Integrating behavioral theory with OCD assessment using the Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS symptom checklist

The symptom checklists of the adult and child versions of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS) have been used in research to identify distinct obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom dimensions or subtypes. However, at present, the symptom checklist does not clearly correspond to the cognitive–behavioral model of OCD, which places central importance on the functional relationship between obsessions and compulsions. In the current paper, we propose a theory-based symptom checklist administration procedure designed to integrate information about symptom topography and function. Implications of this procedure for research, pharmacological treatment, and cognitive–behavioral treatment are discussed.

► Symptoms of OCD are highly heterogeneous and idiosyncratic.
► Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS symptom checklists are often used to identify symptom dimensions.
► A theory-based procedure for symptom checklist administration is proposed.
► Proposed system may be useful in clinical and research settings.