Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5039013 Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry 2017 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

•In OCDs, induced incompleteness and NJREs correlated with compulsions severity.•Incompleteness and NJREs triggered impulses to do in OCDs and non-clinical subjects.•In OCDs, induced incompleteness and NJREs correlated with ordering symptoms.

Background and objectivesResearch on incompleteness and not-just right experiences, (INC/NJREs) indicate that some OCD symptom dimensions are motivated by these experiences rather than by anxiety. Most published data are correlational, using non-clinical individuals. This study sought to examine INC/NJREs in vivo in non-clinical and OCD individuals.MethodsStudy 1: Ninety-three undergraduates were randomly assigned to a INC/NJREs induction (n=44) or non-induction task (n=47). Scores on self-reports assessing INC, NJREs, OCD, Anxiety, and Depression were also recorded. Study 2: Twenty adults with OCD performed the induction task and completed the same questionnaire-packet as the non-clinical participants.ResultsStudy 1: The induction-group scored higher on several DVs of the experimental task, as INC/NJREs and uncomfortable physical sensations predicted impulses/urges to do something. All the DVs correlated with INC, NJREs, and OCD symptoms. Anxiety was only related to suppressing difficulties of the most intense sensation. Study 2: Results were comparable to those found in non-clinical people. Induced INC/NJREs correlated with compulsions severity and were associated with ordering, washing, and hoarding symptoms. OCDs did not differ from non-clinical subjects in the number of induced INC/NJREs, but they were more disturbing, difficult to suppress, and instigated more urges to do in OCDs.LimitationsThe small group of OCDs and the lack of a non-OCD clinical group kept us from drawing conclusions about the specificity of INC/NJREs to some OCD symptoms.ConclusionsFindings support the role of INC/NJREs as stimuli triggering urges and/impulses to do and their impact on OCD severity.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Psychiatry and Mental Health
Authors
, ,