Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) questionnaire can also help determine the risk of depression and anxiety. OCD, depression, and anxiety can often all coexist with one another, but having OCD specifically increases the risk of additional comorbid illnesses.
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Researchers have found that a shortened version of a questionnaire commonly used by psychologists to determine risk of OCD may also be beneficial in uncovering anxiety and depression as well.
The original questionnaire – Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire – consisted of 87 questions, but has been revised and shortened numerous times to narrow it down to 20 questions, making it much easier and quicker to use.
Researcher Thomas Fergus said, “At one time, the questionnaire was used because it was thought that responsibility or overestimation of threat might be specific to OCD. But the short of it now is that certain beliefs appear to be relevant for more than OCD, so this might help us better understand depression and anxiety and have a broader application.”
The research consisted of two studies: the first involved 48 patients who came out of outpatient care for stress and anxiety, and the second had 507 nonclinical adults recruited through the internet.
The first study gave patients the long version and the revised version of the questionnaire and found similar results in both. In the second study, participants were only given the short version of the questionnaire to assess OCD symptoms and determine depression and anxiety. The study revealed similarities between OCD, anxiety, and depression.
The researchers are hopeful that the revised, shorter version of the questionnaire can be an effective tool in assessing not only OCD, but depression and anxiety as well.
Can you have OCD and depression together?
Numerous studies point to a clear link between OCD and depression, thus making it possible for both conditions to coexist. Estimates reveal that over 60 percent of OCD patients have experienced a depressive episode, which commonly occurs after the OCD symptoms have started.
Other research has pointed to the fact that the link between OCD and depression may also be biological, as it has been found that OCD and depression share similar biological, psychological and environmental triggers.
OCD treatment
Common treatment methods for OCD include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Although treatment options are available for OCD, there are many obstacles that stand in the way of recovery, including:
- Patients hiding symptoms either due to embarrassment or stigma.
- Little public awareness regarding OCD – and so many people are not aware of treatment options or understand what OCD is.
- Lack of properly trained mental health professionals.
- Lack of local therapists and mental health professional locally – because OCD has only been recently gaining awareness, finding a therapist or treatment facility in your area may be difficult, and thus you may not opt to travel to receive treatment.
- The unaffordability of treatment for some patients.
These obstacles can impede on treatment and negatively impact its effectiveness.
Treatment options for OCD include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which works to change a person’s way of thinking, behaving, and coping.
- Medications, such as antidepressants – be mindful that prescribed medications must be followed and taken as directed, and not all antidepressants are effective at treating OCD. Your doctor will help to select the most effective mode of medication treatment based on your needs.
Overcoming obstacles is the first step to receiving proper treatment for OCD. Recovery and proper management is possible, it simply requires the ability to reach out and obtain treatment in order to get better.
Related Reading
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Sources:
http://www.healthyplace.com/ocd-related-disorders/ocd/ocd-and-depression-ocd-and-anxiety-ocd-and-adhd/
http://www.healthyplace.com/ocd-related-disorders/ocd/ocd-treatment-treatments-for-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140513091438.htm
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
