A Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature on Sexual Orientation Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (SO-OCD): Important Clinical Considerations and Recommendations

Allely, Clare; Pickard, Max

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by the occurrence of persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted (obsessions), and compulsive actions that the individual feels driven to act on in response to an obsession. These actions are carried out by an individual in order to try and prevent or reduce anxiety or distress, or to prevent something terrible from happening (American Psychiatric Association, APA, 2013). The aim of this review was to identify studies which have explored SO-OCD. Because this is a relatively under-researched field, the decision was made for the present systematic review to take an inclusive approach. A systematic PRISMA review was conducted. A total of eleven studies were identified in this review. Two were cases and nine were empirical studies. Overall, the studies in this review highlight that although relatively common in individuals with OCD, SO-OCD is frequently misunderstood by both clinicians and patients. This emphasises the need for education and training (or they are not even aware of the condition).

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 21, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 24, 2024
• Journal: Psychiatry Research
• Print ISSN: 0165-1781
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: 116198
• Pages: 116198
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116198
• Keywords: sexual orientation obsessive compulsive disorder; SO-OCD; SO OCD; H OCD; H-OCD; homosexual OCD; homosexual obsessive compulsive disorder