WORRIES AND OBSESSIONS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER WITH AND WITHOUT COMORBID GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Participants from the DSM-IV field trial for OCD (N = 381) were divide d into two groups based on the SCID interview: those who met current c riteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but not generalized an xiety disorder (GAD) and those who met current diagnostic criteria for both. The groups were compared on their severity of obsessive and com pulsive symptoms, as well as on the percent of individuals who reporte d excessive worry concerning everyday issues (e.g. health, finances). The comorbidity rate was 20%. While the presence of GAD did not elevat e OCD symptoms per se, it was associated with more pathological respon sibility and indecisiveness. Excessive worries were significantly more common in those with comorbid OCD and GAD. The relationship between o bsessions and worries is discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.