Predictors of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Trajectories Across Six Months

Abstract Understanding the trajectories of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms (OCS) in non-clinical populations holds promise for the prevention of OCD. We investigated data-driven trajectories of OCS and predictors of these trajectories in a non-clinical sample. United States residents ( N = 400) completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Revised Questionnaire (OCI-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) on four occasions across 6 months. Latent class growth analysis revealed two OCI-R total score trajectories (sustained higher and sustained lower OCI-R total scores). Higher PHQ-9 scores, higher GAD-7 scores, and seeking professional mental health support were significant predictors of membership to the sustained higher OCI-R total score trajectory. Across OCI-R subscales, we identified between two and four trajectories, with varied predictors of unfavourable OCS trajectories across OCI-R subscales. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and treating co-occurring depression and anxiety and the value of differentiating between OCS dimensions.