Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Insight, Trauma, and Links to Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Formal and Content Modalities, Factors Involved in Loss of Insight, Role of Trauma, and Correlations With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

This study aims to better understand Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by examining the types and patterns of OCD symptom presentation. The investigators seek to determine how these symptoms impact overall daily functioning.

The study will also explore factors contributing to loss of insight in individuals with OCD, focusing on the potential roles of trauma, personality traits, and disorder severity. This may assist in identifying subgroups of patients who respond more favorably to treatment.

Additionally, the study will investigate how individuals with OCD and schizophrenia spectrum symptoms respond to combined sensory stimuli (e.g., auditory and tactile). The goal is to determine whether these responses are associated with specific brain processing patterns, trauma history, or characteristics of compulsive behavior. Insights from this research may help clarify why certain individuals develop repetitive behaviors such as checking and rituals.

Participants will be adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with OCD or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Recruitment will occur through psychiatric clinics in Parma. Participation requires signed informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria (APA, 2013), as determined by a structured clinical interview (SCID-5-CV) (First et al., 2016).
• Age between 18 and 65 years.
• Participant agreement to take part in the study (informed consent).

Exclusion Criteria:

• General medical condition that may be related to the psychiatric disorder.
• Alcohol or substance dependence or abuse.
• Cognitive impairment (score below 25 on the Mini Mental State Examination).