A Study of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Trauma in OCD Patients

Objectives: Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) and Trauma both are seen in the OCD population and have been recognized as a vital component of the illness. Both can interfere with the progress of the treatment yet limited research has been documented comparing OCD patients on the basis of trauma (its presence or absence) in the context of IU and OCD severity. The current study therefore highlights the role of IU and Trauma in OCD patients who have experienced trauma compared to those who have not experienced trauma. Methods: For the current study 188 OCD patients were recruited from private clinics in Delhi NCR over a period of 12 months (2021-2022) in the 18–50 age range, the total sample was evaluated for OCD severity, IU, and Trauma through YBOCS severity rating scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Early traumatic events measure of Childhood trauma and recent trauma scale respectively. The sample was divided into two groups (94 had trauma history, and the remaining 94 had none). Findings: Results highlighted significantly higher OCD severity and IU in the trauma group and a significant positive correlation was discovered amongst IU, OCD, and trauma. Clinicians can utilize this knowledge by combining IU and trauma-based intervention in the management of OCD. Novelty: The findings add to the existing knowledge of OCD by incorporating the two significant variables together (IU and Trauma) through a comparative study that has not been much researched more so in India. Keywords: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trauma, Core Beliefs, Cognitive Behavioral model