Ashley S. Pietrefesa

Development and initial validation of the obsessive belief questionnaire‐child version (OBQ‐CV)

Background: Cognitive models of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) propose that beliefs are important in the etiology and maintenance of OCD and that these beliefs develop during childhood [Neal et al., 1991: Psychol Bull 109:400–410; Rachman, 1997: Behav Res Ther 35:793–802; Cronbach, 1951: Psychometrika 16:297–334]. However, the ability to test these predictions has been hampered by the lack of a standardized measure of OCD‐related beliefs for youth. Therefore, this article presents initial data on a youth version of the widely used Obsessive Belief Questionnaire (OBQ) [Bonett, 2002: J Educ Behav Stat 27:335–340]. Methods: Data examining the psychometric properties of the Obsessive Belief Questionnaire‐Child Version (OBQ‐CV) are presented from two pediatric OCD samples: a North American (n=29, aged 9–17 years) and a Dutch sample (n=48, aged 8–18 years). Results: Preliminary findings from both samples support the internal consistency, retest reliability, and convergent validity of the OBQ‐CV. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that the OBQ‐CV is a promising tool for examining the role of cognitions in pediatric OCD. Development of the OBQ‐CV to augment the existing adult version of the scale creates unique opportunities for investigating the role of cognitions in OCD across the lifespan. Depression and Anxiety, 2010.  © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Obsessive beliefs in youth with OCD and their mothers

The current study builds from mounting support for a role of OCD-related beliefs in pediatric OCD and evidence suggesting a role of both genetic and environmental factors in conferring risk for obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Specifically, data are presented examining the correspondence in OCD-related beliefs in 28 youth with OCD and their mothers. Findings showed a significant, moderate, positive correlation between youth and their mothers’ beliefs regarding inflated perceptions of personal responsibility and the likelihood of threat. However, perfectionism and certainty beliefs were not significantly correlated across generations, and beliefs regarding the importance and control of thoughts were negatively correlated in youth with OCD and their mothers. These initial findings are consistent with previous studies from unselected adolescents and adults with OCD and their relatives in suggesting that familial loading may be particularly strong for responsibility and threat beliefs.

Symmetry, Ordering, and Arranging

Publisher Summary Symmetry obsessions and ordering and arranging compulsions are common among individuals with OCD. This chapter reviews the two primary forms of treatments for OCD and their theoretical bases to provide a context for interpreting data on the efficacy of such treatments for symmetry, ordering, and arranging. Cognitive–behavioral therapy for OCD includes numerous related treatment procedures that vary in the extent to which they emphasize behavioral techniques, cognitive techniques, and their integration. By far, the most widely utilized and studied approach is exposure and response prevention (ERP), which seeks to weaken associations between obsessional thoughts and anxiety and between ritualistic behaviors and anxiety reduction. As implied by their names, the two core components of the intervention are: (1) systematic confrontation with fear-evoking situations and stimuli and (2) abstinence from compulsive rituals that serve to immediately reduce obsessional anxiety. Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of OCD primarily utilize serotonin reuptake inhibitors, although monoamine oxidase inhibitors, neuroleptics, and other medications are sometimes used adjunctively.