Towards a definitive symptom structure of obsessive−compulsive disorder: a factor and network analysis of 87 distinct symptoms in 1366 individuals

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720005437
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09T07:02:09Z
• Authors: Matti Cervin; Euripedes C. Miguel; Ayşegül Selcen Güler; Ygor A. Ferrão; Ayşe Burcu Erdoğdu; Luisa Lazaro; Sebla Gökçe; Daniel A. Geller; Yasemin Yulaf; Şaziye Senem Başgül; Özlem Özcan; Koray Karabekiroğlu; Leonardo F. Fonte...; Yankı Yazgan; Eric A. Storch; James F. Leckman; Maria Conceição d...; David Mataix-Cols
• Keywords: Exploratory factor analysis

Abstract Background The symptoms of obsessive−compulsive disorder (OCD) are highly heterogeneous and it is unclear what the optimal way to conceptualize this heterogeneity. This study aimed establish a comprehensive symptom structure model OCD across lifespan using factor network analytic techniques. Methods A large multinational cohort well-characterized children, adolescents, adults diagnosed with ( N = 1366) participated in study. All completed Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive−Compulsive Scale, which contains an expanded checklist 87 distinct symptoms. Exploratory confirmatory analysis were used outline empirically supported dimensions, interconnections among resulting dimensions established analysis. Associations between sociodemographic clinical variables explored structural equation modeling (SEM). Results Thirteen first-order emerged that could be parsimoniously reduced eight broad valid lifespan: Disturbing Thoughts, Incompleteness, Contamination, Hoarding, Transformation, Body Focus, Superstition, Loss/Separation. general included final without significant decline fit according most indices. Network showed Incompleteness Thoughts central (i.e. had unique other dimensions). SEM differentially related variables. Conclusions Future research will need if hierarchical multidimensional can help improve our understanding etiology, neurobiology treatment OCD.