The comorbidity of anxiety and depression symptoms in obsessive–compulsive disorder: a network analysis

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1567448
• Publication Date: 2025-05-02T11:57:03Z
• Authors: Sizhe Cheng; Zhiguo Chen; Chao Wu; Xinhong Li; Xin Shen; Rui Qiu; Nailong Tang; Chong Feng; Wenwen Wang; Jing Lv; Shuiping Yuan; Xufeng Liu
• Keywords: Depression

Objective People with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) frequently suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. From the perspective of network model, this comorbidity is thought to be an interacting system three symptoms. In study, we conducted a analysis depression in OCD, aiming identify central bridge symptoms make informed suggestions for clinical interventions psychotherapy. Methods A total 356 individuals OCD were enrolled study. The Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Self-Rating Anxiety (SAS), Depression (SDS) selected evaluate anxiety, depression, symptoms, respectively, followed by construct networks. Results “Panic” “Distress caused behavior” had highest expected influence, indicating that two variables most associated nodes network. “Tachycardia,” “Constipation,” “Fatigue,” “Panic,” “Easy fatiguability, weakness,” “Palpitation,” “Crying spells,” “Psychomotor agitation,” “Mental disintegration,” “Nightmares” strongest connection OCD. Conclusions Panic distress obsessive-compulsive, which are might significant transdiagnostic intervention target management comorbidity. Additionally, it beneficial consider implementing prevention psychotherapy, focusing on somatic psychological sleep have associations