Internalized stigma in obsessive compulsive disorder: Correlates and associations with quality of life

In the present study we aimed to measure IS among outpatients with OCD, and to assess its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic variables, and quality of life. Out of 100 patients assessed, 79 patients with OCD were included in the study. Each patient was assessed using the SCID-5 CV, Y-BOCS, ISMI Scale, and WHOQOLBREF. There was a strong correlation of IS with lower QoL and severity of OCD symptoms. Avoidance behavior, psychological health and social relationship domains emerged as independent factors related to IS in the regression analysis. There is a need for further studies on a larger samples to identify the specifics of the development and impact of IS in people with OCD.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the presence of intimate security among OCD outpatients and its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic variables, as well as quality of life. The study included 79 OCD patients out of 100 individuals assessed, who were evaluated using the SCID-5 CV, Y-BOCS, ISMI Scale, and WHOQOLBREF. The results revealed a strong correlation between intimate security and lower quality of life and severity of OCD symptoms. Avoidance behavior, psychological health, and social relationship domains were identified as independent factors related to intimate security. Further research with larger samples is needed to understand the specific development and impact of intimate security in people with OCD.