Severity and Changes in OCD Dimensions during COVID-19: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be associated with a worsening of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in both young people and adults with OCD and it is necessary to analyze the variables involved in this worsening over time. The main aim of this study was to examine long-term changes in total severity and obsessive-compulsive dimensions in obsessive-compulsive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: A total 250 OCD patients were selected from various associations, clinical centers and hospitals. We discarded 75 as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 175 obsessive-compulsive participants aged between 16 and 58 years old (M = 33.33, SD = 9.42) were evaluated in obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and dimensions OCD assessed using the Y-BOCS and D-YBOCS scales in T1 (April-June 2020) and in T2 (March-April 2022). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey and face-to-face with a professional clinician at both time points. RESULTS: Intragroup differences in severity were observed, reaching higher scores for patients with contamination, somatic, aggressive and religious. Some patients changed their main dimension, increasing the percentage of patients with contamination and somatic obsessions. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was associated with both changes in severity and also affected some dimensions more than others, particularly those related to the virus itself (contamination and somatic).

Telepsychological Mobile Applications in the Spanish Android Market.

BACKGROUND: The use of Android mobile applications aimed at addressing users' psychological health is increasing. However, no review has been conducted on public Android commercial telepsychological applications in Spain. METHOD: A systematic search was carried out in the general applications section of Google Play Store based on 20 keywords in Spanish. Applications in Spanish or English that were relevant from the perspective of the search terms were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1,000 applications retrieved, only 43.59% (337/773) met the inclusion criteria, of which 49.26% (171/337) were Spanish. Most of them were Self-applied treatment applications (52.96%, 29.59%, Spanish; 23.37%, English). A total of 69.44% (37.38% Spanish; 31.95% English) did not indicate the origin of the information and the academic link was anecdotal (3.25%). CONCLUSIONS: The low percentage of relevant applications, high prevalence of self-help applications, absence of references on the origin of the information, absence of academic support, and lack of certifications encouraged us to recommend caution to consumers and professionals in their adoption of these applications for the treatment of any psychological disorder.

A Meta-analytic Study on Executive Function Performancein Children/Adolescents with OCD / Un Estudio Meta-analítico sobre el Rendimiento en Funciones Ejecutivas en Niños/Adolescentes con TOC

Introducción: El objetivo general de este estudio fue llevar a cabo un estudio meta-analítico con el fin de examinar el rendimiento de las funciones ejecutivas en niños/adolescentes con trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC). Método: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda exhaustiva de la literatura desde 1984 hasta septiembre de 2021, seleccionando un total de 20 estudios publicados que comparaban los resultados en funciones ejecutivas entre un grupo de niños y/o adolescentes con TOC y un grupo de control sano. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la puntuación total en la escala de calidad de los estudios osciló entre los 3 y los 8.5 puntos (en una escala de 0 a 9), con una media de 6.6. Los tamaños del efecto en las distintas funciones ejecutivas fueron: Inhibición (d+= -0.221), Flexibilidad cognitiva (d+= -0.418), toma de decisiones (d+= -0.169) y planificación (d+= -0.319), indicando un menor rendimiento en los grupos con TOC frente a los grupos de control sano. Los resultados fueron clínicamente significativos en todos los dominios excepto en Toma de decisiones. El sesgo de publicación sólo se pudo llevar a cabo en flexibilidad e inhibición de respuesta. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con TOC presentaron peor rendimiento ejecutivo que los controles sanos en todas las funciones ejecutivas, destacando flexibilidad cognitiva y planificación. No obstante, los resultados deben interpretarse con cautela debido al pequeño tamaño muestral.(AU)

Background:The main objective of this work was to carry out a meta-analytical study to examine performance in executive functions in children/adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Method:A comprehensive literature search from 1984 to September 2021 was conducted, selecting a total of 20 published studies comparing executive function outcomes among a group of children and/or adolescents with OCD and a healthy control group. Results:Results showed that the total score on the quality scale of studies ranged between 3 and 8.5 points (on a scale of 0 to 9), with a mean of 6.6. The effect sizes in the different executive functions were as follows: Inhibition (d+= -0.221), Cognitive flexibility (d+= -0.418), Decision making (d+= -0.169) and Planning (d+=-0.319), indicating a lower performance in the OCD groups compared to the healthy control groups. Results were clinically significant in all domains except decision making. Publication bias could only be carried out in flexibility and response inhibition.Conclusions: OCD patients presented worse executive performance than healthy controls in all functions, highlighting cognitive flexibility and planning. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size.(AU)

Obsessive beliefs and uncertainty in obsessive compulsive and related patients

Background/objective: The aim of the present study was to examine obsessive beliefs and intolerance of uncertainty differences among patients Obsessive compulsive disoreder (OCD), trichotillomania, excoriation, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and a control group healthy.Method: 130 participants between the ages of 17 and 62 years (Mean = 29.56, SD = 11.81) diagnosed with OCD (n = 36), trichotillomania (n = 18), excoriation (n = 17), GAD (n = 31) and a healthy control group (n = 28) were evaluated by Obsessive Beliefs Spanish Inventory-Revised and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale.Results: The trichotillomania group presented one of the highest obsessive beliefs highlighting over-importance of thoughts, thought action fusion-moral, importance of controlling one's thoughts. The OCD group also had higher scores in inflated responsibility and thought action fusion-likelihood. The GAD group excelled in inhibitory and prospective uncertainty. The level of depression influenced obsessive beliefs while anxiety affected inhibitory and prospective uncertainty.Conclusions: Cognitive variables such as obsessive beliefs and Intolerance of Uncertainty should be considered in the prevention and intervention of obsessive and anxiety disorders. (AU)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety and Depression Level in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although some meta-analyses have identified potential moderators associated with treatment outcomes for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is as yet no consensus regarding the influence of anxiety and depression symptoms on the recovery from pediatric OCD. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of depression and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidities on the efficacy of CBT in pediatric OCD, as well as other potential moderators that may be associated with outcomes. METHOD: An exhaustive literature search from 1983 to March 2021 located 22 published articles that applied cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to pediatric OCD, producing a total of 26 treatment groups. Some of the moderator variables analyzed included age, gender, comorbidity baseline in anxiety, depression and obsession, and methodological quality. RESULTS: Results showed that the psychological treatment of OCD achieves clinically significant effectiveness, both for measures of obsessions and compulsions ( d + = 2.030), and for anxiety ( d + = 0.613) and depression ( d + = 0.451). An explanatory model for the CY-BOCS effect sizes showed that three moderator variables were statistically related: the mean of the CY-BOCS (Children´s Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) in pretest, the effect size for anxiety, and the mean age of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: CBT reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms and, to a lesser extent, anxiety and depression symptoms. Since anxiety symptoms are reduced with the same therapy, resources would be saved compared to other treatments.

Obsessive beliefs and uncertainty in obsessive compulsive and related patients creencias obsesivas e incertidumbre en pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo y afines.

Background/objective: The aim of the present study was to examine obsessive beliefs and intolerance of uncertainty differences among patients Obsessive compulsive disoreder (OCD), trichotillomania, excoriation, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and a control group healthy. Method: 130 participants between the ages of 17 and 62 years (Mean = 29.56, SD = 11.81) diagnosed with OCD (n = 36), trichotillomania (n = 18), excoriation (n = 17), GAD (n = 31) and a healthy control group (n = 28) were evaluated by Obsessive Beliefs Spanish Inventory-Revised and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Results: The trichotillomania group presented one of the highest obsessive beliefs highlighting over-importance of thoughts, thought action fusion-moral, importance of controlling one's thoughts. The OCD group also had higher scores in inflated responsibility and thought action fusion-likelihood. The GAD group excelled in inhibitory and prospective uncertainty. The level of depression influenced obsessive beliefs while anxiety affected inhibitory and prospective uncertainty. Conclusions: Cognitive variables such as obsessive beliefs and Intolerance of Uncertainty should be considered in the prevention and intervention of obsessive and anxiety disorders.

Telepsychological Mobile Applications in the Spanish Android Market / Aplicaciones Móviles Telepsicológicas en el Mercado Android Español

Background: The use of Android mobile applications aimed at addressing users’ psychological health is increasing. However, no review has been conducted on public Android commercial telepsychological applications in Spain. Method: A systematic search was carried out in the general applications section of Google Play Store based on 20 keywords in Spanish. Applications in Spanish or English that were relevant from the perspective of the search terms were included in the analysis. Results: Of the 1,000 applications retrieved, only 43.59% (337/773) met the inclusion criteria, of which 49.26% (171/337) were Spanish. Most of them were Self-applied treatment applications (52.96%, 29.59%, Spanish; 23.37%, English). A total of 69.44% (37.38% Spanish; 31.95% English) did not indicate the origin of the information and the academic link was anecdotal (3.25%). Conclusions: The low percentage of relevant applications, high prevalence of self-help applications, absence of references on the origin of the information, absence of academic support, and lack of certifications encouraged us to recommend caution to consumers and professionals in their adoption of these applications for the treatment of any psychological disorder.(AU)

Antecedentes: La oferta de aplicaciones móviles dirigidas a abordar la salud psicológica de los usuarios es cada vez mayor. Sin embargo, no se ha realizado ninguna revisión amplia de la oferta comercial de aplicaciones telepsicológicas en España. Método: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda sistemática en la sección general de aplicaciones de la Google Play Store en base a 20 palabras clave en castellano. Se incluyeron en el análisis las aplicaciones en castellano o inglés que fueran relevantes desde el punto de vista del término empleado en la búsqueda. Resultados: De las 1.000 aplicaciones recuperadas, solo el 43,59% (337/773) cumplía los criterios de inclusión, entre las cuales solo el 49,26% (171/337) estaban en castellano. Las aplicaciones de tratamiento auto-aplicado (52,96%; 29,59% castellano; 23,37% inglés) fueron las más numerosas. El 69,44% (37,38% castellano; 31,95% inglés) no indicaban la procedencia de la información, y la vinculación académica fue anecdótica (3,25%). Conclusiones: El bajo porcentaje de aplicaciones relevantes, la alta prevalencia de aplicaciones de autoayuda, la ausencia de referencias sobre el origen de la información, la ausencia de respaldo académico, o la falta de certificaciones, invita a recomendar cautela a consumidores y profesionales en su adopción en el tratamiento de cualquier trastorno psicológico.(AU)

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: An Empirical Approach to Defining Treatment Response and Remission in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: A lack of universal definitions for response and remission in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has hampered the comparability of results across trials. To address this problem, we conducted an individual participant data diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis to evaluate the discriminative ability of the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) in determining response and remission. We also aimed to generate empirically derived cutoffs on the CY-BOCS for these outcomes. METHOD: A systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and CENTRAL identified 5,401 references; 42 randomized controlled clinical trials were considered eligible, and 21 provided data for inclusion (N = 1,234). Scores of ≤2 in the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement and Severity scales were chosen to define response and remission, respectively. A 2-stage, random-effects meta-analysis model was established. The area under the curve (AUC) and the Youden Index were computed to indicate the discriminative ability of the CY-BOCS and to guide for the optimal cutoff, respectively. RESULTS: The CY-BOCS had sufficient discriminative ability to determine response (AUC = 0.89) and remission (AUC = 0.92). The optimal cutoff for response was a ≥35% reduction from baseline to posttreatment (sensitivity = 83.9, 95% CI = 83.7-84.1; specificity = 81.7, 95% CI = 81.5-81.9). The optimal cutoff for remission was a posttreatment raw score of ≤12 (sensitivity = 82.0, 95% CI = 81.8-82.2; specificity = 84.6, 95% CI = 84.4-84.8). CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis identified empirically optimal cutoffs on the CY-BOCS to determine response and remission in pediatric OCD randomized controlled clinical trials. Systematic adoption of standardized operational definitions for response and remission will improve comparability across trials for pediatric OCD.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety and Depression Level in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual y Niveles de Ansiedad y Depresión en el Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo Pediátrico: una Revisión Sistemática y Meta-Análisis

Background: Although some meta-analyses have identified potential moderators associated with treatment outcomes for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is as yet no consensus regarding the influence of anxiety and depression symptoms on the recovery from pediatric OCD. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of depression and anxiety symptoms and their comorbidities on the efficacy of CBT in pediatric OCD, as well as other potential moderators that may be associated with outcomes. Method: An exhaustive literature search from 1983 to March 2021 located 22 published articles that applied cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to pediatric OCD, producing a total of 26 treatment groups. Some of the moderator variables analyzed included age, gender, comorbidity baseline in anxiety, depression and obsession, and methodological quality. Results: Results showed that the psychological treatment of OCD achieves clinically significant effectiveness, both for measures of obsessions and compulsions (d+ = 2.030), and for anxiety (d+ = 0.613) and depression (d+ = 0.451). An explanatory model for the CY-BOCS effect sizes showed that three moderator variables were statistically related: the mean of the CY-BOCS (Children’s Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) in pretest, the effect size for anxiety, and the mean age of the sample. Conclusions: CBT reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms and, to a lesser extent, anxiety and depression symptoms. Since anxiety symptoms are reduced with the same therapy, resources would be saved compared to other treatments.(AU)

Antecedentes: Aunque algunos metanálisis han identificado posibles moderadores asociados con los resultados del tratamiento en el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo (TOC) pediátrico, todavía no existe consenso sobre la influencia de los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en la recuperación de éste. Se realizó un metanálisis para investigar los efectos de los síntomas ansioso-depresivos y sus comorbilidades sobre la eficacia de la TCC en el TOC pediátrico, así como otras posibles variables moderadoras que pudieran estar asociados con el resultado. Método: Realizamos una búsqueda exhaustiva de la literatura desde 1983 hasta marzo de 2021 que nos permitió localizar 22 artículos publicados que aplicaban la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) en el TOC pediátrico, produciendo un total de 26 grupos de tratamiento. Algunas variables moderadoras analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, comorbilidad, linea base en ansiedad, depresión y obsesion-compulsión, calidad metodológica. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el tratamiento psicológico del TOC consigue una eficacia clínicamente relevante, tanto para las medidas de obsesiones y compulsiones (d+= 2.030), como para la ansiedad (d+= 0,613) y la depresión (d+= 0,451). Un modelo explicativo para los tamaños del efecto CY-BOCS (Escala obsesiva compulsiva de Yale-Brown para niños) reveló que tres variables moderadoras estaban relacionadas estadísticamente: la media del CY-BOCS en el pretest, el tamaño del efecto para la ansiedad y la media de edad de la muestra. Conclusiones: La TCC redujo los síntomas obsesivo-compulsivos y, en menor medida, los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión. Dado que los síntomas de ansiedad se reducen con la misma terapia, se ahorrarían recursos con respecto a la implementación y adición de otros tratamientos.(AU)

Predictors of Parental Accommodation and Response Treatment in Young Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Background: Cognitive-behavioral family-based treatment (CBFT) is the treatment standard in very young children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which includes the same core components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with significant family involvement. Although the latter reports high rates of remission, some children do not improve with treatments. Therefore, it is necessary to identify possible moderating variables such as comorbidity, severity of disorder, years of onset, parental anxiety, and parental accommodation. This study has two main aims: (1) to propose a predictive model on family accommodation (father and mother), taking into account variables related to the children (severity of obsessive-compulsive responses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and comorbidity) and with the parents before intervention (worry, accommodation of one parental member over the other) and (2) to examine the mediating role of externalizing symptoms and mother's accommodation in the relation between initial severity and improvement of severity of obsessive-compulsive responses in children aged 5-8 years. Methods: Participants comprised 56 children with OCD [mean = 6.61 (SD = 0.76)] and their parents; 79% of the sample was men. Treatment was implemented by two clinicians specialized in OCD (>15 years of experience). Clinicians were trained to administer CBT protocol in the same way. They were doctors of clinical psychology and researchers at the OCD. Results: Mother's accommodation was associated with child variables (Child Behavior Checklist-Externalizing and Initial Severity, Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale). Father's accommodation could be explained by parent variables (mother's accommodation and worry). Simple mediation model tested using the SPSS macro PROCESS supported the relation of the initial severity of symptoms with that following intervention, through the simple indirect effect of externalizing symptoms of the child. Conclusions: Comorbidities with externalizing symptoms, father's worry, and mother's accommodation were variables that should be controlled in treatment of pediatric OCD.

Psychometric propierties of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire in Spanish children / Propiedades psicométricas del Selective Mutism Questionnaire en niños españoles

Background/Objective: Research on selective mutism (SM) has been limited by the absence of standardised, psychometrically sound and cross-culturally valid assessment measures. Our aim is to present the results of a study of the factor structure and the reliability and concurrent validity of the scores of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), translated and adapted into Spanish. The SMQ contains 17 items about children's difficulty in speaking adequately in the family, school and social environment (out-of-school and out-of-family), each of which is answered according to a Likert scale with four response alternatives on speech frequency. Method: The study involved 110 pairs of parents of children diagnosed with SM whose ages ranged from 3 to 10 years. Results: The results show that the data from the Spanish sample fit the factorial model obtained by Bergman et al., and that data on its reliability and validity are robust and confirm that it as a good instrument for assessing SM in Spanish-speaking children. Conclusions: Therefore, we can affirm that the SMQ is a good instrument to assess SM in Spanish-speaking children. (AU)

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La investigación sobre el mutismo selectivo (MS) se ha visto limitada por la ausencia de medidas de evaluación estandarizadas, psicométricamente sólidas y con validez transcultural. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los resultados de un estudio de la estructura factorial, fiabilidad y validez concurrente de las puntaciones del Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), traducido y adaptado al español. El SMQ contiene 17 ítems sobre la dificultad de los niños para hablar adecuadamente en el ámbito familiar, escolar y social (extraescolar y ajeno al ámbito familiar), cada uno de los cuales se contesta según una escala tipo Likert con cuatro alternativas de respuesta sobre la frecuencia del habla. Método: En el estudio participaron 110 parejas de padres de niños y niñas diagnosticados con MS. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los datos de la muestra española se ajustan al modelo factorial obtenido por Bergman et al., así como que los datos sobre su fiabilidad y la validez son robustos. Conclusiones: Por todo ello podemos afirmar que el SMQ es un buen instrumento para valorar el MS en niños y niñas españoles de habla castellana. (AU)

Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression in OCD and Schizophrenia: Changes during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The main aim was to examine changes in coping strategies, anxiety and depression in obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenia patients during COVID-19, in addition to controlling the influence of intolerance to uncertainty and experiential avoidance. METHOD: The first time, the study comprised (15-30 April 2020) 293 patients, 113 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 61 with schizophrenia and 119 healthy controls, aged 13-77 years (M = 37.89, SD = 12.65). The second time (15-30 November), the study comprised 195 participants (85 obsessive-compulsive patients, 42 schizophrenic patiens and 77 healthy controls participants). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey. RESULTS: The clinical groups worsened over time in cognitive coping, anxiety and depression, while the control group only worsened in depression. Intergroup differences in anxiety, depression and coping strategies were maintained, highlighting the use of some maladaptive strategies (avoidance, spiritual) in clinical groups. Experiential avoidance and tolerance for uncertainty mainly affected coping. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of COVID-19 not only produced changes in anxiety and depression in clinical groups but also in coping strategies to face this pandemic and its consequences.

Psychometric propierties of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire in Spanish children.

Research on selective mutism (SM) has been limited by the absence of standardised, psychometrically sound and cross-culturally valid assessment measures. Our aim is to present the results of a study of the factor structure and the reliability and concurrent validity of the scores of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), translated and adapted into Spanish. The SMQ contains 17 items about children's difficulty in speaking adequately in the family, school and social environment (out-of-school and out-of-family), each of which is answered according to a Likert scale with four response alternatives on speech frequency. METHOD: The study involved 110 pairs of parents of children diagnosed with SM whose ages ranged from 3 to 10 years. RESULTS: The results show that the data from the Spanish sample fit the factorial model obtained by Bergman et al., and that data on its reliability and validity are robust and confirm that it as a good instrument for assessing SM in Spanish-speaking children. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we can affirm that the SMQ is a good instrument to assess SM in Spanish-speaking children.

La investigación sobre el mutismo selectivo (MS) se ha visto limitada por la ausencia de medidas de evaluación estandarizadas, psicométricamente sólidas y con validez transcultural. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los resultados de un estudio de la estructura factorial, fiabilidad y validez concurrente de las puntaciones del Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ), traducido y adaptado al español. El SMQ contiene 17 ítems sobre la dificultad de los niños para hablar adecuadamente en el ámbito familiar, escolar y social (extraescolar y ajeno al ámbito familiar), cada uno de los cuales se contesta según una escala tipo Likert con cuatro alternativas de respuesta sobre la frecuencia del habla. Método: En el estudio participaron 110 parejas de padres de niños y niñas diagnosticados con MS. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los datos de la muestra española se ajustan al modelo factorial obtenido por Bergman et al., así como que los datos sobre su fiabilidad y la validez son robustos. Conclusiones: Por todo ello podemos afirmar que el SMQ es un buen instrumento para valorar el MS en niños y niñas españoles de habla castellana.

Coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive patients during Covid-19 lockdown / Estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo durante el confinamiento por COVID-19

Background/Objective: The main aim of this study was to compare coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and a healthy control group during COVID-19 lockdown and to analyze the relationship with some variables which may influence results (depression, anxiety, comorbidity, subtype of obsession-compulsion). Method: There were 237 participants, 122 OCD and 115 healthy controls, aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13). Results: Groups showed differences in the use of some adaptive strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, humor) and maladaptive (denial, self-blame). Within obsessive-compulsive group, comorbidity affected the greater use of inappropriate strategies (denial, substance abuse and self-blame) while type of obsession-compulsion did not influence use. Anxiety and depression levels were related to the use of less adaptive strategies. Conclusions: These findings strengthen the need for training in the use of effective and adaptive coping strategies, making it necessary to improve clinical follow-up of these patients. It is relevant to be in contact with healthcare professionals, review medication and observe the anxiety and depression levels. (AU)

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) durante el confinamiento debido a la COVID-19 frente a controles sanos y analizar su relación con algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (ansiedad, depresión, comorbilidad, tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones). Método: Los participantes fueron 237, 122 diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y 115 controles sanos, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 58 años (M = 34,60, DT = 10,41). Resultados: Los grupos presentaron diferencias en el uso de algunas estrategias adaptativas (reinterpretación positiva, aceptación, humor) y desadaptativas (negación, autoculpa). Dentro del grupo TOC, la comorbilidad afectó para el mayor uso de estrategias inadecuadas (negación, abuso de sustancias y autoculpa), mientras que el tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones no influyó en el uso de las mismas. Los niveles de ansiedad y depresión estaban relacionadas con el uso de estrategias menos adaptativas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos refuerzan la necesidad de entrenar en la utilización de estrategias de afrontamiento eficaces y adaptativas, siendo necesario mejorar el seguimiento clínico de estos pacientes. Es importante estar en contacto con profesionales de la salud, revisar la medicación y observar los niveles de ansiedad y depresión. (AU)

Response Inhibition, Cognitive Flexibility and Working Memory in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.

This study analyzed response inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory in three groups of patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, considering some variables that may influence results (nonverbal reasoning, comorbidity, use of pharmacotherapy). Neuropsychological measures were completed using a computerized Wisconsin card sorting test, Stroop color word test, go/no-go task, digits and Corsi. Significant differences were obtained among groups in cognitive flexibility and working memory variables. The obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) group showed the worst results. The social anxiety disorder group obtained greater effect sizes in visuospatial memory. However, significant differences between groups in visuospatial memory were no longer present when nonverbal reasoning was controlled. Comorbidity influenced interference in the OCD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) groups. In addition, the executive functions were differently influenced by the level of obsessions and anxiety, and the use of pharmacotherapy. Study limitations include a non-random selection of participants, modest sample size and design type (cross-sectional). The OCD group showed the worst results in flexibility cognitive and verbal working memory. Comorbidity, use of pharmacotherapy and level anxiety and obsessions were variables influencing the performance of executive functions.

Executive Functioning and Clinical Variables in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, and working memory are considered the main mechanisms responsible for executive control. This study examined differences in cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and working memory in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) relative to a control group. METHOD: A total of 62 obsessive-compulsive participants (OCD = 32; healthy control = 32) aged between 17 and 56 years old (M = 33.16, SD = 9.23) were administered the computerized Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color-Word Test, Go/No-Go Task, Digit Test, and Corsi Block Test. Clinician-rated and self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom severity, and anxiety, depression, and obsessive beliefs were evaluated. RESULTS: The control group performed better than the OCD group in tasks involving cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and visuospatial working memory. Anxiety and obsessive beliefs influenced the participants' performance on inhibition and working memory tasks. Similarly, comorbidity also influenced inhibition and working memory. In addition, the use of pharmacotherapy and the degree of OCD symptom severity influenced verbal working memory. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and visuospatial working memory deficits may be endophenotypes of OCD but require further examination for specificity. OCD severity, comorbidity patterns, anxiety, and obsessive beliefs may influence performance.

Coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive patients during Covid-19 lockdown.

The main aim of this study was to compare coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and a healthy control group during COVID-19 lockdown and to analyze the relationship with some variables which may influence results (depression, anxiety, comorbidity, subtype of obsession-compulsion). METHOD: There were 237 participants, 122 OCD and 115 healthy controls, aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13). RESULTS: Groups showed differences in the use of some adaptive strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, humor) and maladaptive (denial, self-blame). Within obsessive-compulsive group, comorbidity affected the greater use of inappropriate strategies (denial, substance abuse and self-blame) while type of obsession-compulsion did not influence use. Anxiety and depression levels were related to the use of less adaptive strategies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strengthen the need for training in the use of effective and adaptive coping strategies, making it necessary to improve clinical follow-up of these patients. It is relevant to be in contact with healthcare professionals, review medication and observe the anxiety and depression levels.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) durante el confinamiento debido a la COVID-19 frente a controles sanos y analizar su relación con algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (ansiedad, depresión, comorbilidad, tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones). Método: Los participantes fueron 237, 122 diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y 115 controles sanos, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 58 años (M = 34,60, DT = 10,41). Resultados: Los grupos presentaron diferencias en el uso de algunas estrategias adaptativas (reinterpretación positiva, aceptación, humor) y desadaptativas (negación, autoculpa). Dentro del grupo TOC, la comorbilidad afectó para el mayor uso de estrategias inadecuadas (negación, abuso de sustancias y autoculpa), mientras que el tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones no influyó en el uso de las mismas. Los niveles de ansiedad y depresión estaban relacionadas con el uso de estrategias menos adaptativas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos refuerzan la necesidad de entrenar en la utilización de estrategias de afrontamiento eficaces y adaptativas, siendo necesario mejorar el seguimiento clínico de estos pacientes. Es importante estar en contacto con profesionales de la salud, revisar la medicación y observar los niveles de ansiedad y depresión.

Uso problemático de internet e impacto negativo de WhatsApp en universitarios españoles: las emociones negativas como factor de riesgo / Problematic use of the internet and negative impact of WhatsApp on Spanish university students: negative emotions as a risk factor

El uso de Internet y mensajería instantánea como vía de escape ante el malestar puede convertir a los usuarios en vulnerables para el desarrollo de adicción de Internet y de WhatsApp. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la relación entre el bienestar psicológico y las emociones negativas con el uso problemático de Internet y el impacto negativo de WhatsApp. Participaron 630 universitarios (75,7% mujeres) de entre 18 y 62 años (M= 21,23), quienes contestaron a la “Escala de uso problemático y generalizado de Internet”, la “Escala de impacto negativo de WhatsApp”, las “Escalas PANAS de afecto positivo y negativo” y la “Escala de bienestar psicológico”. El bienestar psicológico y las emociones negativas correlacionaron y predijeron el uso problemático de Internet y el impacto negativo de WhatsApp. Emociones negativas fue el predictor de mayor peso para el uso problemático de Internet y el impacto negativo de WhatsApp. Las personas que presentan bajo bienestar psicológico y emociones negativas podrían tener una mayor predisposición a desarrollar un uso problemático de Internet y un mayor impacto negativo de WhatsApp (AU)

The use of the Internet and instant messaging as an escape from discomfort can make users vulnerable to the development of Internet and WhatsApp addictions. The aim of this research was to analyse the relationship between psychological well-being and negative emotions with problematic Internet use and negative impact of WhatsApp. A total of 630 university students (75.7% female) aged 18-62 years (M= 21.23) participated and answered the Problematic and Pervasive Internet Use Scale, the WhatsApp Negative Impact Scale, the PANAS Positive and Negative Affect Scales, and the Psychological Well-being Scale. Psychological well-being and negative emotions correlated significantly and predicted problematic Internet use and negative impact of WhatsApp. Displaying negative emotions was the strongest predictor for problematic Internet use and the negative impact of WhatsApp. People with low psychological well-being and negative emotions may have a greater predisposition to developing problematic Internet use and suffering a greater negative impact of WhatsApp (AU)

Inteligencia emocional percibida e ira en adolescentes con respuestas obsesivo-compulsivas / Perceived emotional intelligence and anger in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive responses

La deficiente percepción, comprensión y regulación de las emociones suele jugar un papel muy relevante en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de los trastornos psicopatológicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias en atención, compresión, regulación de emociones e ira, controlando algunas variables que podían influir en los resultados (edad, ansiedad y depresión). Participaron 315 adolescentes (213 chicos y 102 chicas) de entre 12 y 18 años de edad (M= 14,92; DT= 1,98), con altas (≥ percentil 90) y bajas (< percentil 21) puntuaciones en la dimensión Obsesión-compulsión del “Cuestionario de 90 síntomas” (SCL-90-R; Derogatis, 1975). Se alcanzaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en todas las variables de inteligencia emocional e ira, excepto en expresión interna de ira y expresión física de ira. La edad, la ansiedad y la depresión influyeron en algunas de las variables. Estos hallazgos son relevantes de cara a la implementación de tratamientos (AU)

Poor perception, understanding and regulation of emotions often play a key role in the development and maintenance of psychopathological disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in attention, compression, regulation of emotion and anger, taking into account some variables that may influence results (age, anxiety and depression). Participants were 315 adolescents (213 boys and 102 girls) aged between 12 and 18 years old (M= 14.92, SD= 1.98), high (≥ 90th percentile) and low (< percentile 21) ratings in obsessive-compulsive dimension in The Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R; Derogatis, 1975). Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in emotions and anger variables except internal expression of anger and physical expression of anger. Age, anxiety and depression influenced some variables. These findings are relevant for treatment (AU)

Cognitive flexibility and response inhibition in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder / Flexibilidad cognitiva e inhibición de respuestas en pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to analyze differences in inhibition and cognitive flexibility, taking into account some variables that may influence results (non verbal reasoning, depression, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, comorbidity, medication consumption). METHOD: The participants were 95 adults aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13), primary (most severe) Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and a healthy control group. Neuropsychological neasures were completed using computerized Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color Word Test and Go/NoGo Task. RESULTS: Clinical groups presented worse results in cognitive flexibility to the control group. The obsessive-compulsive group showed worse scores in flexibility than the generalized anxiety group, once non-verbal reasoning and tolerance to uncertainty were controlled. Comorbidity and medication use did not affect results in the obsessive compulsive group but did however influence the generalized anxiety group. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive flexibility could be included treatment in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las diferencias en flexibilidad cognitiva e inhibición de respuestas teniendo en cuenta algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (razonamiento no verbal, depresión, ansiedad, intolerancia a la incertidumbre, comorbilidad, consumo de fármacos). MÉTODO: Los participantes fueron 95 adultos de edades comprendidas entre 17-61 años (M = 33,48; DT = 11,13), diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo, Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y un grupo de control sano. Las variables neuropsicológicas fueron evaluadas con el Test de Clasificación de Tarjetas de Wisconsin, Test Stroop de Colores y Palabras y Tareas Go/NoGo. RESULTADOS: Los grupos clínicos presentaron peores resultados en flexibilidad cognitiva frente al grupo control. El grupo obsesivo-compulsivo alcanzó peores puntuaciones en flexibilidad que el grupo con ansiedad generalizada, una vez controlado el razonamiento no verbal y la tolerancia a la incertidumbre. La comorbilidad y el consumo de fármacos no afectaron a los resultados en el grupo obsesivo-compulsivo. Sin embargo, ambas variables influyeron en el grupo con ansiedad generalizada. CONCLUSIONES: La flexibilidad cognitiva podría ser incluida en los paquetes de tratamiento del Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y del Trastorno de ansiedad generalizada