Abstract
Background
This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the relationship between cognitive phenotypes of compulsivity and impulsivity and clinical variables in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Methods
We searched Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PsychINFO databases until February 2023 for studies comparing patients with OCD and healthy controls on cognitive tests of compulsivity and impulsivity. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021299017).
Results
Meta-analyses of 112 studies involving 8313 participants (4289 patients with OCD and 4024 healthy controls) identified significant impairments in compulsivity (g = −0.58, [95%CI -0.68, −0.47]; k = 76) and impulsivity (g = −0.48, [95%CI -0.57, −0.38]; k = 63); no significant difference between impairments. Medication use and comorbid psychiatric disorders were not significantly related to impairments. No associations were revealed with OCD severity, depression/anxiety, or illness duration.
Conclusion
Cognitive phenotypes of compulsivity and impulsivity in patients with OCD appear to be orthogonal to clinical variables, including severity of OCD symptomatology. Their clinical impact is poorly understood and may require different clinical assessment tools and interventions.
This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the relationship between cognitive phenotypes of compulsivity and impulsivity and clinical variables in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Methods
We searched Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PsychINFO databases until February 2023 for studies comparing patients with OCD and healthy controls on cognitive tests of compulsivity and impulsivity. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021299017).
Results
Meta-analyses of 112 studies involving 8313 participants (4289 patients with OCD and 4024 healthy controls) identified significant impairments in compulsivity (g = −0.58, [95%CI -0.68, −0.47]; k = 76) and impulsivity (g = −0.48, [95%CI -0.57, −0.38]; k = 63); no significant difference between impairments. Medication use and comorbid psychiatric disorders were not significantly related to impairments. No associations were revealed with OCD severity, depression/anxiety, or illness duration.
Conclusion
Cognitive phenotypes of compulsivity and impulsivity in patients with OCD appear to be orthogonal to clinical variables, including severity of OCD symptomatology. Their clinical impact is poorly understood and may require different clinical assessment tools and interventions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 152491 |
| Journal | Comprehensive Psychiatry |
| Volume | 133 |
| Early online date | 27 Apr 2024 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 27 Apr 2024 |