A comparison of characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders

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Abstract

Demographic, familial, and intrapersonal characteristics of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were examined in comparison to other anxiety disorders, including simple phobia, social phobia, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Data were collected via questionnaires administered prior to treatment. Obsessive-compulsive differed demographically from other disorders only in lower employment level and greater poverty. They showed more psychiatric symptoms and specifically more obsessionality, depression, and interpersonal discomfort. More childhood psychiatric symptoms were reported, as well as more current feelings of inadequacy, depression, hostility, and guilt. Among several parental characteristics studied, only orderliness of both parents and demandingness of mothers distinguished among groups. Obsessive-compulsive disorder appears to be more functionally debilitating than other anxiety disorders, but greater psychopathy in the family background is not supported.

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    Preparation of this paper was supported by NIMH grant No. MH31634 awarded to Edna B. Foa.

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