surrounding sexual, aggressive, or blasphemous content that isintrusive, unwanted, and highly ego-dystonic. These unacceptable thoughts cause significant distress and are often neutralized by mental or behavioral compulsions.
Key Points
Rationale
These symptoms fall under the umbrella of unacceptable thoughts OCD (UT-OCD). However, few studies have closely examined differences in stigma and identification rates across the three main categories of UT-OCD:religious, sexual, andaggressive obsessions.
Exploring nuances across UT-OCD presentations compared to a more recognized form likecontamination OCDcan elucidate gaps in public knowledge. Perceived threats toward self versus others may also influence stigma, but this has yet to be thoroughly investigated.
As stigma poses barriers to help-seeking and treatment, enhanced understanding of how the public interprets diverse OCD symptoms can pave the way for tailored educational campaigns.
Improving OCD recognition and awareness of the range of ego-dystonic thoughts in OCD is imperative to facilitate faster access to evidence-based care. This can prevent worsening of symptoms and unnecessary hospital admissions due to misdiagnoses.
Method
Sample
Statistical measures
Chi-square tests,ANOVAs, and independent samples t-tests.
Results
Insight
This research uniquely unpacks differences in stigma across the three categories of unacceptable thought OCD, finding harm-based aggressive and sexual obsessions are met with heightened misidentification and stigma compared to religious obsessions.
People likely viewreligiosityas more socially acceptable than sexuality or violence, even when ego-dystonic. The study also examined specific factors influencing stigma, like perceived threat and involvement of children.
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
Results indicate the need for more versatile and representative depictions of OCD symptoms in medical education and awareness campaigns.
Continued advocacy is essential to communicate the complex range of OCD symptoms to the public and highlight that intrusions do not reflect one’s character or values.
Tailored information explaining distinctions between ego-dystonic intrusions in OCD and the risk of acting on thoughts/impulses is required to minimize barriers to help-seeking.
Improved recognition can facilitate faster treatment access and prevent worsening of symptoms.
References
Cathey, A. J., & Wetterneck, C. T. (2013). Stigma and disclosure of intrusive thoughts about sexual themes.Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 2, 439-443.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.09.001
Durna, G., Yorulmaz, O., & Aktaç, A. (2019). Public stigma of obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenic disorder: Is there really any difference?Psychiatry Research, 271,559-564.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.065
McCarty, R. J., Guzick, A. G., Swan, L. K., & McNamara, J. P. H. (2017). Stigma and recognition of different types of symptoms in OCD.Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 12,64-70.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.12.006
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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
