Exploring the relationship between OCD symptom subtypes and domains of functional impairment

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with significant functional impairment across various life domains, including reduced physical functioning, increased use of healthcare services, financial difficulty, and lower overall quality of life. The present study investigated whether domains of functional impairment vary across OCD symptom subtypes. Participants (N=180) with a diagnosis of OCD completed measures assessing severity of OCD symptomatology and associated functional impairment. The OCD symptom subtypes under investigation were derived according to Leckman et al. (1997) factor analysis and included obsessions and checking, symmetry and ordering, contamination and cleaning, and hoarding. Domains of functional impairment included lifestyle, activity involvement, and relationships. Analyses revealed that the presence of obsessions and checking was associated with greater overall impairment and lifestyle impairment, and hoarding was associated with greater overall impairment and impairment in activity involvement. Results suggest that domains of functional impairment vary as a function of OCD symptom subtype.

► We investigate whether domains of impairment vary across OCD symptom subtypes.
► OCD subtypes are derived according to Leckman et al.'s (1997) factor analysis.
► Domains of impairment include lifestyle, activity involvement, and relationships.
► Results suggest that domains of impairment vary as a function of OCD subtype.